I Made 4 Modular Trench Tiles

Hello there! Today I'll show you how I made a modular set of trenches for Warhammer 40.000, which, of course, can be used for Kill Team, Necromunda or whichever tabletop wargame you prefer. If you like The Imperial Guard AKA the Astra Militarum, this might appeal to you. Especially if you play Krieg!
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Tools and materials from the video (affiliate links):
DAS modelling clay: amzn.to/3KqgBc5
Corrugated craft paper: amzn.to/3d9l86v
Woodland Scenics rock mold: amzn.to/3BDfAe7
Static Grass, 2mm Autumn: amzn.to/3BDvMvW
Static Grass, 4mm Summer : amzn.to/3dd0536
Static Grass, 4mm Dead Grass: amzn.to/3BC1bi3
Mod Podge Matte: amzn.to/3d9BzzI
Wood Coffee Stirrers: amzn.to/3Bdqplz
Closest thing I can find (affiliate links):
Static Grass Applicator : amzn.to/3dbqfTP
Craft saw: amzn.to/3ePXj4p
Coconut Fiber: amzn.to/3dba2hn
Feel free to comment, if there's something I forgot to list.
This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you buy a product via one of the links, I’ll receive a small commission. This doesn’t cost you anything extra, so it’s a nice way for you to support the channel and it helps me to make more videos and not die from starvation.
Now, since you can’t get the same products all around the world, the links will in some cases be my best guess to what the nearest equivalent is, so make sure to do your own research before buying, so you’re sure you’re getting the product you want. If I'm entirely unsure which product to recommend, I won't list one.
Thanks for your support! I'll make sure the dark gods of crafting hear of this. 😊

[@thecultofcrafting]

The first 1,000 people to use the link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: skl.sh/thecultofcrafting01231

[@Ryan-li8qc]

Static grass applicator looks like a old German stick grenade

[@Bluecho4]

Nothing captures the horrors of war quite like the land itself being scoured by many shovels. Desperate men, in absence of ready cover against swift-flying death, gouge wounds into the earth for protection against their opposite numbers over no man's land. Excellent build.

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thanks! 😊 You have a way with words.

[@annemeehan8554]

I THOUGHT SHAKESPEARE WAS DEAD!

[@stefancarter1]

I feel like my extreme aversion to the sound of polystyrene cutting might be a real barrier to entry for terrain crafting

[@thecultofcrafting]

Ha ha! 😂 Yeah, you might be in trouble there! Though a hot wire cutter doesn't make that screeching sound. Or put on some headphones to drown out the sound.

[@luclin92]

A hot wire cutter will be your friend there, but for very precise cuts you can always just plug some music in your ears and drown out the noise.

[@cadenmartin8482]

Just listen to music or something to drown out the sound

[@solomonwalker4132]

Just get some noise canceling headphones

[@thejonathan130]

Spergiest comment I've ever read. Trust me, in this hobby that's quite the feat.

[@MrTigroz]

That came out looking fantastic! The end I just pictured a couple of Deathkorps walking in and going "WOWw-" like the reveal at the end of every HGTV show

[@thecultofcrafting]

🤣 Thanks!

[@dinkledord7026]

MOVE THAT LANDRAIDER

[@dracolich3348]

GET THOSE MINES PLANTED!

[@Chris-vu4dw]

It must be tough competition with all the crafting channels popping up, but I really appreciate the no frills approach. Just easy to follow tutorials, and top notch terrain. Subscribed.

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thank you, I appreciate that. 😊 It's an interesting thought. There's something to the adage of "a rising tide lifts all boats", because someone who's interested in the hobby doesn't just watch one video or even just one KZbin channel. And you can even watch multiple videos on basically the same build, because of different personalities, approaches, video styles and ways of explaining. But then again, there are a lot(!) of small KZbin channels in this domain, and people don't watch an infinite amount of channels - they chose the ones they like the best. But I think most of them quit early. Most KZbinrs in generel quit when they find out how much work it is. Making a hobby video is even more work than a talking head video. I certainly underestimated how much time actually goes into editing a video like mine, because the ones I'd watched by other KZbinrs seemed so effortless. 😄

[@grandpajerry764]

@@thecultofcrafting i agree and you did great my dude! Im def. Coming back for more!!

[@thecultofcrafting]

@@grandpajerry764 Thanks! 😊

[@terminalvelocity3132]

One of the nicest details I've ever seen was on my mates trench system. Same duck boards; the difference was he cut the legs off a Cadian, watered down same pallet he used for the muddy terrain and made hundreds of boot prints either side of the walk ways to make them look well travelled. A small detail but it looked amazing!

[@Fanroghscorner]

These are really good looking, would be awesome to see a commandbunker type tile where the top is removable so you can use them for play but also get the look of the full bunker if you want it

[@Bluecho4]

Maybe a second top that's half destroyed by shelling.

[@thecultofcrafting]

Oh, yeah, that'd be cool. 👍 I'll chuck it in the list of ideas. If that's something you'd wanna do, TheTerrainTutor has a guide on how to make bunkers that you could combine with something like that rocky tile I did. 😊

[@Odrikah]

Hey he did it!

[@DiggerPrints0814]

The corrugated cardboard as trench walls was a great idea and something for me to use in future builds.

[@starlightdragon2665]

It always impresses me when I see cool pieces like this. I wish I had the room to make buildings and terrain; I actually legitimately once built a fair sized ruin out of cardboard; sprue for rebar, used Pringles tubes and straws for pipes.

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thanks! Yeah, you can get really creative with the stuff you have lying around. I also started out with sprue and Pringles. 😃

[@starlightdragon2665]

@@thecultofcrafting Heres an idea for you to try out. As I did try to do this myself before and never had the paints to do it or the right stuff. You could do a video of the Primaris Eliminators with their camo cloaks; and paint them with mirror paint, then give them a terrain piece they blend into using their mirror painted camo cloak. I tried to paint scout marine camo cloaks to have a mirror appearance so they reflected their surroundings to cloak them; kind of similar to the cloaking mechanics in DoW 2. I would love to see how you pull it off.

[@thecultofcrafting]

@@starlightdragon2665 I never heard of mirror paints. Interesting.

[@lionsoldier1179]

My inner Krieger squealed with delight when I found this build. Thanks very much!

[@vinnygarcia3043]

This method would work great for space hulk also, of course it would be hallways not trenches

[@wkool9430]

This is also ideal for making the hallways of a sprawling spaceship in endless reusable variations! Great video, very inspired to make something myself now

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thanks! 😊 That'd be really cool. Go for it!

[@__queenard]

1:30 When he started drawing on the foam with the sharpie. I got chills from that sound

[@thecultofcrafting]

😂

[@rugbymeat]

Just looks stunning. I can never get over how all the elements combine to look so beautiful.

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thank you so much! Yeah, things worked out quite nicely with this one. 😊

[@snekek1564]

You should keep doing this eventually making a huge battlefield

[@chmesechmao8659]

This is amazing I'm definitely gonna try it I would love some Krieger's in it

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thanks! You should! 😃

[@MrSquark]

Such a great channel, really straightforward style and great looking terrain pieces

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thank you very much! 😊

[@lordofspearton8643]

I definitely think the terrain mix really tied this all together the best. I've personally been struggling to find a good look for the sides of my trenches for awhile now and might end up stealing this method.

[@thecultofcrafting]

I hope you do! 😊

[@Ernzt8]

Nice! I think the damaged currogated plates and sandbags are a nice touch

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thanks. I quite like how they turned out. 😊

[@frekans3450]

Wow this looks amazing especially after you put all the pieces together

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@jidarscale]

very detail of every part. really fine workmanship and requires patience

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thank you very much. 😊

[@JustSomeGuyWithAMustache886]

This build is great! Awesome weathering and battle damage

[@RSBurgener]

I am super impressed! My ultimate project is my Iron Warriors army, and I have a long term goal of creating fortification terrain for them. I doubt I can equal the professional job you've done here, but it is definitely something to aspire to, worthy of the effort I've put into the models. Thanks for sharing this!

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thanks! 😊 You could start by making a proof of concept and test out some of your ideas.

[@RSBurgener]

@@thecultofcrafting thank you, that's an excellent idea. Maybe it'll be a low pressure stand-alone piece. My homemade barbed wire looks pretty good

[@DKR482]

This is perfect for warhammer especially Astra militarim and you could make a small or large (maybe) are for artillery pieces like the earth shaker cannons

[@stestrupholm-dyrkjorden]

Very cool! Love the corrugated cardboard as currogated metal sheets that I also saw in another video where it was used as corrugated roofing.

[@pixelgun4789]

Now my custom Perturabo comes in: Get off my way Marine: B-but my lord, There is no space for you. Perturabo: Throws marine out and makes trench larger for him.

[@garybuettner7920]

That turned out great. Gameboard bordering on diorama. Nice. I really like the modular nature of it. Could be arranged a number of different ways, but also added to down the line.

[@boomer310]

This is truly just magnificent craftsmanship Amazing work

[@TheDivisionAgent]

Oml the weathering on the duck boards is just 🤌

[@metin8431]

I'm unsure why I haven't discovered your Channel any sooner, but I am glad I just now did. Keep up the great work mate!

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thanks! 😊 I'll certainly try my best.

[@zephyrstrife4668]

This seems like the perfect setup for a narrative game, or a smaller skirmish like Kill Team or Wrath & Glory, the best part is that it's not even specific to warhammer either, it could be the trenches for any modern or sci-fi wargame.

[@christopherdowns4270]

This is truly incredible and easy to follow, I’ve never tried to make terrain before but I certainly will try after this! Subscribed

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thanks! Welcome aboard. Have fun with the build! 😊

[@WilhelmScreamer]

This is a really clever and scaleable setup

[@jmaccsarmiesofmiddleearth]

Stunning work man looks class

[@harazhangf5782]

Looks solid, well done.

[@ScytheNoire]

Just discovered your channel, but great stuff. These came out great, and easily expandable. Love it and looking forward to your other content.

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thanks! 😊 Welcome aboard!

[@sonoftarg3793]

There are a few technics I might borrow for my builds. Wetting the floorboards so the colour can soak in and spread is nice. Good job, thanks.

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thanks! I hope you do. 😊 Yeah, wetting the surface to fade out the paint is something that I only just figured out recently, when I did my tutorial on making concrete walls, but I've been liking it a lot. It works very well for weathering.

[@alrethianscraftsbattles]

Very cool mate. Have to try some myself 👍. A very realistic modular piece. I love it.

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thanks! 😊 You should. It was one of the most enjoyable builds I've made.

[@alrethianscraftsbattles]

@@thecultofcrafting I will give it a go, thanks for the inspiration man. Maybe a kill team board with trenches running through it...so many great options hehe 😉👍.

[@thecultofcrafting]

Yeah, a full board would actually be easier to do, I think. I don't have the space to make or store one, unfortunately. 🥲

[@alrethianscraftsbattles]

@@thecultofcrafting Boards do take up quite some space unfortunately, I have a storage box out in our garden that has a few stashed. I am planning a big Mordheim type of board at the moment. It is at the drawing board while i am still planning things out. Still have to see on how and where to store it 😁

[@michaelstarcher3104]

Nicely done id expand upon the theme command bunker or watch tower that links to your modular design.

[@tungstentoothpick6788]

This looks awesome! I will definitely try this myself, thank you for the inspiration

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thank you! Have fun. 😊

[@SIDisTHE]

Beautiful work!

[@GamingMediocrity]

Looks incredible. I don't have the time to build but watching you do it is the next best thing.

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thanks! Yeah, I also find it quite satisfying watching the process unfold when I'm watching other KZbinrs. 🙂

[@santtu9164]

Hey, My dude, I just now find your channel, and I love it. So, im totally subscribing. Thanks for The content 🥰

[@rondanuser1204]

Thanks! Great video with good explanations and quality video. Very inspiring stuff!

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thank you very much. That's very kind of you! 😊 I'm happy you found it useful.

[@beninstrall8183]

I think it's awesome! I like the way you made the actual trench!

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thank you very much! 😊

[@ubenobando4597]

Wow, verdaderamente lo que haces es espectacular!

[@GregoBat]

It’s absolutely amazing. You are an inspiration ❤ Thanks

[@thecultofcrafting]

Wow, thank you! 😊

[@queekheadtaker4494]

I would 100 percent play a game of 40k with an endless swarm of tyranids vs guardsmen with this terrain piece

[@attentionspanlabs]

Best gameable trenches I've seen. You got my subscription.

[@thecultofcrafting]

Great! Welcome aboard! 😃

[@thegoodaussie1968]

Certainly found this at the right time, I bought two male and female mk 1 tank kits, wanted to make two dioramas for them and so forth, modular it's a really good idea!

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thanks! 😊 If you're into tanks in a big way, you should absolutely check out Night Shift: kzbin.info

[@belyy_rusky]

Awesome, would love to see these in action

[@kosachilles2504]

Wow this looks amazing! Great work man

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thanks a ton! 😊

[@koeh07]

this is such a cool craft, well done!

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thank you very much! 😊

[@robertevans3173]

Nice work. I have been using Woodland scenics and Geek Gaming Scenics foam flocking for about 2yrs now and I will never go back. I think we share a lot of techniques, I enjoy watching your spin on this timeless project. Thank you for the content

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thanks! 😊 I really like the Woodland Scenics stuff, but haven't tried any of Luke's Geek Gaming products yet (the only webshop that sells it here is a bit of a mess 😄). I've bought some of the modelling compound, but haven't tried it out, though I have mixed some myself, which turned out well. His is probably better, though. 😉

[@robertevans3173]

@@thecultofcrafting a bit of advise work that compound in small batches. It drys faster than you might think.

[@edackley8595]

If texture is applied to cover entire terrain, heat gun step is superfluous. Just cut/gouge foam then apply terrain cover mixture for effect.

[@JR50777]

yo, you are super talented, keep up the great work!

[@Eltaco23]

That's outrageously good!

[@karlkarl93]

I would love to see some scatter terrain style stuff too! Or how to make dense cover like bushes/forests/trees. Great work on the videos and terrain! I hope you have a chance to grow since the quality is through the roof!

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thanks, that very kind of you. 😊 What kind of scatter terrain were you thinking (besides trees and bushes)?

[@w40kavecarcanoide]

C'est très bien fait et immersif. J'adore. J'aurais rajouter des aimants ou des tenons pour éviter des défauts de possitionnement occasionnelle.

[@thecultofcrafting]

Merci beaucoup. Les aimants sont une bonne idée! 👍

[@ShadowMage]

The Death Korps of Krieg are very happy with this.

[@thecultofcrafting]

I'm hoping the terrain will lure some Krieg guardsman to scurry into my collection in the dead of night. 😄

[@Mr800vfr]

Nice job and modulable!

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thanks! 😃

[@creepinethyn8020]

I’m inspired to do this, looks fantastic

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thanks! 😊 Give it a go!

[@ChickensTabletopCrafting]

Really good work and a nice result. Very inspiring. Best regards Chicken

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thank you very much! 😊

[@lievencampagnoli987]

Wonderful great job

[@yostaustin]

Excellent video keep at it ! I follow a lot of these channels this one will grow !!

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thanks! I appreciate that. 😊

[@theguywiththeoldds3896]

"Trenches are not just holes in the ground, trenches are where men die and soldiers are born."- A kriegsman probobly.

[@pitiedindiana12]

This is a pretty cool guide! Thank you for sharing. I am subscribing for sure❤

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thanks! 😊 Welcome aboard!

[@pitiedindiana12]

@@thecultofcrafting no problem!

[@tybutton1957]

Excellent work!

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thanks! 😊

[@TheBAGman17]

1000 pound marine standing on a piece of 2x4 "Brother these boards are amazing , I never have to worry about getting my socks wet again"

[@thecultofcrafting]

😂

[@mistermethmouth]

You've got the real how it's made music going on 😎👌

[@karol4601]

Excellent Job. I would do this project :)

[@theghostofsabertache9049]

Modular trench tutorial appears: *excited Krieger noises*

[@thecultofcrafting]

🤣

[@MichaelAlthauser]

Really great final result!

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thanks! 😊

[@reallyjasthleb]

Кажется с вашей помощью появилось моё вдохновение

[@nazeem2835]

Wow these look GREAT! I was wondering if you could do some more diorama style videos like you very first one?

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thanks! 😊 I will (eventually). 😉

[@charleshutton84]

Awesome video dude!!

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thanks, man! 😃

[@pandarenBrewmaster62]

Hiya I really liked the video. I saw a tip somewhere where you press a linen cloth on top of the sandbags to create a sandbag texture. Just a tip you might consider. Amazing build

[@thecultofcrafting]

Cool, thanks! 😊

[@notreallydavid]

Looks great - thanks for posting. Idea - stick a tiny piece of card or plastic under a random point on the duckboard slats so they don't sit down evenly on the base. Yes? No?

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thank you! 😊 They aren't that even as it is, though that might not show in the video.

[@jackjames2872]

Amazing work

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thanks a lot! 😊

[@owoden2361]

love your stuff! really like seeing all the different experiments, what doesn't work is just as informative (and sometimes more) as what does. I've been struggling with finding an inexpensive alternative to ground texture materials. would you mind doing a video on the dirt you ended up using in this project? I know there tends to be more steps than "grab dirt, put on terrain". Also if you sift it at all, what did you use? trying to find a garden sieve/sifter with the proper levels has been quite the challenge as well. keep up the great work! 👍

[@thecultofcrafting]

So I grabbed some dirt, spread it out on a cardboard sheet and let it dry in a warm place. Some people bake it to kill any microorganisms, but when I did that with sand some years ago, my oven smelled like seaweed for months after. 😄 Then I crushed any large lumps and sifted the small particles from the large. I have a colander that I bought for that purpose (along with a sieve), but I couldn't find it, so I grabbed a piece of flexible material with holes in it that I had lying around. Don't know what it was, but I'm guessing cheesecloth or tulle would work just as well.

[@thecultofcrafting]

Also, thanks! 😊

[@erikbrown8738]

Marvelous job! I hope my finger gets better soon so I can have a go on something like this. Cheers.

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thanks! 😊 Get well soon.

[@nathanmiller8694]

outstanding work

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thank you very much! 😀

[@kristophermelin7160]

Beautiful work. It seems such a waste though to use the expensive miniature paints when less costly craft paints would go further on large scenery pieces. Something to consider. One can't argue with the results, though! Nice job!

[@123Billygoatman123]

These look great!

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thanks! 😊

[@knigthethegreat3169]

I couldn't help but notice those crates that you put down at 14:04 and 14:12 they look really cool. it would be sweet if you could maybe make a tutorial on how to make those crates

[@thecultofcrafting]

They're from the Necromunda starter box, if I'm not mistaken. But I guess it'd be possible to make something similar. 🤔 I'll put the idea in the suggestion box. 😊

[@knigthethegreat3169]

@@thecultofcrafting 👍

[@derekburge5294]

Looks great!

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thanks! 😊

[@orrinsalton829]

Just found the channel, am loving the content! Its a very in depth explanation of how you made everything while not being over the top! :D Main thing id ask for is a tad prevalence of the little subtitles labelling what you use, and maybe the addition of little notes for the onscreen bits. Although I understand that itd be a lot more editing work, so mainly an idea. In addition, how do these peices hold up with play. I really want to make some for my local group but dont want to have them break down. Oh and also maybe a thing saying how long the process took?

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thanks a lot! 😊 Could you perhaps point me to a couple of places where you felt it needed labels or explanation? I'm a bit blind to it, because I went through the process. 😁 I'd say they're very tough. I don't know if that type of wall filler (for 2-10 cm large holes) is particular hard or it's all the glue I added, but it seems very hard. The most fragile thing is probably the stacks of sandbag that might come off if they're hit by a hand trying to get to a model. But that will probably just mean gluing them back in places. In my experience the bags won't break, it's just the bond between them that can be a bit on the weak side. It's very hard to estimate the time spent, because recording makes the process much longer. Also drying times are a big factor. It's a wild guess, but 10 hours total work time spread out over 5-7 days seems realistic. Might be more, because the sandbags took a lot of time to make. The rest of the individual steps actually didn't take that long.

[@synstaur5986]

looks good man keep it up.

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thanks, will do! 😊

[@scootza1]

Dude, these would be awesome for Killteam games

[@steamedbaozi]

pretty cool dude.

[@hoptoad6833]

this is amazing!

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thanks! 😊

[@maximcerta1641]

i love things like these

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thanks! 😊

[@Ruffle_potato]

This will look great with my death korps of Krieg miniatures!! If I had any

[@zackcook5123]

Great vid very useful 👍

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thanks! Glad you liked it. 😊

[@CubeBrik]

these are so freakin cool, I wish i was any good at hobbying cus I want a tun of trench tiles just like that

[@thecultofcrafting]

Just start practicing, you'll get there. 😉

[@RogerS1978]

Security wire makes fantastic barbed wire for something like this.

[@Ongo666]

This is amazing

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thanks! 😊

[@alexandersanchezacosta3182]

😶 Wow... It looks awasome

[@louislambert7850]

Now you can create many other squares with building or just flat to make a big modular wargame terrain

[@thecultofcrafting]

I've actually been thinking of making a bunch of 1x1 foot tiles that go with Necromunda and 40K.

[@louislambert7850]

@@thecultofcrafting lets go !

[@sharingtherealworld]

Very nice!

[@thecultofcrafting]

Thanks! 😊