Terrain Models

HAlf the fun of model trains is that you get to design your very own scenery. This tutorial video will show you how to apply flocking to your model train terrain.

Here's how to place grass into your diorama scenery. These tactics may be familiar to model train builders, but there are endless fibers that can create texture for miniature landscapes. Make grass for dioramas, Warhammer, architectural models and other miniatures.

If you are a dedicated model maker, watch this instructional video to make a handy tool for sculpting and working with miniatures. These homemade wood tools are good for a variety of purposes. It can be made from wood as small as match stick stock up to 1/2'' by 1'' stock. Use ...more

watch this five part instructional modeling video to make miniature trees for dioramas, architectural models, and game terrain. You can use expensive artificial leaves, or you can use this more resourceful method. Go outdoors and collect small twigs and dried branches to add t ...more

SketchUp 5 and up has a Sandbox. But there are a few rules to know before you're allowed to play. In this episode of The SketchUp Show, Alex leads you in creating a landscape from scratch, and a second way to model terrain from existing contour lines using the sandbox tools. L ...more

So, you're addicted to that award-winning, science-fiction, first-person shooter, computer game Crysis, are ya? Well, then you probably know a bit about the Sandbox 2 level editor then, don't ya? Well, if you need to figure out how to make 1:1 scaled maps in Sandbox to go int ...more

Watch this instructional model making video to begin making war game terrain out of foam. This video introduces different types of foam and the varying strengths of high density foam. It's also possible to cast plaster molds with foam. Use foam as the basic structure for war g ...more

Watch this instructional video to paint realistic finishes on miniatures for dioramas, architectural models, and game terrain. This model maker begins with an introduction to washes and dry brushing. When working towards a tarnished or deep finish on your miniatures, you must ...more

Watch this instructional video to begin painting miniatures with dry brush techniques. Dry brushing can create realistic weathered textures on dioramas, war game terrain, architectural models and model railroads.

Do you actually play with your miniatures? Well, if you do they probably take a little wear and tear. However most miniatures can be easily repaired. If your model has a pink/blue foam base you can usually repair it with some spray glue and a hidden toothpick brace. With these ...more

Watch this instructional model making video to make miniature roof thatching and tree material for dioramas, architectural models, Warhammer and game terrain. There are several kinds of scouring pads, craft fiber sheets, and fibers for constructing miniature trees and bushes. ...more

Here is one method of making model brickwork and detailing wood for dioramas and miniature game terrain. Carve some light lines into a flat piece of balsa wood and coat it with a thin layer of plaster. This simple trick creates a realistic brickwork effect for miniature dioram ...more

You can paint your plaster blue and coat it with a gloss, but there are easier ways to make artificial water for miniature dioramas, architectural models and war game terrain. Easy Water is a product made up of small plastic pellets that need to be melted and poured onto the m ...more

Metacreations Bryce is a 3D terrain-generating application. You can build some beautiful landscapes, create animations, and even import 3D models from other programs.

The Displace modifier in 3ds Max acts as a force field to push and reshape an object’s geometry. You can apply its variable force directly from the modifier gizmo, or from a bitmapped image. The 3D Studio Max displace modifier works on Shapes, Meshes, Polys, Patches, NURBS. Di ...more

Watch this instructional model making video to make miniature plaster tile flooring for war game terrain. Add a thin layer of plaster for a smooth level floor for your game piece or diorama. The layer of plaster simulates concrete as is, or you can etch in tiles while the plas ...more

How to create a forest landscape in Bryce by starting with a mountain to create a simple model. Experiment with different textures (trunk, terrain, etc.) to get different kinds of trees.

This video shows you how to use the accessory meter on a 2010 Toyota 4 Runner. The accessory meter display is located in the center of the dash board. The accessory meter center includes a clock, average fuel consumption, range, compass, and outside temperature display. On mod ...more

This 3D software modeling tutorial series shows you step by step how to create a suitable model for Google Earth within SketchUp. The series will start by showing you how to export data from Google Earth to use for reference, how to build and optimize the modle, texture it in ...more

Watch this instructional model making video to cast your own rubber molds for dioramas and model railroads. You can custom design terrain features this way. You will have your own molds for casting. If you are making large dioramas this will also save you money. Use rubber mol ...more

These grass seed heads make great miniature cedar trees when painted. They are a little fragile for wargaming but great on model railroads. Watch this video miniature-making tutorial and learn how to make a mini trees out of grass heads for dioramas, models, and terrains.

Watch this instructional model making video to learn some of the pros and cons of making miniature game terrains out of wood. The wood models are certainly more durable, but they take a lot of work to build. The foam models go rather quickly and can take on more naturalistic c ...more