Tips for Quick Building Foamboard Ruins

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Here's a collection of tips to help you quickly build foamboard ruins as terrain pieces for your wargaming table. .
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[@TypicalDM]

The "pin it at a 45° angle" thing revolutionized my builds. Thank you! Always full of great tips

[@johngriffon2118]

as an amateur i love that you actually keep your fails and mishaps in your videos. makes the hobby seem less daunting.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

That's why I keep them in mate ;-)

[@luctoulouse]

yes, perfect is never a reality in hobbies..

[@kamdenjericho2534]

I know Im asking the wrong place but does anyone know of a trick to get back into an Instagram account?? I stupidly lost the password. I love any help you can give me

[@holdenkamden1300]

@Kamden Jericho instablaster =)

[@kamdenjericho2534]

@Holden Kamden i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and Im in the hacking process now. I see it takes a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@Khorsathedark]

I like the fact that you show your mistakes. The hardest problem I have when teaching people to make terrain is getting them to understand that most mistakes are no big deal.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Khorsathedark I'm pretty sure most people what my channel for the mistake mate ;-)

[@billweir1573]

i love this starter video; I've honestly watched it at least a dozen times - just about to start making foamboard ruins for my kid and I to make 40k a bit more interesting. love the uploads Mel..!!

[@matthewhamilton6642]

Using the pins to support the floor piece is a GREAT tip. Thanks for all the information.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

That's what I'm here for bud

[@blackhueymedia]

I was silently shouting NOOOOOO as you were pinning the second wall :) Great videos, subbed. It never occurred to me to use pins with foamcore!

[@TheTerrainTutor]

LOL, if you're going to do it, do it in style! Glad you like them mate, welcome aboard

[@lazarusmonkeymansoutdoorad2170]

I was mentally screaming at you to flip the wall, but you couldn't hear me through time and space... LOVE your videos, thank you so much for doing these!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@TheTerrainTutor]

It's what I'm here for buddy

[@7spiritualcompass706]

This was a very interesting tutorial. I can't wait to see how you build on to it. Just came across your channel and others that deal with 1:12 scale which is my preference, but, I don't mind viewing and learning on other scales. Thank you.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Hope the vids help bud

[@DMRaptorJesus]

Think this is the first video of yours I watched, I'm not sure. Got taught allot by Mel over the years.

[@jenkseboy]

Thanks for helping me start makeing some good looking terrain for my table. :) your videos have been really helpful

[@euansmith3699]

I miss the epic failure. You are so much more professional now. Still this is a great tutorial. I'm looking to make some quick Frostgrave terrain and it is good to come back to see the basics again. Its like this is some sort of terrain building resource! ;)

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+Euan Smith Only with my presentation! ;-)

[@shanelindley1243]

I've Ben struggling to build a Stalingrad themed table, but this tutorial has inspired me to keep going. Great stuff!

[@TheTerrainTutor]

You earned my respect at Stalingrad, good luck with the project mate

[@mikeylindseysadventures4212]

like the window and door craft sticks,i use wire cutters for cutting them, it snips really easy

[@Kiiroo]

Still one of the best videos on youtube, hands down. So skillful!

[@maddnd9721]

Angle pins and master ruler - great tips. That staggered windows is what you need for a circling staircase. Fail levels was hilarious.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Keep it simple mate, glad you liked the fails :oD

[@maddnd9721]

I used some toothpicks with a recent build - it worked really well. I will post it on your facebook.

[@foxleaf9867]

It's good to see you making mistakes and fixing them as you go. Also, I'm from the land of Aus, and we used to have a show called Art Attack. You kinda remind me of that guy! Thanks for the great vids.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+Foxleaf You mean Neil Bue-something? Cheers mate

[@jaredkutney7075]

great terrain vid defiantly great for beginners and for people who are not that great at building with foam

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Cheers mate

[@brunanburh]

Thanks for posting, made a simple version with my kids for Frostgrave

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+brunanburh Excellent matey!

[@terrymcdade7985]

Great tutorial. I am using foamboard to build a model of a building I will construct for a diorama. I have been using tape to hold things together which doesn't work well. I'll go score some t pins and use them instead. It will make it easier to swap floors and walls around in different configurations. Thanks for the tip.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

No worries mate, I use pins all the time, it makes constructing and dry fitting so much easier.

[@CreativeFosse]

Your epic fails is what makes this video totally epic! Great work and I love how you just love what you're working with and creating.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

It's the way we roll

[@Qickscoper123]

LOL. I love that you even said, "Line the tops up." :D

[@TheTerrainTutor]

:-D

[@johnkelley9877]

That is really great! I didn't know you could make buildings from foam board. I will try that on a 15 mm sci-fi diorama.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

John Kelley Make sure you checkout the rest of the playlist, there's loads of vids on making foamboard buildings and don't forget the foamboard back to basics vid!

[@johnkelley9877]

Thanks,I will.

[@survivorjohnny44]

Good on you for leaving the mistakes in the video to show how to fix a fail. "Liked"

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Always do mate

[@leech911]

excellent recovery skills!

[@moisesreal3942]

That great failure was because you are more concerned about teaching us the technique than the result, thanks saludos desde México

[@johnking9196]

nice! quick and dirty. great stuff! thanks for taking the time to post these

[@dcanehon]

I was looking into building some ruins so these vids are perfect! Ta

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Hope you find them useful mate

[@cruger5]

The biggest thing to take away from this tutorial for me is how you used markers on the ruler to template out the windows, it took me hours trying to mark out evenly spaced windows and columns on a piece of carboard with no straight right angled edges, i am glad you took the time to make these videos thank you.

[@DerMartexus]

"We don't make mistakes, just happy little accidents.”, Bob Ross. Quick 'n easy. ;) And even nice looking.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

'Happy little accidents', I like Bob's style. Cheers mate

[@allanstott6999]

Haha great stuff. I was shouting at my monitor about the second wall.... quality.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

hehehe

[@Burnsy021]

The pins are an amazing idea.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Jon B The simple ones are always the best mate :-)

[@tomrose6341]

This will be perfect for my Osgilath board

[@TheTerrainTutor]

That'll be a nice build

[@donewiththis-2012]

lol, watching through this again and I had to listen to one point at around 7:19 about 10 times, I though you were saying "Ah, f***, you'll see it in a minute", took me ten rewatches to realise you say "Ah, infact you'll see it in a minute".....lol. Still great tutorials, I wanna start working on some post apoc buildings for game called This is Not a Test, but in 15mm!

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+TheRider2012 Are you sure that's what I said ;-)

[@oldbaldfatman2766]

April 15, 2018----Thanks for the video as I've never used foamboard before. Looking at making some buildings and homes for some 1/35th scale zombie/apocalypse dioramas.

[@tomatoes3]

Great job mate.

[@mistyfair5798]

Great video, if you have never made a mistake you have never made owt !

[@Jedijim252]

Just spent several enjoyable hours getting caught up on all your vids...buddy, very nicely done...very good tips and great inspiring tutorials...thanks, so much, for all the effort I know goes into putting up the vids...looking forward to your next upload...and you've got some awesome little helpers :D...Jim.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

No worries mate and cheers, they certainly make things fun lol

[@lasseniv979]

I bet the mistake was on purpose so the rest of us are more aware of which way we turn our pieces, so we'll get it correct in the first try, without us feeling stupid! Lovely video, I'm definitely going to try it! You've got another subscriber! :-)

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Yeah, that was exactly it mate, damn, you sussed me ;oDThanks and welcome aboard matey

[@GregoryGeilman]

Nice to see the professionals screw up! Makes us mere mortals feel better:)

[@dluff]

going to invest in Foamboards

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+dluff wise investment!

[@437cosimo]

Nicely shown. Good ideas.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Cheers matey

[@andylarmouth5700]

Hi Mel, love the videos mate, thank you. Can I ask, what was the size of the sheet of foam board you started with? Keep up the good work and thanks again 👍😀

[@unkhter]

nice quick and easy pieces of terrain, great vid, nice tips and tricks :)

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Cheers mate

[@plague903]

1 tip with gluing foam is that you can actually use super glue. All you have to do is slap on some paint over where there glue will be placed, let it dry and glue on top of it! This way you get a clean and quick stick and you won't be destroying your foam

[@Melanieshaman]

awesome, i work at a hobby/craft shop... I am gonna pick up some foamcore.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Gotta love staff discount!

[@Chasemtillthend]

Very Informative, I'm now addicted to your videos. Subscribed :).

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Cheers, hopefully there will be enough videos to keep your addiction going mate lol

[@antiquariancrafts2454]

Just discovered your videos, man - great work! The idea of using pins is ingenious. I've been thinking about getting a cutting board like the one you have, but I was wondering if it's resistant to Exacto knives etc. or does it get damaged?

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+Stay Dread Cheers buddy, you get little scratches on it but I've had mine for years and given it some serious hammer and I reckon it'll outlast me ;-)

[@dan.d]

I'm trying to build a large scale battlefield for my son in our backyard (20' x 12' area), but outdoors here in Seattle. With roads, buildings, sandbags, 1:18 scale. That said, what materials would you use to build roads, walls, bunkers, buildings and sandbags that could withstand the test of time, sun, water, cold and heat?

[@kennyYoYo]

Love the video. keep up the good work. Epic fail did have me giggling so hard though.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Cheers mate, I do stuff like that all the time :oD

[@pierremercado5232]

Thanks to you i know how to do buildings

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Awesome!

[@mattkite7246]

Thanks for the great videos Mel, you're literally my reference point for just about everything tabletop! What thickness of foam board did you use?

[@TheTerrainTutor]

5mm mate

[@mattkite7246]

TheTerrainTutor cheers! Keep up the excellent work!

[@apophisjones4361]

Great vid bro !

[@simonbreckon7975]

ive been wanting to make something like this for my Stalingrad Germans/Russians. Thanks for the great tip and video, £80 on a bunch of Stalingrad 4Ground buildings is a bit much

[@darklingqueen6667]

So simple and easy!! Thank you for an amazing video! What measurements are the tape on your ruler at? Also the red marks? It's brilliant and I need to replicate it.

[@brynwilliams7552]

Great video and series for a newcomer like me! Could you let me know what pins you are using in this video and where to source them.Thanks :)

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+Bryn Williams they're just pins from the local supermarket mate, nothing special :-)

[@tabletopcp]

What are the marking on the magic ruler? 5" for height of building, 2.5 inches for the floor heights, but what are the window sizes and spacing?

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+Bolt Action CP doors and windows are an inch wide, door 2 inches high, windows 1.5 inches high mate

[@tabletopcp]

sweet, thanks!

[@sailormandan5769]

Hi Mel. What are the dimensions for the Windows and the height of them please. Along with 2nd floor height as well. Cheers. 👌 love the videos

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+Daniel Jayne check the comments, they're already in there mate :-)

[@kingcharles8031]

you can do an video about your template ruler you make tutorial on how to measurement for the wall, the floor, the door and the widows or you make tutorial on how to make an template rule to make building its more common measurement for the floor, the door and the windows in the building

[@Dougger16]

Hey, I just recently been watching some of your videos and they truly have been helpful. So first thanks! But I did have a question, do you have a video or know a video about how to make mondern day buildings for a basic city? I'm working on a super hero city diorama for my kid and just looking for tips. (I've never done this before lol)

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Dougger16 All the same tips apply mate, you just need a few example buildings to work from ;-)

[@donutboi88]

Thanks for this Mel! I had to use a pencil to get the windows because I can't for the life of me find the pin marks I did xD

[@TheTerrainTutor]

No worries mate, lol, use a needle next time :oD

[@poiuytrewq11422]

If anyone in the U.S is looking for Foam board, you can get white from any Micheals for about 2 or 3 dollars. The other colors are more expensive.

[@Purpll3D]

poiuytrewq11422 In Canada it costs $13 for white and $16 for black. No other colours, but still from Micheals. Walmart had it for $2.50 though.

[@HobbitTabletopLiga]

That's like me trowing over the colour pots :D

[@BALrider1Steve]

Haha love the fail mate bloody hell after watching this I followed exactly and did the same thing haha

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Seriously? That's epic bud! :-D

[@BALrider1Steve]

Ya man and it's because of you building this I am wanting to be apart of this kind of gaming mate

[@mohdshashamohdzaffa2679]

Hi,great tutor mate.Just wondering,can I use the foamboard to build a base diorama for Gundam? it scales at 1/100...thanks mate.I have been playing around with foamboard but never had a chance to properly explore it as base/diorama material until I found your channel.Great job with the tutorial,very inspiring!

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+Mohd Shasha Mohd Zaffa I wouldn't mate, go for something more solid or just by a proper plinth off ebay mate

[@mohdshashamohdzaffa2679]

right.cheers bud!

[@Leilad]

You are the funniest ever!! I laughed so much!! Awesome tutorial!!

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Lila.d Well it's better than crying lol ;-)

[@73Rameses]

I share the thoughts of Charles: on your first comment. Though my thought is, could you layout your template ruler details in the Video description. I caught the 5' red mark for height of the wall, but missed at what height you have the Window marks and the floor mark.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

I'll see what I can do but you can pause the vid mate ;o)

[@alexgriffiths6658]

hahahaha holy shit, that epic fail moment was great!

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+Alex Griffiths LOL, it's one of my favourites :-)

[@gizburn1]

That was really funny :)

[@domireland405]

Whereabouts do you buy your foamboard? I wouldn't have a clue where to find it locally

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+Dom Ireland Hindleys online mate

[@roningt7175]

This is exactly what I was after :-) thanks very much. Quick question, is that 5mm foam board you're using?

[@TheTerrainTutor]

No worries, yeah, it's 5mm

[@roningt7175]

Brilliant. Thanks again :)

[@chrispybee]

Great video buddy. Can you tell me where I can get those form boards that you are using? I'm in the UK.

[@tentimestay9181]

Try a traditional model shop, like the sort that supplies model railway and military stuff. I get mine at the Monk Bar Model Shop (York).

[@joeythegoth]

I've made a lovely foam board house with a foam board base but I'm afriad to paint it in case it warps, I'm thinking about spraying it with a spray can sealer first would that stop it from warping?

[@ChancellorLott06]

It looks super easy. I have a hard time find good scale measurements for a 15mm scale game like Flames of War. Any suggestions or tips?

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Find some buildings you like mate and copy their scale, it's what I do ;o)

[@donnevin2647]

T-pins from model railroad section of hobby shop are much easier to handle.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+Don Nevin Never heard of those, I'll have to check them out, thanks for the heads up

[@royalfolkspark]

Could any of your work be placed outdoors ? How would you make it water proof ?

[@JasonDoodah]

Is there a particular reason you use the black foam board? It always seems to be more expensive than the white!

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+Jason D it has a matt finish that takes paint better than the white, if it gets damaged, it doesn't show white foam. The internal foam is denser so its better for engraving. The cardboard comes of easier with a heat gun. It's easier to basecoat dark grey than white. They're the main ones mate

[@JasonDoodah]

+TheTerrainTutor Thanks. Looks like I'll need to spend the extra then ;-)

[@marcinstangel9277]

Can you tell me where do you buy the foam, and what foam is that exactly ? Wanted to make some terrain, and thought about this, as it is less messy than other methods, and it is quick.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Foamboard from Art shops mate

[@marcinstangel9277]

thx - found some in local shop. Great tutorial btw, thank you!

[@artourious6346]

Mal, can you help me on foam board. i have identified 2 maybe 3 types. The one i would call the cheaper, has a very soft foam in, ok for marking bricks or stone work, but very soft. The other one or 2 types, have a very dense inner foam, much better suited to marking out brick or stone work. Do you know what the different types may be, or may be called so i can buy the better quality. Art.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

No idea, sorry mate, have you though about emailing a manufacturer?

[@artourious6346]

no probs. . tks.

[@RxPxD]

your voice reminds me of the art attack dude :p

[@TheTerrainTutor]

RxPxD Which one, I'm old enough to remember two, hell I remember Tony Hart!

[@RxPxD]

TheTerrainTutor I think the one Im on about is Neil Buchanan

[@whytho5666]

2020, i still have flashbacks 😂 🤣

[@437cosimo]

Really EPIC!

[@TheTerrainTutor]

It had to be done lol

[@mldemoss9070]

Could you go into more detail on the measurements on your ruler template? I tried to figure out all the markings just by pausing the video, but I guess my resolution isn't high enough

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Michael DeMoss Easy peasy .... The horizontal spacings are all 1 inch, the doors are 2" high by 1" wide, the windows are 1"x1" starting 1" above the floor mate. Hope that helps.

[@shadowknght22]

@theterraintutor is the second floor strong enough to hold a squad of models

[@KozukaBlades]

what kind of cutter is that your using on the foam board cause im looking for one just like that.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

KozukaBlades It's the shitty GW one mate lol

[@DaytonaRoadster]

Hey, i've got a question, i'd like to do an urban ruins set, BUT im doing it for Battletech. Since im using mechs i dont think the scale you have is right, any suggestions?

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+Brass 'n Barrels Firearms Channel What's the scale?

[@DaytonaRoadster]

1:285

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Brass 'n Barrels Firearms Channel At 6mm, you want to be looking a card or plasticard mate

[@DaytonaRoadster]

TheTerrainTutor sorry i'm new to this, can you explain what those are?

[@TheTerrainTutor]

stiff cardboard and thin sheets of plastic card (from evergreen / plastruct)

[@kamildomanski5564]

Haha so funny when you makes beginners mistake :) love your vid. LIKE !!!

[@TheTerrainTutor]

I make tons of them mate lolCheers!

[@wesfos]

you make it look easier than it is....I ruined 2 sheets just trying to cut out the windows...they always came out jagged...help

[@5-Hydroxy-Tryptophan]

I am going to buy formboard. I can choose between 3mm and 5mm. What do you use in this video? :)

[@Zaechs]

So I see you are using a smaller card size, and when purchasing I have access to sheets that are roughly 20x30 in.. What size is the card that you are using here? i am asking in just rough terms, nothing super specific and scientific? Is it like a 10x12 in card?

[@austinhall9155]

How thick is that foamboard?

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+austin hall 5mm

[@austinhall9155]

Thanks, mate. Keep on doing what you are doing. :)

[@ravencros]

Is this the cheap foam board you can get at a dollar store?

[@TheTerrainTutor]

yes mate

[@b.minton9899]

where do you get your foam from man? do you know of any online suppliers

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+Ben Minton Hindleys online craft shop

[@b.minton9899]

Thanks for the reply i did find them thank you for the tip appreciate it.

[@deGert84]

Hey mate, how many mm thick foamboard do you use?

[@timkyte3969]

what scale would you say the model is .. ie 1/35 ??

[@TheTerrainTutor]

28mm or 1/58 mate

[@Abreu135]

don't you use the technique from Miniwargaming, where you cut of the corner from one of the foamboards so they fit nice and flush? it's really nice

[@TheTerrainTutor]

See the hiding foamboard joins video in the foamboard playlist mate

[@gmgaming8210]

Where do you get your foam board from.

[@omigatorarer1820]

Can you link me where i can buy the product you use?

[@TheTerrainTutor]

which one?

[@omigatorarer1820]

The Foam Board, if u can link me the page where u can buy i appreciate, thanks man.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

The Range mate

[@mikewalf]

What foam boards are they?

[@Thejmg2011Blogspot]

that was for the balcony

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Why didn't I think of that lol ;o)

[@WeekendWarriorsRus]

What material was used?

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Foamboard

[@WeekendWarriorsRus]

Thanks

[@Greenman347]

How big are the foam boards you use?

[@TheTerrainTutor]

A3 typically mate

[@nlcstudios8460]

What were the dimensions of the original piece at the beginning?

[@TheTerrainTutor]

check the comments / description