Recasting Warhammer Scenery | MASSIVE SILICONE POUR

[@Zorpazorp]

Check out the first part here if you missed it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJ3RgZ6QhbN3ibM

[@lordcthulhu17]

hey I know the molds are already done but in the future its easier and less wasteful to just "brush" on the silicone then after its cured create a simple plaster jacket for what will look like a mountain or plateau of silicon

[@Zorpazorp]

@@lordcthulhu17 Yeah I haven't work with brush on could be a good option for the future!

[@tobylancaster3418]

Hey question from a fellow Australian here, getting back into the hobby. Where do you get your Matte finish for the last step of your painting. Not sure what local australian brands are actually good or not. Cheers! love your work! it has renewed my love for the hobby and im so keen to Jump back in!

[@Zorpazorp]

@@tobylancaster3418 For models? I use testors dullcote or Tamiya Flat Clear or GW Munitoruim varnish, al lfrom hobby shops. For terrain I use MAtt Scenic Sealant from my shop in the description :)

[@kullinnmeilleur-finn5734]

Why did you not super glue your separated mild together?

[@jaypockets]

Just a couple of things from someone who works in film, molding stuff all the time: You definitely can put two different silicons together in a single mold, as long as the first pour is completely cured (or else the chemicals will mix and neither of them will cure in the join properly) and you KNOW that they can bond together. Generally, a quick look at the chemical compositions should let you know if it'll work or not. You can also mix two different resins, same deal. Secondly, please god don't throw away your failed moulds. Cut them into small cubes (like an inch, smaller depending on what you're molding) and put them in your next mold (try spread them throughout the mold - and avoid them touching the cast, or else bubbles). Saves you a ton of resources. We save thousands of dollars this way. Always pour to the lowest point first to avoid bubbles in the bottom. The reason your first pour didn't work great is because you were pouring onto the highest point. Coat everything with mold release, especially if it might be a porous surface. Including your general work surface, even if you have something on it. Do this before molding and also before casting. God, the amount of MDF toppers we have to flip because someone forgot to spray the tables.

[@Zorpazorp]

Some fantastic points, thanks for taking the time to comment all this Jay :)

[@joek600]

I have to say that it didnt work for me in the past. They were both platinum silicons, with different degrees of elasticity. The point they joined was an uncurable mush with very soft detail.

[@BlackMagicCraftOfficial]

You poor poor bastard. ❤️

[@Zorpazorp]

Thanks brother ❤ that deck is looking flyyyyy

[@kstack2242]

@@Zorpazorp Mistakes and putting money into the hobby is how we learn. Don't let it bring ya down. You just taught a good lesson.

[@flamet]

You meant to say: You, pour, POUR BASTARD! ?

[@AvoidTheCadaver]

@@flamet That's what his wallet was saying.

[@darrenmcwilliams7291]

Pissed myself laughing at ‘guess which rules I break!’ I’m guessing all of them? 😂

[@Zorpazorp]

You know me too well Dazza haha

[@Miscast]

good recovery lachie, you're doin good

[@Zorpazorp]

❤ be honest, you're mostly happy I'm no longer bombarding your inbox with my failures 🤣🤣

[@warkatwargaming2358]

Jesus mate, that is some dedication. I'm saying this after that 6 hour drive

[@Zorpazorp]

It was a roughhhhhhh drive home haha, although a much worse time for the poor folk causing all the traffic with the pile ups. That would be some insurance claim!

[@warkatwargaming2358]

@@Zorpazorp I bet. But mind it is looking amazing and genuially cannot wait to see a full blown Assault on the city. Actually making me want to go an buy a few boxs of Morannon Orcs lol

[@GoobertownHobbies]

This was fascinating! This actually makes me really want to try some casting. All the stuff that you did right + wrong is really helpful, thanks for sharing :-)

[@Zorpazorp]

It's such great fun man, when it works haha!

[@madMARTYNmarsh1981]

I really like the way the grout made the master for the stairs, it looked like the dirt that can accumulate in the corner of really old stone stairs.

[@Zorpazorp]

Exactly!!!! i was so in love with that method!

[@namjartaevh1957]

2 Part molds+ slush casting are the way to go with such large pieces. also dusting the mold with baby powder before each resin pour really helps eliminate surface bubbles

[@Zorpazorp]

Basically because I built the molds to be super shit but as low cost as possible do they'd only last a few casts and thus are too thin for slush casting :)

[@papazoulou9326]

That work is a work of patience. This man is a man made of Focus, Commitment and sheer Fucking Will.

[@Zorpazorp]

Hahaha thank you man, some serious willpower was required to get me through this one haha

[@malcolmcurrie7542]

Thanks for taking the time to make videos like this that show how a project can go sideways quickly, but also how to manage something of a graceful recovery

[@Zorpazorp]

You're very welcome Malcolm!!

[@Snugggg]

Thank you for sharing the "don'ts" much appreciated. Not enough youtubers share their mistakes for us to learn from. Thanks again.

[@Zorpazorp]

My pleasure!

[@БогуславПозняк]

I say this is a great story about the power of determination and fixing mistakes on the fly. And it goes with a good lesson: not giving up and working you way through the arising problems is the way to go. And also that we should never mix different types of silicon. And I think that for an ultimate failure you are still did amazing job at salvaging the situation. Hats off to you.

[@Zorpazorp]

Thank you so much mate :) :)

[@rodneyr5266]

The staggering size and scope of this build is madness. Working with new materials always has a learning curve, and thank you for sharing both the success and failures in the process. I've been following the progress since your start last year and It is looking amazing. We are all learning along for the ride.

[@Zorpazorp]

My pleasure Rodney! Glad you're enjoying the journey mate!

[@KnarbMakes]

Damn dude. What a rollercoaster. I would've probably just cast a flat section of wall or something, then assembled them after. You are a mad scientist for making such complex molds. What's coming next!!!! Excited for more of this build

[@Zorpazorp]

Cheers Knarby

[@wadekothmann431]

I don’t know what’s more traumatic, the casting trials or the traffic tribulations. Can’t wait for the bounce back video, keep up the epic work!

[@Zorpazorp]

Me neither haha, thanks dude!

[@Bocco83]

I'm so sorry for the failure!!! But you're still an incredible inspiration and my god can't wait to see the project finished!!! I rout for you!!!

[@Zorpazorp]

Thank you so much Federico!! I hope you've enjoyed the journey so far!

[@kgage88]

Zorpbae is love, Zorpbae is life!

[@Zorpazorp]

- The Book of Kenny, chapter 4, verse 12.

[@samuelcynthia1958]

lachie's commitment on this is scaring me 😂

[@Zorpazorp]

It's scaring me too... and my bank account hahaha

[@samuelcynthia1958]

@@Zorpazorp debatably sane australian man files for bankruptcy after failed attempts to get some nice looking stairs (they were very nice stairs)

[@Zorpazorp]

@@samuelcynthia1958 That's a better title

[@harazhangf5782]

Man, wow ... I would have just throw everything away in a fit of frustration. You are one dedicated man with so much willpower. I hope the rest of the journey is less problematic.

[@Zorpazorp]

Haha me too Harazhan me tooooooooooooooo

[@turrambar3138]

"Only 200km away" I absolutely love the dedication. Can't wait for more Minas Tirith

[@Zorpazorp]

Cheers Turin!!

[@HowdyItLovll]

"So I'm mixing it!" 😲 "But the brands mix well." 😀 "They didn't bond!" 😱 "I remade the mold!" 🤩 "It could go all wrong!!" 💀 "But it didn't!!!" 🤯 What a rollercoaster of emotion

[@Zorpazorp]

hahahahahaha yeah what a journey!!

[@autonoatama6239]

Just uploaded in time for my lunch, perfect!

[@Zorpazorp]

Nailed it!

[@shibuishibui3706]

"Things are now in motion that cannot be undone"

[@Zorpazorp]

I'm building Minas Tirith... and I won't be doing it alone....

[@shibuishibui3706]

@@Zorpazorp "alright then keep your secrets:)"

[@KnightsOfDice]

What a monumental effort! Props for sticking with it.

[@Zorpazorp]

Cheers Viv

[@ramonmula9461]

That was absolutely crazy. Too much to learn about casting in only one video. Really inspirational your dedication to your project. It's going to be AWESOME.

[@Zorpazorp]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Sudo_Nimh]

That was a very impressive recovery. Edit: What level patreon reward do we have to hit for the crying footage?

[@PretentiousPainters]

hahahahahaha

[@Zorpazorp]

Hahahahahahaha mega zorptrons only Haha Althoigh the poor patreon did get to hear a lot of my whinging in the discord haha

[@Janovich]

Have some silicone casting experience myself and this video was a hard cringe but very relatable. Spend hundreds of dollars myself trying to build pewter spinning molds with varying (meaning mostly zero) success. But props for the recovery that was better than expected, beautiful models. With the molds you should have cast in layers starting on the lower parts, not just dump everything on top and pray it reaches the bottom. Perhaps even build a small pipe that drains into to the lowest part and pour in there. If you ever need more time before your mold cures, just put it in the fridge or a cold place. In cold temperatures it takes aeons to cure. Also good for releasing the bubbles.

[@Zorpazorp]

Thanks so much mate, really handy tips!

[@ChicagoTerrainFactory]

For more misadventures, try using expanding foam resin. This will reduce your cost of resin dramatically. However, you will need full wooden mold boxes and a mess of clamps to keep it all together.

[@Zorpazorp]

Will dothanks Rich!!

[@robertevans3173]

Keep up the good work. When we have set backs it drives our knowledge forward.

[@TopG_Bazzah]

I diddnt even know a silicone specialty store existed in Australia. You absolute legend. Thank you

[@Zorpazorp]

No problem dude!

[@glenfisher728]

Barnes products in Sydney , Brisbane, Melbourne . Another mob in Adelaide and another in Perth . Maybe Tassie too .

[@Morgulvale_]

I feel bad seeing the trouble you're going through for this part of the project because of how enthusiastic you are about LoTR and SBGME. But the ending part with the walls and stairways together looks exceptional!

[@Zorpazorp]

Thanks so much mate! Yeah when they're all painted and assembled in the next video it'll be worth it!

[@Morgulvale_]

@@Zorpazorp can’t wait! Looking forward to it.

[@jean-louispayan6858]

"An expert is a guy who did a lot of mistakes." Thank you for showing us all these mistakes.

[@LiliaArmoury]

zorp: but there are several easy golden rules to remember also zorp: * proceeds to ignore them all *

[@wark93]

We do learn a lot from your mistakes, thank you! And thank you for making fun videos that makes me laugh.

[@Zorpazorp]

Glad you like them Wark!

[@RoseKindred]

Great video, long but informative and easy to follow for anyone. Nice tips on using the foam or foam core on the outside for pour supports. Cheaper than using wood or plaster and cloth. Gonna have to remember that one.

[@RaqrexArt]

If I had made this video it would have just been titled “Blue hair girl cries and cries mourning crafting mistakes!” 😂 But hey, I’m glad you still got some copies made and the video was super fun to watch! Thanks for including that clip of me 🤗 and ummm what’s up with that car fire?!?! Lol

[@SledGod84]

You don't go buy resin anywhere in Australia without spending 15 hours longer in the car than you should and passing by something on fire.

[@Zorpazorp]

Hahaha you are most welcome, thank you for lending me your face! May it appear again soon.... Some poor folks were having a bad day. Luckily they were all safe and sound, but it would have been a scary encounter for them and it made for quite the traffic incident!

[@RaqrexArt]

@@SledGod84 haha what a lovely corner of the world y’all live in 😉

[@RaqrexArt]

@@Zorpazorp haha you’re so welcome and yes yes...perhaps there will be more Raqrex & Zorpy friends to come! ✨

[@filipecostavieira3680]

😂😂 not laughing at your pain but how you handle with some fun! All in all its a great work! Mistakes happen and you not only learn something with but taught the community what NOT to do! Thank you for that!

[@Zorpazorp]

There's a reason the voice over is recorded later hahaha, there was many tears and profane venting hahaha No problem ,happy to be the guinea pig :D

[@filipecostavieira3680]

@@Zorpazorp not guinea pig. First to do it alone!

[@trwolf2k]

Welcome to the wonderful world of R&D DIY style. :D You spend a lot of money seeing if something works, learning what doesn't, then taking the lessons to make the next try cheaper and more effective. If you don't throw the whole process out the window in frustration first.

[@Zorpazorp]

So true haha!

[@Pierre-sz3gh]

Thanks to YT algorithm, I watched your video and enjoyed it a lot ! In your conclusion on the cost, I think you also misjudged that you paid the learning curve of the whole process. You learned a lot and I'm sure the return will be paid with the interest in your next project ! Keep up the great work.

[@Zorpazorp]

Well said Pierre! And I'm glad you enjoyed it :)

[@leiziru9642]

I wish I had this much space at home for such glorious terrain :')

[@Zorpazorp]

IT does cost a bit haha

[@SpeedbirdSix]

Looks stunning. Cracking job! The final result, considering all the hurdles you encountered, is truly impressive!

[@Zorpazorp]

Thanks Jimmy, it was a definitely a 100m hurdle sprint!

[@poppyappletree1400]

Great video and some wonderful ingenuity going on here. Glad you were able to salvage the master!

[@Zorpazorp]

You and me both Poppy!

[@SwordsandBrushes]

That is simply stunning, its nice that you share your pain too during the process and then see the positives at the end - also I'm so glad that you guys drive on the correct side of the road! :):)

[@Zorpazorp]

Thank you so much! and yes we do!!

[@Benji-si7do]

Well done for sticking with it! They look great with the walls

[@Zorpazorp]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@cryptomancer9372]

Tip from having worked with silicone: 1: Keep your silicon from failed casts, cut them into chunks / small cubes. Add then the volumes you are casting. 2: Instead of pouring into a box containing your master, brush on silicone in layers, use a thickener for the final layers. Create a 2 - 3 peice resin mother mould to containe the silicone mould. 3: in this type of mould you can cut a side of the cube so it become easier to demould. place into the resin shell and the cut wont even apear on the cast check out Brick in the yard and smooth-on youtube channels

[@Zorpazorp]

Thanks for the tips mate! Will do

[@Rakaziel]

Awesome video. You are really engaging and this was quite an education on what to do - and what not to do :) There are some things I have learned from this video that might provide good solutions for your next molds :) 1) Design your buildings like flatpack furniture. If the master can be disassembled into planes (and reassemled intact) you can cast the planes with much less effort, cost and risks. Giant molds like the ones above are better suited for things you can't break down into geometric shapes. 2) Paint your styrofoam with cheap primer to seal the surface. 3) If you have tears in the mold (or different materials) first glue them together and then sew them together. The glue is primarily to ensure the parts are aligned properly. The threads will leave imprints but it will not tear further. Add strong tape on the outside to absorb most of the tension, and any leaks.

[@Zorpazorp]

Some great suggestions mate thjank you!! The reason I designed them not flatpack was because of the deadline, I didn't have time to build them in sections and then mold them in sections and then re assemble all the casts, was very short on time, but that is how I would have done it with a more forgiving deadline :)

[@nerdvault_42]

As brutal as that was... damn it's starting to look good!!

[@Zorpazorp]

Wait till next video bro....

[@melissarenladyoflight1599]

My boyfriend said you are a cool person and respect your work mate. I really enjoy the models and the terrain. Thank you. ❤️😊

[@Zorpazorp]

Thank you kindly Melissa, tell your boyfriend I said thanks :)

[@Dave_Gw]

Great to see you recover from the setbacks and power through to an expensive but impressive win. ;) Nice work Lachie!

[@Zorpazorp]

Thanks David it was a slog haha!

[@theblindartist8345]

So the lessons are use silicon I know and trust, and seal the foam spacers. Good to know for any future big casting projects.

[@Zorpazorp]

As long as the extruded poly is dense you won't nee dto seal it :) I was a complete moron there....

[@Samuelkelly90]

What an epic journey. On the plus side, all mistakes you won't make again.

[@Zorpazorp]

Very true....

[@icemann1037]

Wow! That was pretty sick... I was laughing, flinching, feeling pain end feeling exitement all at the same time - henceforth logically - i am Patreonised! WORD

[@Zorpazorp]

ICEMANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN you absolute legend

[@ErokLobotomist]

The road to greatness is paved with the corpses of failed projects of the past lol I can't imagine how many "mistakes" go into something this size. Gondor is going to be utterly glorious when finished though. Really looking forward to that reveal. You're definitely my favourite battlefield crafting channel.

[@Zorpazorp]

So true mate, sooooo true. Thank you!!

[@johnny2hats330]

6 hour drive? Damn...I love living in Northern Ireland, it only takes 2 hours to drive from sea to sea across the whole country. Have you got a 3D printer? Maybe smaller, repeatable units are the way forwards, like cubes of brick and little 5 to 10 stair pieces that can be glued together

[@Zorpazorp]

IT should have only taken two hours back but there were like three huge car accidents and I stopped for dinner haha! So slight exaggeration ;)

[@johnny2hats330]

@@Zorpazorp Did you cause them trying to get home before the first resin set? lol

[@jesuslg8542]

The lesson i have learnt with this video is Musn't mix different silicons. Good job and i hope you continue making this types of videos

[@Zorpazorp]

Thanks jesus!! :)

[@Trisaart]

So glad it worked out in the end mostly!

[@Zorpazorp]

Cheers dude! It was a slog but nice to have some cool pieces!

[@xNanukax]

as soon as you said you had a different silicone than normal I knew things were about to go wrong

[@Zorpazorp]

You are wise Nanuka hahaha

[@Krys2289]

Is it worth looking in to expanidng foam resins? Ive get terrain from a variety of places thats cleaelry made from a self skinning foam resin and they are surprisngly tough and resistant. No need to faff around with spacers then either.

[@Zorpazorp]

Ooooh sounds cool I'll check them out!

[@lustersworkshop2769]

Hey buddy check out a brush mold with a 2-3 part fiberglass mold. It would save you tons of money on silicone. Just need to make sure you you use a brushable silicone. After the first coast called the "skin" you can use a silicone thickener for all the other layers. It takes more time to set up but much cheaper

[@Zorpazorp]

Ooooh sounds interesting, will do!!

[@Cam80914]

Oomoo is a great silicone. I normally get 50+ pulls from my molds. The issue is that these molds should have been multi-part because of the massive complex shapes being pulled out of them. Aside from that, these are amazing and I cannot wait to see the finished result of the project. 😊

[@horuslv3]

You are truly dedicated to this hobby and at least i know what not to do when i plan on making some silicone casts of a few things!

[@Zorpazorp]

Thank Horus!

[@TheRealActualPaincake]

I bought some classic metal great eagles a while back, and while basically completely new, one of the eagles is missing a leg. I was thinking about getting supplies to cast a new one from, but for one bit it seems a bit expensive. Probably going to make a quick green stuff press mould.

[@Zorpazorp]

That's a fantastic solution! I've done the same using blue thermoplastic for shields and weapons!

[@VirtuallyReality]

Leaving a like in memory of that fail. Bless you, and may you recover your sanity soon!

[@Zorpazorp]

Thank you kindly

[@davidsonfamily2930]

No shadenfreude here. Seeing how folks with more talent and expertise still encounter issues (and how they deal with them) is helpful as I struggle through my own.

[@Zorpazorp]

That's awesome to hear my dude and thanks so much :)

[@TheKGBtsar]

In the future you could try make molds of large pieces of wall and stairs and individual windows and doors. Cast them thin and glue then onto your foam. You still have to build things but the parts would be very quick to make

[@Zorpazorp]

Absolutely could! This was more of a decision to save time as I was crunched to a deadline!

[@TheKGBtsar]

@@Zorpazorp I only made the suggestion because you said you were hoping to get more out of all that resin, that must have stung a bit 😬

[@Dale_Groves]

Well recovered Lachie. Super inspiring project.

[@Zorpazorp]

Cheers Daley!!

[@masonlexioneill2386]

After following along this journey of trials and tests and so much effort and money! I am so willing to come to where we’re the final product will be presented!!!

[@Zorpazorp]

That's awesome! I'm aiming to try and get it ready for Arda Unleashed 2022, but we shal lsee!

[@sprootown]

Yep it's a science and a pain sometimes to cast molds...you did alright especially for the size you poured. That is truly a good looking build!

[@Zorpazorp]

Thanks so much!

[@metus90]

hahaha its funny how we all go through the same process of problem solving. I was thinking about recasting my buildings too, because i do not want to waste hours of time for your great minas tirith project. Let me just say this: we all were at this point ! stay strong and healthy, we will get this project a huge banger TOGETHER

[@Zorpazorp]

Hell yeah dude!!! That's so exciting!!!

[@mishkarae]

At least you were able to salvage your mistakes - I wouldn't have had a clue how to go on from there!

[@Zorpazorp]

Very true indeed haha that GOODNESS I have something to show for it !

[@somethingfromnothing8428]

Im planning on making helms deep. I’ve got the games workshop set with the gate and two wall sections. I’ve been looking at the pink but found it really expensive and hard to come by where im from but have managed to find some already brickwork carved and primed foam sheets that are reasonably priced. Im considering making the wall shapes from regular packing polystyrene and then glueing the brickwork sheets over the top instead of attempting to carve bricks into polystyrene. Can anyone tell me if that is a good solution as an alternative to really expensive pink foam bricks?

[@Zorpazorp]

It's all about finding a nice cheap source of the good foam! I get mine from a hardware store in the sinulation section, it's amazing quality and cheap as!!

[@NerdyZanoth]

That's an insane cost, and I'm so sorry to hear you had such troubles. I started watching your channel with the previous video and I'm looking forward to the end result. You're amazing, keep up the good work!

[@Zorpazorp]

Thanks for joining me on the journey Zanoth!

[@gorram]

Fantastic video - the most dramatic story I’ve seen in months 😂

[@Zorpazorp]

Hahaha thanks Jill!

[@PretentiousPainters]

ah man...so much learning form this project, thank you for uploading your failures, happens to everyone, but helps others not make the same mistake. they pieces do look good though

[@Zorpazorp]

Cheers buddy, yeah I think they'll be dope when they're painted up

[@lukemcdonladson6648]

The Man, The Myth, The Legend ✌️🤪💚

[@Zorpazorp]

Stop talking about yourself in my comment section Luke.

[@bijornvanryckeghem1237]

Love it , chap. Its still a lot better then if i would do it. Would not even know where to begin. Keep up the inspirationel work.

[@Zorpazorp]

You can do it dude!

[@georgeserrano8354]

I was considering making molds of doors, and windows, etc.. what materials would you suggest using for the " master" that's easily accessible?

[@Zorpazorp]

Hmmmmm tricky one, maybe just foam, or a sculpting putty like Green Stuff or Apoxiecast?

[@Liam_TheNoob]

What an ordeal! Really felt for you mate, but props to you for pushing forward!

[@Zorpazorp]

Cheers my man

[@MisterTroglodyte]

Massive project! The true Endless Stairs! Mind the attercop at the top. 😬

[@Zorpazorp]

HAHAHAHA attercop attercop! Will have to have a game with Shelob on here now haha!

[@simonknibbs5867]

For the platforms, is it best to cast the whole thing in a single mould or to slice it into faces and cast those separately?

[@Zorpazorp]

You could but I was going for speeeeeeeeeed to get these done for a deadline and didn't want more assembly time, klus with the spaces I was hoping to use similar resin quantities and not have join seams :)

[@nero_palmire]

13:05 - To made that moldline less obvious, you should've cut by the line where bricks connect.

[@Zorpazorp]

You are so right Nero!

[@thekittenslayer6120]

Cuticle trimmers to trim silicone extra bits to clean up mold lines and extra bits.

[@Zorpazorp]

Great tip!

[@Nosculptor]

Your dedication hits that level what my brain just can't process. :D Incredible!

[@Zorpazorp]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@mdrnsprtn554]

I have a question cant you just glue the different parts of the mold my question might sound dumb but i know nothing about molds

[@Zorpazorp]

Sadly not! Silicon only bonds to itself, fuck I really should have talked about that hahahahah WHOOPS!

[@mdrnsprtn554]

@@Zorpazorpno worries and thanks for answering my question

[@Zorpazorp]

@@mdrnsprtn554 no probs mate!

[@777shee]

Sorry for question which isn't connected with this video, but I've seen your Battle Report of LOTR SBG Balins Tomb. Could you tell me which book includes scenario of this battle?

[@Zorpazorp]

That was from Quest of the Ringbearer :)

[@777shee]

@@Zorpazorp Thank you! Keep making your videos ❤

[@skazdal]

I make my casts with a plaster like resin, Art Rock plaster. it's dirt cheap where I live, fairly heavy, and as a porcelain like touch. Maybe look into that if your resin is too expensive?

[@Zorpazorp]

Great suggestion!!

[@DislocatedDesign]

The raw materials used are the most important part of any build or project, since if they are not suitable or durable enough, you end up spending more time trying to salvage the result because of the time and money invested, all the while trying to stave off the spectre of defeat. Cheap materials, too absorbent or weak are often the bane of project joy, as I have been learning with some low density polystyrene that I used which I rescued from the bin at my workplace. Next time, I'll gladly pay for some decent polystyrene to avoid the misery of trying to rescue a big project.

[@Zorpazorp]

Yeah low density poly is the absolute worst mate, I had a very similar experience myself many years ago!!

[@MrElbarto75]

Wouldn't it be faster to sculpt them directly and simply apply wall and rockj textures in the end ? ( real question, i am a newbie )

[@Zorpazorp]

It doesn't look as realistic :)

[@quantustremorestfuturus5434]

This might be stupid but... why use resin rather than plaster? It's dirt cheap, can be very precisely molded... Another benefit is that you can break small parts for additional authenticity, as it breaks with stone like results, and you can also easily carve it, or add some additional things on it...

[@Zorpazorp]

It's a good fucking question to be honest. Dir ability and detail capture resin does edge out plaster, especially for finer details, but I think I'm going to experiment with plaster again soon as they're still pretty close

[@quantustremorestfuturus5434]

​@@Zorpazorp OK thanks. Indeed the resin is stronger and can be made to thin pieces, that's a huge difference if you're making an ork or a person, but for a wall, maybe the imperfections of the plaster could make each piece different, but still look nice. I hope plaster will work out great for you .:-) Spackling paste takes more time to become hard, that could be useful if plaster is too fast. Oh another idea, only decent for really big series, as it requires 2 molds: use molded plaster instead of polystyrene as the core of the piece: that can decrease dramatically the quantity of resin you use, but doubles the quantity of latex.

[@stevef6523]

Is there not a more affordable casting option? Some harder version of plaster or something? Resin is great but so pricy

[@Zoidberg1416]

I had no idea how much math went into this project. It's looking great so far!

[@Zorpazorp]

Thanks Sammy Z!!

[@lightningmcqueen8127]

Lachie with the tactical thumbnail switch

[@Zorpazorp]

Yeah the other one was getting terrrrrrrrible click through rate haha, people don't want to see my face apparently!

[@thomaslewis5817]

you have used silicone moulds before but only like small modes for a little bits of models like hands extra arms i needed that one in the kit you know little pieces

[@Zorpazorp]

Yeah that's how I started, making small terrain and bases

[@alessandropulitano59]

hello great job. Have you ever thought about using rigid polyurethane foam? you would get the same quality of the resin at a lower price and lightness of the material. it is practically the same material as the panels you use to create your works. Ex espak 90 prokima?

[@Zorpazorp]

I'd love to, but the need for resin was actually a choice to try and avoid sculpting haha! Unless you mean you can cast the foam into the molds? I used to do that on film sets with some spray foams but I've never done in it modelling applications!

[@thue2]

This was really fun to watch, you are truly an inspiration!

[@Zorpazorp]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@LordRavensong]

Probably a dumb question, since you've clearly got more practical experience with this than I do, but why not make multipart molds? From my understanding, that could have addressed a lot of the issues with the stairs.

[@Zorpazorp]

Basically Time Lord Raven! I was CRUNCHED by a deadline and didn't want to spend the extra time making more molds and then assembling pieces :) if this was a more planned project that would have been a better idea!

[@LordRavensong]

@@Zorpazorp Ah, time. Slayer of kings, feller of mountains, and the bane of all hobbyists everywhere.

[@Zorpazorp]

@@LordRavensong That's it mate haha

[@worldhistoryminiatureshous9757]

Interesting video . Always learning from our mistakes ... and loosing time and money help to remember them !

[@Zorpazorp]

It does indeed haha thanks mate

[@Sapphiregriffin]

why don't you slush cast the resin? small amount at a time and tilt the mold around to distribute it.. then use smootheon expanding foam on the inside.. if you want, super stable. you can use the 1:16 expansion foam

[@Zorpazorp]

Mold was build to cheaply to have the strength for slush :)

[@finnon7460]

I'm really sorry to see it not working out for you as you had hoped. The recasts themselves look really good, and it was a good idea, just too bad about the complications. You're wiser for next time! And highlighted the lesson for everyone else to follow in future. All the best with this project, your dedication and talent is extraordinary, really inspiring! Keep your pecker up, we're all rooting for you! :)

[@Zorpazorp]

Cheers buddy, glad peeps can learn from my foolishness