In my last post I made some alien-looking plants using seed pods from a Banksia tree which I found on a walk on Christmas day. While making the terrain (see previous post for details), I cut the bottom off each of the seed pods. These offcuts still looked interesting, so I decided not to throw them away.
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| More alien plants added as scatter terrain. |
A day or so later, while sorting through my stash of various plastic plants I have collected over the years, but never fully used. I found some sprouting flower pieces that looked like they could be attached to the Banksia offcuts to create a few more alien-looking plants. With that in mind, I drilled holes to attach the flowers and then painted the pieces.
The following is a quick overview of the steps involved in making the plants.
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| The off cuts of the Banksia seed pods. |
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| Some unused plastic pieces of plant not used with sprouting flowers. |
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| Holes were drilled into the off cuts to hold the flowers. |
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| The off cuts were given a green wash, dry-brushed with a light green, and finally dabs of yellow added. |
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| The finished plants on the tabletop. |
I think I have now done my dash with creating alien-looking plants for the moment. Keeping with the Sci-Fi theme, a recent addition to my Star Wars Legion collection is a 1/72 scale X-Wing Starfighter for the Rebel forces. I already have a TIE Fighter for the Imperial forces. Although the 1/72 scale models are smaller than Star Wars Legion figures, which stand at around 30 mm tall, the fighters do not look out of place and appear suitably proportioned when mounted on sticks so they stand about 12 inches above the tabletop. With this addition, both forces now have access to air support, and the X-Wing will be used in the same way as the TIE Fighter, providing scenario-driven air support.
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| The latest addition to my Star Wars collection. |
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| The X-Wing and TIE fighter. |
That’s all for 2025…
More alien goodies, the bases of the seed pods look grand and the starfighter is a cracking piece, very nice addition.
ReplyDeleteThat should be about it for the alien terrain, unless I find something else of interest on my walks.
DeleteYour latest plant works look alien, indeed!
ReplyDeleteThanks. I think I have enough alien terrain for the moment.
DeleteGreat use of those offcut bits of seed pods there Peter, and as always, very effective too. Air support wise, I have a mix of scales, that tend to look OK no matter what, when at height over the table.
ReplyDeleteThey do seem to fit in quite nicely. Thanks.
DeleteGenius!
ReplyDeleteChris/Nundanket
Thanks. Now to play a game before the year wraps up.
DeleteWow, those seed pod things do look alien don’t they. Very nice mate.
ReplyDeleteThe seed pods were a very useful find.
DeleteExcellent stuff. I have just put up my own Star Wars game with inspiration from your posts, using Squad Hammer. Well done again sir.
ReplyDeleteI do enjoy using squad hammer, although I am messing around with the activation system at the moment.
DeleteAt least when things are from alien worlds there are no rules to follow (so no equivalent for wargaming “button counters”). And who’s to say whether those plants are harmless or somehow dangerous or even sentient? That would help with more randomness if ever you need to add it to your games. 😉
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Geoff
Hi Geoff, some of those plants do look a rather carnivorous. Certainly a good idea with some of my solo games.
DeleteNice stuff Peter - I have used broken off twigs found on walks to create 20 or 28mm trees before today - some bushes have twigs that look exactly like a small tree - I do find trying to use twigs from an actual 40 or 50 foot tree doesn't work so well though. Your alien creations look just right!
ReplyDeleteThanks. The advantage of alien terrain there is no real comparison. It is what it is.
DeleteA great result Peter and they are an excellent height for the figures to hide behind but still make it easy to move the figures around.
ReplyDeleteVery nice Starfighter. Not dissimilar from its American namesake 😁
The practicality of terrain is something to be considered. In the past I have made some fancy W40K terrain and then did not use it as it was tricky to place the models.
DeleteIt looks good. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI wish you a happy new year
Thanks. Have a happy New Year with trains and games.
DeleteExcellent looking stuff sir!
ReplyDeleteBest regards
Thank you. It is always fun making cheap terrain.
Delete