Making Stairs

[LadyArgent]

I'm getting ready to begin a project that will call for stairs, a grand staircase to be exact...not the dungeon type. I imagine constructing them is basically the same but I wanted to see what had worked for you guys. Styrofoam, plaster, etc.

 

[War Griffon]

All depends on size and scale that you are going for really.

A lot of people go about this in different ways depending on skill level, foam board is one of the easiest things to use to make stairs but remember to seal the edges before you spray it otherwise all your hard work will melt away in front of you.

I have also seen this done with the Hirst Arts plaster molds and even using the remains of the plastic sprues from GW plastic sets etc.

 

[Shawn R. L.]

If you want to go to the trouble, popsicle sticks are good material. Good wood (I think spruce) with a fine grain. Tend to be fairly consistent.

 

[Einion]

Yep, popsicle sticks sure are a good source of scale board material. The wooden stirrers in your favourite coffee place are worth grabbing a handful of too; generally they're a little thinner and longer.

Einion

 

[nels0nmac]

What scale are you working to? That can make a big difference as to what materials will work best.

 

[LadyArgent]

The scale is 38mm. The miniature is Monsieur Mort from Freebooter (http://www.frpgames.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=59594). He will be ascending the stiarcase. Right now his leg is a little higher than it would be in a natural step so I know that I will need to try and adjust the placement of his leg a bit to make it look more natural. There will be more to the diorama than just that but everthing else will be smooth sailing.

Thanks to everyone for the quick responses!

 

[Shawn R. L.]

Yep, popsicle sticks sure are a good source of scale board material. The wooden stirrers in your favourite coffee place are worth grabbing a handful of too; generally they're a little thinner and longer.

Einion

A brisk hard scrubbing with a wire brush can really bring out the grain. If you can QUICKLY burn/blacken the surface with a candle, then scrub it, the grain REALLY comes out.

 

[Einion]

A brisk hard scrubbing with a wire brush can really bring out the grain.

Yeah, playing with that at the moment! Also trying some home wood dye recipes (tea, iron acetate) so that the wood colour is just the wood, because I might be using solvents to bubble the paint layer.

Einion

 

[mickc22]

would this be any good to you?

View attachment 2459

 

[LadyArgent]

I really like that, who's the maker? Not sure if the steps would be too tall but I could always find a use for it.

 

[mickc22]

:smile-big:
Thanks, that would be me..I've still got one or two left from that casting, had some bubble issues so I need to re-make the master and re-cast them (one day)
PM me if you want one