Sculpting from scratch by hand is great, but it is also very possible to “kitbash” new models from the pieces of other models.
Kitbashing You Say?
Kitbashing is an artform originating with customizing model kits. Practitioners (often model-builders for movie and television special effects teams) would reuse old models and purchase model kits to help build miniature sets and models, saving time adding detail by instead chopping up an existing detailed model. One of the most famous sets used for kitbashing is the Tamiya model kit of a WWII German rail-gun, the Schwerer Gustav, which was a common source of space parts for science fiction sets.
Because kitbashing revolves around mixing and mashing pieces of things together, it is an ideal way to start making 3d printable objects. You could 3d print both pieces out and physically kitbash them together, cutting them apart and gluing them together (melting is also an option with PLA). You could also digitally kitbash the model using Blender or 3D builder!
A particularly useful tutorial on kitbashing with 3d model parts is this one on Digital Kitbashing by Once in a Sixth Side, which details how to make a model from pieces digitally using a program called 3D Builder.
Digital Kitbashing is extremely easy and accessible! It just requires some models you could find on Thingiverse (also check out the Thingiverse Archive on the Internet Archive!), Cults, Makerworld, Printables, as great sites to search for printable materials. Other possible sources could be 3d scanning things using RealityScan, KIRI Engine, or Luma.
The sky is the limit, but a little inspiration can help you get started quickly. Check out all these great inspirational videos about kitbashing and making things to 3d print or sculpt!
Trent Holbrook/Miscast – An Australian artist with a bold, earnest style of sculpting and kitbashing with a dash of humor and hard work.
Pete the Wargamer – A skillful, highly technical kitbasher who carves and glues together custom miniatures from Warhammer models.
Ace of Clay – An expert on using polymer clay like Sculpey. Good for beginners.
Billion Dollar Clown Farm – A trained artist who brings an irreverent and dark humored edge to his work.
Terrain Building
Making great terrain is another important step in model making: making spaces and places for your creations to inhabit! These techniques can be used to make whole game boards, dioramas, or even just textured bases for models to stand on.
Making terrain can be difficult, but worth the effort. If all your time is dedicated to your models only, they won’t have an awesome space to inhabit! Look for inspiration everywhere, from architecture to natural spaces, textures, shapes, and forms. As long as you make the model and the terrain yourself, it will have the signature and soul of your work in it. Tools useful for this are leftover recyclables (cardboard boxes, foam, plastic boxes), old toys, insulation foam, and even some additional 3D prints.
There are videos on how to make all kinds of scenery available, like this one on making an Ancient Egyptian Tomb by Eric’s Hobby Workshop.
Eric’s Hobby Workshop focuses on basic terrain building with excellent advice on planning, painting, and producing details that all work for tabletop gaming. Many ambitious and inspiring projects are showcased here.
The Terrain Tutor comes from a scale modelling background (model trains, ships etc.) and offers myriad information on making realistic looking scenery and buildings.
Zorpazorp moved to New Zealand to be closer to WETA and build his dream Middle Earth battlegrounds from Lord of the Rings.
Bill Making Stuff recycles old things into terrain and art.
Want to learn more?
Attend one of our Tabletop Paint and Play programs on June 14 and July 13th. Contact the Tech Desk at [email protected], or call (815) 756-9568 ext. 2851 for more information on the miniature making process.