This model uses bricks from three molds: Flagstone Floor Tile Mold # 260, Basic Block Mold #4, and Octagonal Tower Mold # 63. All of the flooring material and step areas are for the Flagstone Floor Tile Mold. Most if the structure is from the Basic Block Mold. This mold utilized the octagonal corners from the Octagonal Tower Mold to build the portal.
Dimensions
12” By 6” By 5” for a total of 23. This places the model in the medium category. The area where the bricks are used is 7” By 4” By 5” for a total of 16. A sixteen would place the model in the small category.
Design
Purpose
This model is for use on a battle map for miniatures. The magical portal is designed to be easily placed on any battle map, especially for a scale of one inch equal five feet.
The design and construction of this model is based on three principles. The model must be easily placed on any battle map. The model must be robust. The model must look good. This model uses a standard size base (12” by 6”). Using standard bases creates uniform models with having to cut the wood bases. The blocks created by Hirst Molds are very strong when dry and can take a lot of damage from the normal use in a game. The blocks have great detail and take paint well. When complete they look great.
Steps
The first step in creating a model is to decide what to create. This can be a difficult decision. The model should be one that can be used many times on a battle map. Magical Portals are common in many fantasy gaming worlds. Time is an issue as well. Small models take less time then big models. This is especially important when there is a dead line like game night.
The next step is to draw a simple drawing of the model to be built. I draw dimensionless drawing as my design tends to change during the construction phase. The bricks themselves dictate some of the design and construction.
The next step is to pour the molds and construct to model.
Construction
Plaster is a very friendly medium for pouring molds. It does not require exact measurements to get great results. It is very flexible in the amount that can be made at one time. Pouring all three molds at the same time can save time. Each iteration of mold pouring takes about thirty minutes. This model required 46 floor tiles, 8 type one corner bricks and 8 type 2 corner bricks, and 24 basic block. When possible the long 3 piece basic block is used.
The portal was created first. It is important that the glue for the portal sets before turning it vertical. The steps were glued down and the portal placed on top. The frame for the steps was added and the portal is complete.
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