The Painting Bunkerc y

Hello everyone,

Two posts in one day! So today when I got home this was on my door step and my heart was filled with joy

So as you know, a few weeks ago I decided that my next project was to build a gaming table so that I’ve got some good quality scenery to play on, which hasn’t been a feature of my collection. So as you can imagine when I saw these babies on the door step I was pretty keen to open them up and have a close look at the boards.

First off, can I say that there were no breakages at all and all the sections were well packed, each section in its own individual box. I have to admit, my prior experience with a Forge World Realm of Battle board had raised my expectations high. What I enjoyed most about my first experience with their boards was the very high level of attention to detail. For example on my first board one of the emplacements had small tally marks scratch into the wall, and bits of war gear lying around too. Just little things that made painting the model a real pleasure.

So lets look at a few areas that I was particularly impressed with.

Here we see a smashed Rapier Laser platform. This is featured on the Concourse Sector. The detail is clear and crisp.

Another great feature hidden on one side of Generatorum sector.

Again from Generatorum sector board. A simple, well executed feature. I’m looking forward to painting this part actually.

What I really like about these boards is they are covered in details such as these. Small patches where their are pouches, empty magazines and other small bits of random objects scattered around.

This shot is from the Shattered Plaza sector. I’ve already been looking at photos of old marble structures in Rome and Italy to draw inspiration from so I can get a quality painting result for these pieces. It appears that there is a plinth for a model to be mounted on adjacent to each Eagle head. Rather than put a marine or something like that there in a statue form, I’m thinking of putting some sort of Daemon, or Gargoyle there for effect, similar to architecture features found on many sandstone buildings around the world.

This is a control panel across from the main foundation located on the Primus sector. It’s like the designer intended it to be the controls for some sort of generator or other such device situated on the foundation. It gives me a few ideas…

I’m sure many of you have noticed this feature on the Primus Sector board. I thought I’d put a close up of it because I really like it. It appears as if its been hit by an artillery round and the back half of the Rhino has been destroyed. Again, the surrounding area is festooned with all manner of random war gear.

The reverse angle shot of the Rhino. Good stuff.

Now, its all not sweetness and light. I do have two criticisms of the Realm of Battle Cityscape board sections. The first one is that like the Realm of Battle Imperial Strong Point each board section isn’t exactly 2′ x 2′. Its a little bit less. Unlike the Games Worksop Realm of Battle board sections, which are made of injection moulded plastic and are exactly 2′ x 2′. Now don’t get me wrong, these are exceptional pieces of modelling, but it is a bit irritating knowing that they are about 3mm shy of 24″. This isnt a big deal when Forge World Realm of Battle Cityscape board sections will only be aligned next to other Forge World Realm of Battle Cityscape board sections. But it does cause problems when you try and match them upto GW sections, like you must with the Imperial Strong Point.

My other criticism is of the Forge World Realm of Battle Cityscape Shattered Plaza section. The raised platform is bowed. I suspect its because its such a large surface, but it means I’m going to have to do some sort of reinforcing underneath it so that it sits flat. I’ve been considering my options and one idea that has come to mind is actually getting some expandable foam and coating the inside with it. Its not going to be easy but it will mean that the sections will be very strong indeed, capable of withstanding being trodden on and remaining intact. Another thing I’m considering is magnetising the corners so there is some positive connection between the pieces when they are on the table set up. I’ll have to give it more thought.

So overall I am tremendously pleased with these new additions. When you consider that four sections cost +/-$430AUD V’s the GW Realm of Battle Boards that cost here in Australia $450 rrp, I know which one I’d purchase day in day out. Yes the GW product is a 6’x4′ table compared to the Forge World product which is 4′ x 4′, however the Forge World Realm of Battle Cityscape board sections are orders of magnitude more impressive no matter how you measure it. I’m anxious to begin painting these sections, and with the prize money I got from ADFWGA Championships on the weekend ($200!!!!), I purchased more Imperial Sectors from The Combat Company so I can get a good looking table happening.

I’m hoping to hit this project pretty hard over the xmas break, so there should be plenty of updates coming shortly.

Thanks for dropping in

John