No Man's Land - Making a Trench Warfare Table for Warhammer and Historical Games pt. 2

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In this video I continue making a realistic trench table for tabletop wargames. Based on historical records of world war 1, I go in depth into the features of trench warfare battlefields and how to build them using inexpensive materials at home. Its a fun DIY project if you are into Warhammer, Bolt Action, Horus Heresy or any other game that could conceivably take place on a trench warfare battlefield.
In this episode I am making a No Man's Land, a scarred and barren fighting ground in the middle of the table.
All model paints used are from The Army Painter. I am now a member of their factory team! Their new Warpaint Fanatic line are really great top of the line paints. Full disclosure - Army painter pays me, but I spent months testing the paints before agreeing to sign. I would not recommend them to you guys if I wasn't perfectly happy using them myself. Anyways they are available here:
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MATERIALS
Mini Table saw
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Corrugated Paper Sheets 8.5”x11”
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Bamboo Skewers
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Army Painter Razor Wire
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Acrylic Latex Caulk
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Powdered Grout
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Aluminum foil
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Insulation foam (NOTE: this is cheaper and in bigger sheets at Home Depot)
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Coffee Stir sticks
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Expanded PVC Board sheets
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Gorilla Glue Construction Adhesive
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Paasche Airbrush
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Paasche Airbrush Compressor
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[@EricsHobbyWorkshop]

Thanks to War Thunder for sponsoring this video! Play it for free on PC, PlayStation or Xbox now by using my link: playwt.link/ericshobbyworkshop

[@rosasakura4172]

Is there a file for the dead corpses?

[@RabidWildCreature]

i thinks something useful would be to maybe touch up the trenches and soldiers and make them more dirty and dusted. the trenches and the soldiers in them would have been very dirty from the mud they were living in, and it's useful to show the experience soldiers like that would go through

[@Messerschmidtbf109]

you should add a tank stuck in a crater and call it fray bentos it was a British tank in ww1

[@justhere9731]

A likely idea for the shadowsword’s barrel detonating is that it was disabled in combat and to prevent the deadly volcano cannon from falling into enemy hands, the doomed crew scuttled it with an explosive tossed into the barrel

[@EricsHobbyWorkshop]

Totally!

[@elii.547]

It could even be they accidently drove into a crater and got stuck, this happened alot with world war tanks, and the only problem being not having the ability to see the ground might be why it actually got to the battlefield before it's discontinuation

[@Setsuraful]

One cannot rule out the possibility that a sneaky space elf put their finger in the barrel before it fired.

[@feynthefallen]

Maybe the cannon got stuck in the mud, and the brave commander had to stay behind and trigger the cannon , sacrificing his life so his crew could escape. Or maybe one man was mortally wounded in the impact, and took it upon himself to scuttle the weapon, holding on breath after breath, clinging to dear life just to give his comrades a few more seconds to put another step between themselves and the devastating blast of an exploding volcano cannon. Maybe he could peek out one of the view slits, waited for the enemy to close on the wounded metal behemoth, and his last words were: "Eat this, heretic scum! For the Emperor!"

[@angelx9724]

As the history of supertanks goes, I do Love the idea that the experimental tank was destroyed before engaging any enemies, as it was scuttled under its bulk.

[@TheArmyPainter]

WE DEMAND PART THREE!!! This is just insane and amazing a true hobby achievement.

[@TerrainTronics]

I think you handled the topic of the victims very well. Very respectful. That one leaning against the tree was very thought provoking.

[@EyebrowsGaming]

Agreed, I really liked the casulaty by the tree. My first thought was of the final scene of 1917, although the inclusions of clips from that movie in this video might have helped to prompt that 😅

[@christophertilstra3961]

As a combat veteran I appreciate the care and consideration you took regarding the casualties on the battlefield. Your decision to include the bodies was (in my opinion) correct because their inclusion really makes the no man's land more visceral. Good work, I'm excitedt to see part 3!

[@michaelcaterina4583]

Day instantly improved

[@EricsHobbyWorkshop]

Thats very kind to say thanks 😊

[@Sonof_DRN2004]

A cool bit of scatter terrain you could make would be a dead horse. I don’t know how big it would have to be to be considered a barricade/pipe but it would work for both historical war gaming and 40/30k Edit: also you could use a up turned tree where the roots and dirt create a wall for cover.

[@CronosVids]

I’ve always proclaimed that I didn’t want to turn into one of those world war hobbyists, however with your build and the table by Alex of 52Miniatures you are tickling an itch that I didn’t know I had. Great work!

[@lyserg1k]

It's a special kind of Muppet that makes unnecessary proclamations that turn out incorrect.

[@Otherworldlyobjectives]

One of those?

[@threezysworld8089]

LOL he's awesome. I started watching him because I've always been into miniatures of all sorts (like I'd LOVE to make doll furniture, model homes, you name it). I've also always loved the little Warhammer figurines (although I don't play), they're so cool 😎

[@Numtalegau]

_Trench me like a french girl._ Said no one ever. Until this video. Job well done, Eric. Job very well done indeed.

[@EricsHobbyWorkshop]

😂

[@boutinpowered8373]

Titan limbs and heads make great terrain pieces as well. Especially near objectives. Those massive cannons attached to a separated titan arm in Dawn of War was awesome.

[@Tank50us]

And given that in 40K these things don't exactly grow on trees, it's entirely logical to make them as objectives. Your force would want to retake these things, get them back to the depot where they can be repaired, and the Titan they were once attached to brought back to life.

[@Motormouth17]

hello from 4 months later, I LOVE this idea, but... he did say he wants to try to keep this ok for more realistic historical battles as well, but maybe he will make it removable like he did for the trees

[@kevlarburrito6693]

Former field artilleryman here (and fellow hobbyist who happens to teach painting classes at an LGS) Regarding artillery craters: Something you can do to add a bit of flavor a realism is ground scorching. Recently detonated artillery can, on occasion, burn or scorch the ground itself, leaving a charred look. By adding a bit of scorching to SOME of the craters you can create an effect that resembles a more active area of combat. Additionally, and not a lot of people do this for one reason or another, artillery throws up a TON of debris, add rocks, bodies, blown out pieces of wood, large clumps of dirt around the craters, but also think about the direct the artillery impacted from, as that will, to some degree, dictate where that debris goes. Great work man!

[@SweenyMarc]

Amazing work. It was a great choice to include blasted trees among the cover, they really add a desolate vibe. I appreciate it was a bit of a tough decision to add fallen soldiers, but definitely the right choice. On 40k tables things can be sanitized and cool rather than striving for realism, but to model a scenery piece on a world war and not note the millions of lives lost would have felt wrong.

[@StopmotionistEr]

Wow, absoutely stunning diorama and im glad to see how the project evolves! 👍

[@EricsHobbyWorkshop]

Thank you! Im also excited

[@kmykz]

Very well thought addition to pt. 1. If I may, I'd suggest some track (tyre, foot) marks pressed into the mud.

[@angelocayo892]

Tank could also look good with mud in its treads.

[@irrationalgaz]

So we are just going to gloss over the adorable little tiny table saw then? Oh OK. Board is looking seriously impressive.

[@LuminousFigurePainters]

Thank you for the bit at 12:23 talking about the sanitation of war. Really thoughtful.

[@dalekscaro8567]

I really like how respectfully you handled creating such a horrific and brutal piece of warfare history in the creation of the board. I think it can be easy for folks to get caught up in making a cool looking board and really get into the carnage of the terrain and forget the horror of actual trench warfare and how much of a meat grinder it was

[@aLl-soRTs-vw67]

I’m newish to Warhammer (been in the hobby for a couple months) but this stuff looks really cool, I love history so it just makes this build all the better, I really liked watching this video and has inspired me to create a more realistic battlefield instead of a table with a couple of houses, thank you and great video!

[@martynjones3978]

Fantastic work there you did an awesome piece of terrain. All too often these days we seem to be glorifying war with out understanding the consequences of such actions. As a former soldier i value and appreciate the choice to add the victims of battle and the fact you took time to contemplate on it!! Although it is gruesome, horrifying and brutal to see its a cost that has and must be accounted for!! How else will we ever evolve past our current state of humanity!!

[@chair448]

The bodies really did make it feel much more "lived in" ironically. So many boards that are meant to be battlefields feel a lot more empty now that ive seen one with them. Reminds me of the mountains of corpses that would pile up when id play dawn of war with my friend. Also, next episode i think a set of objective markers would be a cool addition. Maybe tattered flags hanging from poles surrounded by people who died placing them there, or a Sargents body lying next to his horse. Lots of room for storytelling

[@happyhowey]

OH MY GOD ITS HAPPENING!!!! Awesome, happy to see this continue.

[@harazhangf5782]

Your trench table part one was already awesome. But part two makes it even more incredible.

[@josray2557]

How is this channel not called Eric's Epic Workshop? So many massive highly highly detailed builds. This one is nuts.

[@conspiracycracker5254]

Well done, a masterful stroke of technique and tastefully applied aesthetics. This functional artwork and historical interpretation will be treasured for generations indeed.

[@thetbird69]

I love your videos it's my dream to own my own house and have space for a wargaming area, that's never going to happen so it brings me comfort to see you making the exact tables and terrain I dream of and can't have.

[@EricsHobbyWorkshop]

Don’t give up! I believe in you. Thanks for your kind comment 😊

[@isaacwhitehead4975]

Worth the wait, can't wait to see what you do next.

[@dreademperor2094]

As tough as it was I thought you did the right thing by adding the casualties to no man's land and how respectful you were about it

[@WulvenKraft]

The introduction of the casualties is a master stroke, completely changes the tone of the board!

[@squeethemog213]

This entire project is fascinating and surprisingly educational. Thank you for all your hard work 🤩

[@NotOnLand]

I really respect your choice to put the bodies in. I hate when people try to clean up history and make it more palatable, but some also take it too far and glorify it. Fittingly, you found a great middle ground

[@youngwolf4715]

Even just adding the handful of dead bodies to the board give it so much more life, and grounds it that little bit more. I love the attention to detail that you're putting into this! keep up the amazing work

[@Tylerjstratton]

Awesome work man. Well done. And props to you for talking about the reality of war / minis.

[@kegnaofficial]

been looking forward to this!

[@EricsHobbyWorkshop]

Great, Glad to finally get out!

[@maninhu9837]

Once this is done, We need to see a full game on this

[@seanteo409]

Using this board for trench crusade would definitely look really sick!

[@changer_of_ways_999]

You've inspired me to make a table based on the Italian Front aka, trenches in the Alps. (Since most of my terrain is already winter, also an Isonzo game fanboy) Titan parts. would make great no mans land debris too

[@mikkel6938]

This is a great table idea! I should make one too, as I'm working on an army of the Dieprian Mountain Men regiment (basically a 40k version of italian and austro-hungarian alpine soldiers) they have such an awesome aesthetic

[@LemonGnome]

It feels like its been forever... im so happy this video is out

[@SummiMonarcha]

Always looking forward to you're videos mate!

[@EricsHobbyWorkshop]

*yore 😎

[@adamtomlinson918]

Very cool table Eric! I love what you've done here (that's weird, war is awful, you know what I mean). I appreciate hearing you reflect on how to make something look realistic when the thing that we do is pretend to do really bad things. I can't wait for Part 3. But also.... I can't wait to see an Imperator Titan march across this wasteland... ;)

[@AncientIrishCelt]

You really inspire me to try give this a go myself even though I'm nowhere near your skill level

[@catcadev]

I appreciate the casualties. It's very sombre and solemn to me to have your guys moving across the battlefield... Past bodies that look just like them. It illustrates how terrible war, especially trench war is.

[@larsjaniak3993]

This feels like it would be the perfect wargaming board for Trench Crusade. Would look awesome for the opposing factions and the battle between Hell and the Churches. Just imagining the grungy and dark war and religious mix would look amazing.

[@DylanGeick]

This is serious hobby inspiration. Great work!

[@qelgrun]

1:00 Eric discusses the meaning of trench warfare and what no man's land means followed immediately by the Pink Panther giving me a thumbs up. Haha, sorry, that unintentional moment made me laugh!

[@joeofdoom]

The Pink Panther wants you!

[@apacheandy]

Great looking board Eric, this is coming together beautifully. Glory to the fallen of the Chundorian 12th!

[@dippshow]

I was wondering when the next part would come out! You absolutely nailed it! Can't wait for pt 3!

[@mikkel6938]

Yes! I have been waiting for this, and finally part 2 came out! You are making my dream table Eric, and someday I wish to make my own. The production is high quality, and your tutorial is on par with the old Imperial Armour books from Forge-world. To say the least you are a big inspiration, and I love the historical tributes you add in there, both as a reference for the 40k setting and as a reminder of the real world tragedy that was ww1. Thank you for a great video!

[@romulojunior3195]

this is just awesome, I'm really lovin the project please make the third part soon

[@dedrite4781]

This is next level. An amazingly executed concept as usual. To play on a table like this would be a privilege. Keep up the great content.

[@dr.stronk9857]

This series is awesome and you’re an amazing craftsman

[@harrowmaster8383]

This is genuinely my favorite terrain series on all of KZbin

[@bogdanprysiazhniuk8940]

11:41 is literally the most genius thing that only someone’s dad could come up with

[@EricsHobbyWorkshop]

I’m a Dad now and its true, the power levels it unlocks in terms of handiman skills are fearsome to behold

[@spyguy8002]

Looks amazing it is very inspiring. I love that this table is rooted in history and reflects on the terrible bloodshed casued.

[@by.this.axe.]

the trees are extremely inspiring. I released my own wargame last week and I need to make more Trench terrain for demo photos. Love it.

[@jczerzzz]

Incredible! This board looks so cool I can't wait for pt 3!

[@davidmurphy9234]

Epic man so happy to see part 2 your first video inspired my own trench board looking forward to seeing part 3 your videos are great . I damn near started Mordheim after seeing that video too great work as always Eric ❤

[@user-ej5eq3kn6l]

I loved the first one, the seconds even better

[@kennethdrebelbis7537]

Brilliant. Thank you for sharing. Cannot wait to see the finished project.

[@Jules72Bear]

Awesome! So excited for pt 3

[@RSAleft9]

Eric your table is incredible. I'm so happy that the project is still going and I'm so excited to see the end product.

[@tannergee]

I've been looking forward to this. It's good to have you back, Eric. Love your attention to detail on not just appearance but meaning behind what the board represents.

[@thomasfitzpatrick3439]

Absolutely fantastic work, inspiring. Looking forward to the third instalment!

[@user-sv6vo5li5c]

Really looking fwd to part 3 and completion of this outstanding board. Would love to see a game played on it on your other channel too! I appreciate your sensitivity to the reality and cost of war.

[@user-fo9xb8nv2q]

Love your attention to detail, thought process, and design creativity.... this looks like a great project!!

[@iangruenberg3254]

This is looking phenomenal and I can’t wait to see it completed!

[@samlivera4915]

Incredible video really appreciate the thought and care when approaching this topic.

[@TheGrayfrog100]

I'm well into my Trench board build. Inspired by your good self. I can not wait for part three.

[@The-Emperors-Finest]

loved it cant wait for part 3!

[@matthewgilliland6864]

Can't Wait for Part 3!!!

[@TatsAndHats]

I'm excited for part 3!!

[@stefanhirschvogel254]

I was whaitin for this! This is so cool, the topic realy tickles my love for history and warhammer. Thanks for your work, you make me happy

[@AdmiralMiller]

This looks awesome I can’t wait to see you play on this table.

[@HacksawsHobbyBunker]

Absolutely brilliant build. I greatly appreciate your thoughtfulness about what it means to create such a piece. Very sobering.

[@johnsnow5968]

Oh man this board would be AMAZING for a game my buddy and i play called "contemptible little armies". Its an asymmetrical ww1 wargame where the attacker runs with far more points of units than the defender but theyre playing a literal strategy game - they draw arrows on a map before the game begins and their assigned units can only move accordingly, or stand still, even if that means walking into a minefield or machine gun nests.

[@victornoel36]

I'm really excited to see the resin puddles. Good work!

[@tommywilliams4536]

I’ve been waiting for this video forever ! I started with a small spitfire when you posted the first part and now I’ve got models and Warhammer everywhere

[@satire__]

I love how the Board is turning out! Very happy about part 2 being a thing

[@Christian_from_Copenhagen]

Fantastic work, Eric.

[@benjaminjack867]

Looks sensational brother,would love to build a board like this one day

[@robinclarke4129]

One thing that might be cool to add is on each opposing trench add some interchangeable banners so each side could potentially put their faction symbol up like a flag or something

[@philRminiatures]

Spectacular and gorgeous, wow!!

[@jimsminimodelsmccrea]

A really enjoyable video, thanks for sharing, hurry up part 3.

[@brotherhoodofsteel4751]

glad to see you continue this

[@AzraelThanatos]

You know, this reminds me of the semi-ongoing project the Terrain Tutor has had going for a while now when he's well enough to keep going.

[@Panzerfaustprodutions]

Yay part is finally done

[@Gogking1414]

Dude, this is already looking amazing. Can’t wait for pt 3

[@denmasterben2348]

absolutely beautiful!!!

[@cheeserdane]

3:16 exactly why i go to Van's Comics here in the springs. He called me directly when a person sold 3000 points of orks to the shop. Discount on pre-built and possibly painted models is awesome! ❤

[@dkminer9954]

This is absolutely incredible

[@dankvu]

I've waited religiously for this to come back! Can't wait to see more

[@zachsilby4569]

Finally, part two, wonderful. I've been looking forward to this. Can't wait for Part 3, don't rush though.

[@paulofreire7520]

What a great build! It deserves to be completed 👍🏻

[@GamerMike413]

Hell yes! I’ve been waiting for more to this build

[@JvdBos]

I've been waiting for this 🙂 Awesome work; worth the wait!

[@sam-6008]

Looks amazing Eric! I can't wait to see what's next.

[@zesicarius]

Hello. Thanks for sharing. You are really one of the best crafter i know of. May be the one i d like the most. Thanks again.

[@voidimperatrix406]

This is beautiful

[@johnnybigbones4955]

Amazing work! The mud mixture you made is really the MVP of the build for me.

[@Kurgol]

Love the inclusion of all the references, great video as always

[@scalenetriangles2520]

amazing work! Good terrain really does amplify the game