Outstanding!!!!

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It is hard to explain an idea sometimes. I used the foil because it makes a good jagged edge. I will put a plaster bandage on top of the foil. Then I will finish the plaster shell like normal ground work. Shells are usually made with paper.The foil tears and bends better than paper.

I may use foil to reflect light from the under side if white paint does not work well enough. The LEDs don't give off much heat.

I hope Thanks.

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"the same as a duck you must be made of wood"

that lava looks awesome! well done

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goblin: "people associate me with boogers because i am green"

The surface of the light box cut out. The Poli-Fil and LED wiring below.



The Box surface was covered with foil because it is easier to tear. It also is water proof. The MDFB will not soak up the water during the next step and warp.



Plaster bandage was added to the foil to form a base for the ground work texture. I covered the Poli-Fil with plastic wrap.



I used Dry wall Mud for the texture. It is also called joint compound some times. Some one let me know what it is called in the UK.
When this is dry I will turn the surface of the light box over and remove the plastic wrap. Then I can correct any flaws in the underside before I paint. I applied the filler thick because I want it to crack as it drys.

I have not done a very good job of explaining my thought process so I hope the photos help.
Thanks again for all the nice comments.

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"the same as a duck you must be made of wood"

I could see this technique being used by Star Wars fans to recreate the light-sabre battle between Anakin and Obi-wan (I cannot remember where it happened, just that it was in film 3 of the second batch made).
Come to think of it, now you have shown us a technique that can be expanded and applied to the glowing lava moat at Barad-dur, and the Sammath Naur, and the slopes of Orodruin. The ultimate source lighting, eh? I am amazed at the range of materials and techniques being incorporated into this one (but very substantial) project.

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Published ebooks:
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A Note of Defiance
Phantom Ships, Ghost Flotilla
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Absolutely fantastic work here!
Thanks for sharing the technique! I wasn't planning on making Mount Doom, but this might change things...

I have to report a critical failure with the Aluminum foil. Don't use the non stick brand I am going to rethink this. It might have been ok had I painted the foil. Paint might not even stick to this brand of foil. I will see
Thanks For the nice comments.

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"the same as a duck you must be made of wood"

I May switch to a more traditional Hard wire shell. I have used hard wire shells for fifty years. The Paper pillows are more popular now. I don't like them for wargaming. Medium density foam is better.It may be better for this as well. We will see.



I could cover this with bandage but I will use glue soaked tissue instead.

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"the same as a duck you must be made of wood"

I'm so glad your testing all this before committing to the final piece.

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It will all come right in the end, I am sure. It's like experimental archaeology - they try what they think someone (eg, the Romans) did long ago, and if that doesn't work out, they try little variations still within the technological scope of that ancient culture. I suppose one good thing is that the LED's are fairly low energy - hopefully that is less of a fire hazard (knowing me, I would have the house on fire )

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Published ebooks:
Instrument of the Empire
A Note of Defiance
Phantom Ships, Ghost Flotilla
More to come!

Me too

One thing I learned is not to jump to conclusions. At first I blamed the foil. It seemed reasonable at the time that the non stick foil was the problem. The real reason for the failure became apparent during the next attempt.
The plaster bandage was stale. The High humidity in my garage had killed the plaster/ degraded the quality. I painted it with white glue and salvaged it. It was a shock. I had never had it happen before.
I painted a foil sheet over the week end. I did not have any kind of problem with it at all.



Hard wire basket will support the Poli-fil and keep it away from the light bulb or LEDs



I am still not happy with this I want it to be under instead of on top of the surface.



The pine bark gave me the idea to use sheet cork instead of foil for the overhang surface of the magma. I don't have any so I will pick some up this afternoon and try it.


High technology or low tech It was cybermen from planet X



The old bulbs give off a lot of heat. I also don't want a 100 foot extension cord on my light saber. I have fond memories of a 1964 episode of Lost In Space. Guy Williams as John Robinson, AKA Zoro, fought a electric sword duel with some Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea recycled aliens. I don't want a cord or a fire so I am working on battery boxes.
The battery box and the LEDs for the 2mm Volcanic Island are at the bottom left.

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"the same as a duck you must be made of wood"

nice stuff charlie!

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goblin: "people associate me with boogers because i am green"

I have had to replace my camera. I still need to upgrade the software to Windows 8. There are glitches.
I should be able to make some updates shortly.

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"the same as a duck you must be made of wood"

Looking really good, is it heavy? Why not stick to Windows 7?less hassle imo

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Harfoots-The first of the Hobbit people to cross over the Misty Mountains and enter Eriador.

My computer was 15 years old. It bit the big one. The Laptop came with Windows 8. Not much choice. I purchased a up to date camera so I will be able to make macro photos. My brother said I should have purchased a tablet. I am still behind the curve and have and old school cell phone too.
I would rather spend my money on a new hot knife.

Heavy?
No not bad. Thanks for the nice comments.

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"the same as a duck you must be made of wood"

Outstanding work, looks very good.

I am trying to learn to use the new camera. This is a WIP shot of my Inn.The Walls are not finished. There are no windows and doors yet. I could not help but put Strider in the dark corner. Frodo is dancing on the table.



very old and very small. I will work on the lighting.

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"the same as a duck you must be made of wood"

Ha! I love that Strider model. very cool

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You don't have to be great to start. But you do have to start to be great.

You should do one in 28mm

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"the same as a duck you must be made of wood"

Ha! Sssh! You'll start giving ideas to certain other members of this forum who employ me.

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You don't have to be great to start. But you do have to start to be great.