The first thing I started to figure out was how to house the computer. I wanted a sturdy, cylindrical frame that I could easily modify to accommodate all of the bells and whistles that will eventually cover it. I eventually settled on Sonotube, which is a thick cardboard material that is used as a mold for concrete columns. I bought a couple feet from a local concrete company, because most of the bigger hardware stores around Olympia only sold the stuff with a diameter of 12" or less. I cut it vertically with a saw to give the case a swinging door for showing off/upgrading/etc. I then sprayed on a light-gray base coat of paint. The cat makes a cameo appearance.
In addition to the main frame, I began work on the upper "terrarium". This is probably the most recognizable portion of the model, and so I want to do it right. After weeks of searching local stores, Craigslist, and my own kitchen for a suitable dome, I decided to order it from an online manufacturer. A little pricey, but art is priceless! To create the terrain, I began with a cardboard base a little over 18" in diameter. I then took pieces of Styrofoam and carved out a bunch of hills with an X-acto knife. It was brand new so it was sharp as hell. Awesome.
After taping them to the base, I covered the Styrofoam pieces with plaster cloth which rounded its corners, smoothed it out, and prepared it to be painted/flocked sometime later. I have a newfound respect for all of those Warhammer 40k nerds, because this hobby takes a lot of patience! I bought a bunch of deciduous tree models and undergrowth that I will eventually tack on to make forests. The scale may not be the exact same as in the games, but much of this will be creatively inspired. The lake will eventually be located in the depression near the large hill, but that can wait for the next update. Let me know what you think!
