Zulu Kraal (1 Viewer)

[plasmapulse]

For some time now I wanted to make a Zulu war diorama from scratch.
After some thought I decided to start work on a 54mm Zulu Kraal. When finished it can be used to display zulus or looting brits.

I created this thread mostly to motivate others to build their own scenery as well as to motivate myself to actually finish this one as I am notorious for abandoning projects way before they're finished.

Today I will be buying materials to create a master for a Zulu hut, that i will mould and cast. The ones commercially available won't suit the project and i wanted to give it a more personal touch. I will be doing huts-on-poles as well and the fence. I'm not a fast worker so this project will take some time.

Here is a Zulu dawn snap shot where you can get the overall feel and see some huts on poles to get the idea. Update on the building of the hut to follow.

 

[modwalls]

Joachim, good luck on your huts, take your time and do a good job. I can't wait to see what you come up with. Hobby On, Mike

 

[kilted vampire]

You do think kinda big! Keep us updated with lots of pics!

 

[plasmapulse]

Oh God no, not as big as the one in the pic. I have a plan for two huts on poles, about 5 big ones and 4 smaller ones. Maybe more if i have the space for it but I have to make some sort of mock-up first to see how it works. It will be a permanent display and it does require a certain amount of zulus toflesh things out. Quality over quantity.

I got a 15cm styrofoam sphere today and will start making the hut this evening.

 

[kilted vampire]

Good luck and let us see some pictures of the progress

 

[plasmapulse]

I've started out by putting a even layer of plastiline clay on top of the dome, and punching some texture in it. The clay won't harden, but that doesn't matter since I will mould it. The hole in the top will be covered up, but I'll use it to attach vertical ropes before that. The texture may seem a bit over the top compared to photo's of a zulu hut, but it works better with the scale imho.
The rest of the detailing and such will follow this week. The king's hut will be modified to look a bit larger and more decorated.

 

[Wraith]

Joachim,

Those look very cool. The painting and sculpting look very effective.

Cheers for sharing the work in development.

Simon

 

[plasmapulse]

Thanks, there is nothing painted yet though.

Here is some progress. Things are taking to take shape. The string is attached, the hole in the top plugged and the entrance made.

I can cut the opening after it has been molded without too much hassle.
There is still some adjusting to do. With some original huts, the entrance is sunken under the roof, or there is more detailing at the bottom. All these things can be adjusted after it has been molded and cast.

Any comments are welcome, especially if you think I'm way off .

 

[Wraith]

Thanks, there is nothing painted yet though.

Ah. Yes, having re-read the original post, that would make sense.
Excellent sculpting and fine choice in clay colouration.
I'm afraid I've got nothing advice wise on the accuracy, but it is looking very nice. Look forward to seeing this progress.

Cheers
Simon

 

[kilted vampire]

Very cool PP

 

[rws591]

finish this one it would be cool to see

 

[plasmapulse]

Will finish soon, I'll start the moulding this week or so.