Models · terrain · technique

The Workbench

Science-fiction models and terrain, from the first cut to the finished piece. Build logs and articles are coming soon.

Close detail of a science-fiction starship model's upper saucer, showing panel lines, surface markings and the registry lettering.Science-fiction models

On the workbench

Science-fiction models

Starships and vehicles deserve more than a finished photograph. Each project write-up preserves the decisions behind the result: assembly strategy, corrections, paint choices, markings, weathering, and what changed along the way.

  • Build logs and galleries
  • Paint and material records
  • Scale, lighting, and photography notes
Read Workbench dispatches →

On the workbench

Terrain for actual play

Terrain should look convincing, survive the table, and make the game easier to read. Terrain write-ups connect construction and finish choices to movement, cover, objectives, and the visual story of a scenario.

  • Modular structures and scatter terrain
  • Material lists and repeatable dimensions
  • Painting, weathering, and table layouts
Open modeling resources →
Terrain projects

A complete project record

From idea to gallery
01

Plan

Subject, scale, references, and the story the finished piece should tell.

02

Build

Assembly, structural changes, seams, subassemblies, and durable terrain construction.

03

Surface

Priming, texture, panel definition, damage, and materials that establish scale.

04

Color

A controlled palette, readable contrast, markings, and purposeful weathering.

05

Present

Basing, table use, lighting, photography, and a complete record of the build.

How builds are recorded

Two kinds of project record

Every build on the workbench is written up in one of two formats. Both keep the same fields in the same order, so a project can be read end to end—or set beside another and compared at a glance.

Ship builds

Science-fiction build

Gallery, kit and scale, modifications, paint record, markings, lessons, and display notes.

Terrain builds

Terrain build

Purpose, dimensions, material list, construction sequence, finish, and table configurations.