WarGames Bolt Action D-Day Board - Build Overview

[@emmitstewart1921]

In medieval times, when a craftsman wanted to open a school and take in apprentices, he would go to his guild and present a sample of his best work to show what skills he was able to teach. This sample was called his Masterpiece. If the guild found him qualified to teach, he would be given the title of Master, from the Latin Magister, meaning teacher. This board is a masterpiece. You would, after this, be completely justified to change your title from Terrain Tutor to Terrain Master. You may, and probably will, make better boards in the future, But this project, and the video lessons you made during it, Prove that you not only have all the skills To make anything you want, but you have the the ability to teach those skills to the whole world.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+Emmit Stewart Wow, that's cool and so smart and pretty humbling mate

[@damuses1452]

Bloody well said Mr. Emmit Stewart. Bloody well said. Hip Hip!

[@matv176]

Oh mate, you must be happier than a bird with a French Fry with the way this board turned out! Truly professional work. Thanks for taking the time to bring us along on this journey. Beautiful work.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

I was mate, it's still one of my favourite pieces

[@creekredfishingmastery]

Oh my god! All of your terrain has been good, better then anything I can do but THAT dday board is not good. It is simply THE BEST day board I have EVER SEEN! So awesome.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

thanks very much matey

[@chupa5946]

i love how your willing to share your vast knowledge and techniques with others. Many terrain guys dont do that, they just show you the finished product. Thanks mate

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+Slick Slater it's how i roll bud

[@philrsummers]

It's the dog's danglies Mel. Congratulations and well done. Have thoroughly enjoyed the journey and learnt an incredible amount. Thank you.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+Phil Summers glad you enjoy it mate

[@readhistory2023]

Glad you added the flowers. It's something I noticed missing from many boards.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+Hoehner Tim i like flowers lol

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+Hoehner Tim i like flowers lol

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+Hoehner Tim i like flowers lol

[@georgetaylor5482]

Mel that is crazy good, if that doesn't bring in more commissions, well I don't know what would, and thanks for all the tutorials they have been a big help to me.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+George Taylor glad they've helped bud

[@creekredfishingmastery]

Mel, stand proud....very proud because this board is astonishing!

[@TheTerrainTutor]

thanks mate

[@patbyrne2927]

I love the shot at 20:02 where the camera is on the surface of the sea looking up the beach. It's an absolutely brilliant build Mel :)

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+Pat Byrne i like that one as well mate

[@Joooooooooe11]

I loved how this has turned out. It's so cool to see a huge piece like this that does a really good job at showcasing your incredible talents and various techniques in such a macro way. Scatter terrain and smaller pieces showcasing individual techniques are cool and all, but it is nice to be able to see an enormous project like this all finished up that really makes the jaw drop. Very inspirational and educating. Looking forward to seeing what you whip up in future projects.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+Joe Pimentel thanks mate, plenty more to come

[@hotduck101]

I'll admit I skipped to the montage at the end, but wow! That is absolutely stunning work :D Definitely worth the time you spent. I wish my local store had a board half as cool as that...

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+hotduck101 cheers buddy

[@nublord365]

Beautiful board and I wish my local game stores had people as talented as you working on their terrain. Wish you luck in the future sir!

[@wesleywarren7644]

Two factors to consider; In the USA, Retailers are typically running at or near profit margin and cannot afford such a display unless it is a commissioned work from the product maker. the other factor is that the amount of detail effort it takes and patience for execution does not seem to exist ADD / ADHD ridden add water and stir instant society. It tooks weeks effort and patience for him to design and execute this and yet he himself is still not satisfied with the overall outcome, but he needed it to come to and end.

[@asraharrison]

This build is amazing! One thing I consider when I look at this is that it is a GAMING BOARD, not a diorama. So, some realism must be sacrificed for durability and game play. A diorama can be made ultra realistic, but they are usually very fragile, and not meant to be handled. This build is a brilliant mixture of both! It is, IMO ultra realistic, yet stylized for (as you said, Mel), a hollywood-style D-Day scenario. One thing that amazes me is that you start with wood and foam, and out of your head, comes this war zone scene! Simply astounding mate! No wonder your YT channel has grown so friggin fast! Nice work. I don't even do wargames but it is enjoyable ... even addictive, watching you work. Great personality, compelling videos. MOAR Please.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Thanks bud!

[@philboshobbybunker4677]

Popped into Wargames today and had a good nose at this in the flesh. Amazing work bud.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Thanks matey

[@camy252camy3]

Didn't even know it was there and recognised it when I visited in October. So cool seeing this in the flesh!

[@ethanevenson3855]

Haven’t commented on this video, but I caught it when it aired and I, just at the beginning of lockdown, ordered some if the merch. This series making this board is absolutely ridiculous, probably the best one I’ve seen, and there’s been years since this was posted with no one really coming for this crown. The fact you’re, for the most part, using the same tools as other terrain channels shows the extreme skill gap between everyone else and you.

[@srilife]

glad your 99% happy with it. looks great and you've had a lot of fun

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+David Lee its a rarity but i actually am, cheers buddy

[@paulknappcollections]

So happy I discovered you and your videos. I don't do war gaming but there is a huge group of collectors of plastic toy soldiers who make their own boards and dioramas to display antique as well as newer figures. Your ideas and boards are awesome. If you ever find yourself in America let me know. Love to meet you at a show or event. Paul

[@TheTerrainTutor]

I may get over to adepticon or gencon at some point, glad the vids are helping with your hobby bud ;-)

[@theunprofessionalcrafter7014]

I kinda do that yknow

[@jeandavias7544]

I've watched this series a few times other the years. It never ceases to amaze me. The modular layout is brilliant !! And the whole board is of course gorgeous !!

[@andybuckland6790]

You know money wise you may not have gained on it , but you can tell by this vid how much you have ENJOYED doing this board , and as an advert for what you can really do when given the chance . Hell if I could afford to give up work a few days a week and either paint models or build terrain for a bit of cash I would

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+Andy Buckland i have to admit, i did enjoy it bud

[@billd.iniowa2263]

Wonderful "engineering" on many different levels. ;-) I heard something a very long time ago that struck me and has been with me ever since. It pertained to oil painting but it applies in all areas : "An artist is someone who knows when to STOP painting." A guy could be "touching up" from here till doomsday and never really improve something. Sit back, relax, enjoy the family, and have a nice weekend. Seeya Sunday. :-)

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+Bill D. in Iowa I think that's my biggest problem mate

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+Bill D. in Iowa I think that's my biggest problem mate

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+Bill D. in Iowa I think that's my biggest problem mate

[@brabopainter]

This is fantastic!! Find this Board to be the most beautiful and best you've made so far. So much detail in it, the rocks are so cool! Will definitely look to your future projects. And thanks for all your tips you have shared. Hope that someday I can match your skills. Thanks!

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+Brabo Painter cheers buddy, it was good to be abke to spent time on a project for once

[@colhaigh7]

Called into Wargames yesterday to have a look. I know you have said that there are a few bit's you are not happy with but trust me, you need to give yourself a well deserved pat on the back, it looks absolutely amazing.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+Colin Haigh thanks very much mate, hope it was being enjoyed

[@tiny_worlds]

Table looks absolutely fantastic Mel. You must be well chuffed with that. Great stuff. Going to be pinching your cliff building technique for some big movable hills for our own terrain.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+Tiny Worlds nice one mate, pinch away lol

[@jackhammond9034]

Amazing work Mel! Well done sir. Keep it up, from Italy 🇮🇹 BRAVO 👏

[@creekredfishingmastery]

Mel, I can't stop looking at this video and this board!

[@tobynmanthorpe]

Proud Papa. I'd say the best thing you did with this board was that you were keen to fix mistakes. It's hard to justify the time spent on that but it's also how you get to be great at something.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+Tobyn Manthorpe i could have just kept going mate lol

[@TheRendar]

congrats !! completely amazing . I've seen many d-day tables . yours sir is the most impressive out there . thanks for sharing and keep up the great work !!

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+matt rendar thanks very much mate

[@IDICBeer]

Awesome job on the board mate, looking forward to see it in the real later in the year

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+IDICBeer cheers buddy, hope you enjoy playing on it

[@glazell9748]

Stunning piece. Top marks old chap!

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+NoBUNS Lazell thanks mate

[@leviathanpaintballflorida]

That is amazing! I love watching your videos Mel, thank you for uploading them.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Hope the help bud

[@brentanderson5021]

Mel, that is a masterpiece. Very inspiring.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Nah, close but nah mate ;-D

[@pixl3l]

Looks super, as always. It is so nice to watch your builds an learn more. Even if I don't always watch closely they are brilliant company and inspiration when I build stuff ^^

[@captainkavi]

The board really looks great Mel good job man.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+captainkavi thanks buddy

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+captainkavi thanks buddy

[@stevepickering1256]

Amazing work Mel you are the best mate that work is Amazing if you say there is some one else that is better than you will have to see his work.

[@elementzrecords2]

Best BA board i ever seen Mel, a MASTERPIECE. I wish play with you on that board ;-) Keep up the good work

[@KriegKraft]

SICK! Wow, just W-O-W... Absolutely fell in love with this terrain/board. I must add, you look very proud, and you should be. Imo, this is probably one of your best builds and paints so far. I have been watching this project from the start, and this video in the newsfeed was a cherry on top of the Styrofoam cake :) And now, getting myself some coffee, and getting back to this video... it deserves FULL attention! Once again, congratulations. Awesome stuff! I cannot express how much I love this board. GJ!

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+Krieg Kraft thanks bud, hope it was worth the coffee break

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+Krieg Kraft thanks bud, hope it was worth the coffee break

[@davidcapon9248]

Awesome build Mel! I am inspired!! I've got some vlog catching up to do but I've got a modular board Ive never been happy with I'm now inspired to revisit.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+David Capon do it matey!

[@sandbergmachineandtool6226]

Great job Mel. It looks amazing.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+Sandberg Machine And Tool thanks mate

[@MrScottson1]

Just got into Bolt Action, just come across this video. What a terrain…absolute class!!

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Check the lets make playlist ;-)

[@henryortega9203]

AMAZING, pure and simple!

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+HENRY ORTEGA thanks matey

[@astier78]

Just fantastic mate ! Love your work and channel so please continue, you sir are awesome :)

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+astier78 thanks mate

[@SteScouse1980]

Hey Mel, your talking about faults on there, are you mad mate, stop being so modest, it's absolutely amazing and I'll be checking it out next time I get up to Southport, keep up the amazing work mate, it's been an inspiration for me to get back into bolt action, thanks, Ste :)

[@TheTerrainTutor]

I'm always my worst critic bud, hope you like it in the flesh bud :-)

[@TheArrowsPath]

Great job, Mel. You've made this a great board.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+TheArrowsPath cheers mate

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+TheArrowsPath cheers mate

[@dannyfob]

I once went to an "art gallery"! In Barcelona to which I was greeted by a massive painting on a wall which consisted of a single blue line going from one corner to another, and thats it, one of the curators said that this "piece of art" was priceless........ Thats not art, what you have created here is art, I binge watched all 9 of your Vlog videos tonight, and then those separate tutorial videos. The talent and skill you have is amazing Subbed and cant wait to learn more!.... If you take any requests I'd love to see some sort of Japanese village pieces !!!! =D

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Thank you mate. Actually, starting a Japanese village board after xmas mate

[@dannyfob]

Sweet Can't wait, I've just got into Test of Honor and want to make a fitting board to go with!

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Me too

[@mooncabbagere]

If you didn't actually LOSE money on it, I reckon you came out ahead really. PLEASE do some kind of footage of playing on it, be it just some photos, a battle report, something. It's been an epic journey and I feel like a final video of it doing what it's meant to is the proper way to close it out, especially for those of us who will never see it in the flock. I know it's not your usual wheelhouse, but this one was special. That said, can't wait to see the next one matey!

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+Mooncabbage i tried but the footage came out all naff mate, next time ill do it properly

[@mooncabbagere]

+TheTerrainTutor ahh well fair enough. Atleast you gave it a go.

[@Alawatakima]

Love it man! Can't wait for the next BIG project! ;)

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+Alawatakima cheers, me too

[@ath3lwulf533]

Hope you get to make a Sword beach table! that would be a interesting table, a beach plus a small town then the surrounding area is rural a bit of everything! Fantastic board you made here, can't help but feel a tear was shed when you relinquished this board D:

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Maybe one day mate

[@johnmooresscalemodels5176]

Hi Ive been watching your videos and WOW very impressed. Im not a war gamer but I do make 1/35 military stuff love the demo on wire trees cant wait for bark one. Keep up the good work

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Cheers bud, plenty more to come

[@squallgoku777]

This is just sheer amazing, I could just stare at it forever and fantasize about actually playing on it! I would love to see your take on Judge Dredd Terrain and building a slice of MegaCity One.

[@paulnewell7330]

I know that you did this a few years ago but I’m very impressed looks great

[@grindsaur]

"Sharp and delicate" - Brilliant! :D

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+grindsaur cheers

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+grindsaur cheers

[@gomcse]

A remarkable piece of work!

[@tabletophobbies.terraintec2697]

so inspired thanks ive got some ideas for my design hope it comes out like this

[@tddybear3324]

Social Engineering... I never thought about that before! Thanks for the tip! It'll save me a ton of time repairing the terrain at my club!

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+TddyBear hope it helps bud

[@gmangaz2007]

mark 2 upgrade wanna see it now

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+gmangaz2007 next time bud

[@ta24u]

Beautiful Mel simply beautiful

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+ta24u thanks bud

[@PaintbrushPirate]

I've really enjoyed the whole series of "v-logs" it's one thing to show us how to make good terrain pieces, it's another thing to put it all together and give us something as epic as this! You ever done any fantasy stuff? I know guys who play the GW Lord of the Rings game and that's normally on a 4x4 board, could be an interesting smaller project? I also meant to say, I spotted my butt in your video from salute this year haha! quite a surprise to say the least

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+Paintbrush Pirate checkout my broken spirits build vids mate. I think i got a few peoples butts in that vid lol

[@LarsLeonhard]

Top stuff Mel!

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+Lars Leonhard cheers bud

[@chrisbanks1710]

Very, very nice. Thanks for all the tips along the way.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+Chris Banks no worries bud

[@thekameleon9785]

You went godmode on this

[@Telthar]

Fantastic!

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+Jon (Telthar) cheers

[@Porthosity]

Love the vid! You missed a golden opportunity to release the video on June 6th though :P Totally kidding, the display is flawless. I'm curious- how often do you get to play? I've been out of the hobby for a bit, but I always found that the terrain building was so much more rewarding out of all the aspects. Almost to the point that I feel that I -have- to play to justify building the terrain. Also- this is just confirmation that so many of my favorite KZbinr's come out of the UK. Ian Atkinson/Leodis Leather, Nigel Armitage Leather, Lukes Aps, Terrain Tutor. I'm sensing a strong Yorkshire theme too :P

[@TheTerrainTutor]

I'm from Stoke! ;-D

[@fullmetall2008]

Ok looking for your video covering how you did the ocean? can you help please.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWisfnaprrSnf9k ;-)

[@e-4airman124]

great job Terrain Master!

[@drizztiley8740]

I need to see a battle report on this!

[@TheTerrainTutor]

I think Little Wars TV did one on it

[@kairus1]

awesome work!

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+kairus1 thanks matey

[@SpiralMage]

Honestly, it all looks amazing, except for the waterline. Try using resin over a painting of what the bottom of the ocean/beach where the ocean is. Ocean is only really blue from the air. Water is fair clear and actually mostly a greenish tint ie. seafoam green. Great show btw.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Cheers mate

[@bavarianbrushnerd3776]

Hey Mel, this board is just so awesome that i can't find words for it! :-D I watched all the making of videos but somehow missed how you've painted the earth texture before flocking it. May i ask how you did that? Love your work! Cheers from bavaria :-)

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Just a wash of watered down dark brown paint mate

[@bavarianbrushnerd3776]

TheTerrainTutor great, thank you! 😀👍

[@hyperfreakization]

Really inspiring piece of work

[@TwentyTwo12Studios]

this is amazing. do you have a webstore or similar for me to buy some of your terrain? id love some of your pieces on my new gameboard.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+Thomas Wilson check the channel this week mate, I've got a build on ;-)

[@BALrider1Steve]

Bloody brilliant man I would love to build this

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Cheers

[@lordtattoo3464]

Done a cracking job mate

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+LordTattoo thanks buddy

[@ThePoolman2007]

i have a new idea for a terrain build for bolt action and it is the fuhrerbunker and surrounding buildings

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Sounds like a cool build mate

[@ThePoolman2007]

it definitely would be but sadly i don't got the skills nor the space to build such a beauty, perhaps maybe you could?

[@TheTerrainTutor]

I'd love to but I don't have the time mate

[@emmapaignton1429]

How doid you get the water waves effect so good?

[@TheTerrainTutor]

There's a tutorial in the water playlist mate

[@ElSWVisitor]

Magnificent. And "terrain artizan social engineering"! 😀

[@chrissharples6542]

Superb board Mel. I didn't catch the finer details throughout your play list, but are those board segments 2x4ft, making 6x4ft surface?

[@lucianolam6135]

Amazing work! Are you ever gonna built an age if sigmar board this size amd videolog it like this? Like were the stormcast can defend their city against archaon and his chaos army? Would be awesome to see more of this videologs of big boards or display pieces. Again awesome board!

[@TheTerrainTutor]

I don't play AoS mate

[@lucianolam6135]

TheTerrainTutor ah okay, I dont play it neither, just want to make a big diorama piece with lots of iconic models and I wondered what your ppan would be to tackle it

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Each build is unique mate, that's the creative challenge

[@Viewfromtheturret]

So now that you have the draft rough concept table done when are you going to do the nice finished one? ;-)

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+VT ViewfromtheTurret next time lol

[@LoveBagpipes]

I am interested, when you used the board...how did it play in Bolt Action? :)

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Good games mate

[@razorfate1007]

Woha, i love it. Maybe you will make a Monte Casino terrain in the future.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Now that would be a table!

[@jo1076]

Hi Mel , I'm French and I really liked your videos , the problem is that I did not understand everything on the video titled: How to make cork bark rock faces for your wargaming scenery , so would it be possible to give me the gist of this video via comments . Thank you in advance for your attention. Joaquim cordially Molero .

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+Joaquim Molero what didnt you understand?

[@lemariontppt2394]

Awesome tabletop!

[@petersouthall6699]

how fantastic

[@sophieroberts8563]

I'm sure you've been asked before but what are the dimensions of the three MDF boards you used?

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+Elliot Roberts 2x4 mate

[@sophieroberts8563]

Cheers, trying to replicate the board...lets see how this goes

[@harveys.a4978]

Its amazing!

[@loupiscanis9449]

nicely done.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+Loupis Canis thanks

[@loupiscanis9449]

No need for thank's , It wasn't a compliment, just a statement of fact, on a professinal job , keep it up .

[@edvardlonn4651]

Hello TheTerrainTutor, how much does it cost to buy these types of boards. respective to smaller boards. As of that what does smaller boards cost. What would it cost to buy one of these small bunkers you make? can you buy them anywhere. I feel like if i tried i would fail. Are these that cost like 1000 dollars really worth it? thx :D have a good day!

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Go and have a look at warlord games in their terrain section, or 4ground or sarissa precision mate

[@edvardlonn4651]

thx i checked those sites. I Think 4ground is what i will go for. I saw they had prepainted once. But are they prepainted as in the Pictures. thx for the tips love your vids and your live streams. could you also tell me what these warmats is? i see them for like 10 Pounds so what do you use them for?

[@TheTerrainTutor]

got a vid on that coming up soon mate

[@edvardlonn4651]

TheTerrainTutor thx dude ❤

[@edvardlonn4651]

TheTerrainTutor and as you probably know from your streams i am only 13 and i would love to get it good in a cheap way. So i will choose das putty instead of milliput. In das there is 2 colors white and terrecotta. If i make sandbags would i have to paint over or would it look good any way?

[@Artecius92]

First question: How much? Second Question: Do you ship to Australia?

[@TheTerrainTutor]

To be honest, I reckon the second would cost more than the first but there is a version already in Australia!

[@TheClassicWorld]

Now, firstly, we have the same name... well, spelt differently, the Clark in my name has no 'e'. Secondly, if you have the money, and this here Tutor can not make you a board, since I assume it would cost quite a bit, you can get one made from TerranScapes or Battleboards, both do amazing work, in fact, I think they are pretty much the best you will find, their work is mostly by hand, as well with use of laser cut/GW items, etc. depending on what you want and any size, and will ship to you (the former being American and the latter being English). I am not sure, but I'd like to say the former (Terran, American, who is called Mike, too) is cheaper.

[@petersouthall2650]

awesome 100 times over

[@math4U1234]

WWWWWWWoooooooooooowwwwww! Salute sir! Perhaps maybe a Tarawa beach landing, what you could do with palm logs and Japanese defense works?

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Quite possibly in the future

[@powerfulbandolin]

imagine this board in warhammer 40k, tau vs like space marines

[@Emtbtoday]

Waw now that is so cool

[@THERIPPERSXD]

Two Thumbs up!

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+Caesar van Waes thanks matey

[@ricktedder4749]

These videos made feel guilty that I cannot afford to support you on patreon I know how hard it is to make a living at anything let alone in a niche market such as is our hobby especially these days and how little the general populace appreciate what I consider to be real talent,craftsmen are a large part of what built this country and gave us what was until reasonably recently one of the best reputations for workmanship and quality and you show during these videos that those qualities are still there just not appreciated as they should be in this world of mass production and disposable lifestyles I'm sure my father would have appreciated your work while he wasn't part of D-day he was a little busy round the corner at selerno and then had to pop over to montecasino he also was a craftsman he was a master carpenter and cabinet maker

[@TheTerrainTutor]

I appreciate the sentiment mate, thank you

[@DaytonaRoadster]

board looks amazballs....srsly

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+Brass 'n Barrels Firearms Channel thanks bud

[@harzrcfun666]

...yeah...

[@redgreen09]

looking cool now bat reps ;;;;;]]

[@TheTerrainTutor]

+redgreen09 cheers bud but not really my style

[@pmavoider]

‘Ya’

[@extreme_loe]

I need

[@RWHobbies]

Lovely work. I hope you’re still not working in the warehouse.