Pendraken Miniatures Forum

Wider Wargaming => Painting & Modelling => Topic started by: Heedless Horseman on 13 August 2017, 01:25:19 AM

Title: Burning Wreck Smoke
Post by: Heedless Horseman on 13 August 2017, 01:25:19 AM
I am thinking about how to add smoke/flame to AFV wreck markers. To be honest, these would be for 3mm, but could apply to 10mm. I am considering orange clump foliage stuck down on tank, with smoke painted black. However, there are questions.

Clump foliage is, I think, organic sponge...so will dry and, maybe, rot. I remember the 'lichen', (In my younger years), would eventually disintegrate! Would artificial foam be longer lasting? But Artificial packaging foam tends to look a bit...artificial! Cotton wool will just get 'fluffy' and wire wool will fall off and be far too much faff...and unrealistic in smaller scales.

Problems:
Scenic base bush modelling recommends using PVA to attach clump..then spraying with watered PVA for strength. Will this not be too weak and brittle for a smoke plume? Does Superglue degrade organic clump stuff?
How best to 'pluck' manmade foam for the 'cloud' look. What glue to use? Would superglue melt it? (Doubt that PVA would be strong enough to support a smoke plume).
I assume that paint would have to be acrylic, but would artist ink be ok?

The same questions probably apply to adding foliage cammo to tanks...but...if tank cammo degrades, it still looks ok, just in need of replacement, wheras a smoke plume would not.

In 10mm, I like the Litko 'Burning' markers, etc. A bit 'gamey' but I like the impression they give...if model has enough space to place them. These would be no good for smaller scales though, so advice appreciated, thanks.
Title: Re: Burning Wreck Smoke
Post by: Wulf on 13 August 2017, 01:43:49 AM
Clump foliage will probably last longer than you or I, and it's the simplest way to go. Do not doubt the strength of PVA glue - so long as it's kept dry. For bigger examples, try this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fBzMGyhh0Q

Title: Re: Burning Wreck Smoke
Post by: lowlylowlycook on 13 August 2017, 02:02:28 AM
It probably depends on the source but when Mel "The Terrain Tutor" was showing how to make your own clump foliage he was using upholstery foam and prefered chip foam.
Title: Re: Burning Wreck Smoke
Post by: Ithoriel on 13 August 2017, 02:07:21 AM
Been thinking about smoke markers for a while and had this bookmarked as labour intensive but cheap and effective.

For 3mm use smaller clips :)

http://www.blmablog.com/2013/03/black-smoke-markers-for-6mm-wargaming.html
Title: Re: Burning Wreck Smoke
Post by: FierceKitty on 13 August 2017, 03:24:28 AM
Try a sewing shop - ask about batting, a fluffy material used in bulking out portions of padded jackets. I've used it for smoke markers for my SYW forces, and I'm happy with the result - much better and sturdier than cotton wool.

http://www.pendrakenforum.co.uk/index.php/topic,15151.0.html
Title: Re: Burning Wreck Smoke
Post by: Wulf on 13 August 2017, 03:21:03 PM
Quote from: FierceKitty on 13 August 2017, 03:24:28 AM
Try a sewing shop - ask about batting, a fluffy material used in bulking out portions of padded jackets.
Is that the same stuff as Teddy Bear stuffing? You've just reminded me I bought some of that... never used it...
Title: Re: Burning Wreck Smoke
Post by: FierceKitty on 13 August 2017, 03:36:02 PM
I don't know about you, but I'd have fought valiantly to protect my dear old teddy from being cut open to remove his stuffing. Can't say, therefore.
Title: Re: Burning Wreck Smoke
Post by: paulr on 13 August 2017, 08:34:52 PM
You can buy the stuffing new FK, so no Teddy bears are harmed ;)

I believe it is the same, or at least very similar. I've used it for my smoke markers
Title: Re: Burning Wreck Smoke
Post by: Wulf on 13 August 2017, 08:52:16 PM
Years ago, I went to a wetland bird centre (Lochwinnoch in south western Scotland). This day, they had a nature trail set up to show kids how to be nice to wild animals. For instance, what sort of stuff was good to provide for birds to make nests. Against one tree, they pinned a teddy bear.

No, not pinned... crucified.

And then they slit it's belly open to expose the stuffing.  8)

I bet the kids loved it...  :D
Title: Re: Burning Wreck Smoke
Post by: Heedless Horseman on 13 August 2017, 09:41:43 PM
The paperclip armature is a good idea. Thx Ithoriel. The thing about 3mm tanks is that at £3 for fifteen vehicles, sticking smoke to a wreck marker becomes cost effective...especially if there are redundant vehicles to snip up. (Who would need 15 KV2s ,Wirbelwinds etc?).

Paperclips are useful! When I did some 1/300 WW1 planes, the temporary bent clip painting stands looked better than the purchased flight stands originally envisaged! lol.

Title: Re: Burning Wreck Smoke
Post by: Ithoriel on 13 August 2017, 10:35:59 PM
Quote from: Heedless Horseman on 13 August 2017, 09:41:43 PM
The paperclip armature is a good idea. Thx Ithoriel. The thing about 3mm tanks is that at £3 for fifteen vehicles, sticking smoke to a wreck marker becomes cost effective...especially if there are redundant vehicles to snip up. (Who would need 15 KV2s ,Wirbelwinds etc?).

Paperclips are useful! When I did some 1/300 WW1 planes, the temporary bent clip painting stands looked better than the purchased flight stands originally envisaged! lol.

Yeah, I'm just starting painting my 3mm WW2 Germans and Brits. I now have 5 stands of Sdkfz234/1 armoured cars ... ideal if I ever play a 5k a side game :-) There again at 20p a vehicle it's hard to complain about the excess :)
Title: Re: Burning Wreck Smoke
Post by: fsn on 14 August 2017, 07:43:20 AM
I use florists wire. You can get different gauges and can get it straight cut.

On Amazon 600 x 7" lengths of 28 gauge cost just £1.75.

I use if for my 1:600 planes too.