HMGS / Pacific Southwest

Archive for the ‘Terrain’ Category

Hi all,

It is common knowledge that “Brick and Mortar” stores all over the country are having a tuff time and even more so with the down turn of the economy. As gamers who all owe a debt to these stores for helping to develop the hobby over the years and helping to create the gamers we have today. Take a moment when you can or are in the neighborhood to stop by and browse a bit, plop a few bucks down if you can.

So is that my topic here? Well sort of but not really…. I just wanted to let others know that in this world of rapidly shrinking resources for the Wargamer/figure painter there are still some gems out there if you know where to look! Two places in the San Fernando Valley you may not know about are “Kitkraft” and “Carter-Sexton”. These are not “gaming stores” but do carry a lot of the supplies that miniature gamers use regularly and sometimes cant be found even in a dedicated “game/hobby shop”.

Kitkraft located at 12109 Ventura Pl. in Studio City, Ca. (818) 509-9739 has been around since 1946 and has the look and feel of an old time REAL hobby shop! The only one left I know about anywhere in 400 miles. Family run it has glues, paints, scenic material, the FINEST collection of “small” styrene/balsa/brass and steel stock I have ever seen for you scratch builders, casting material, beads, tools, models, paints, and things you never dreamed you needed until you see them on a back shelf and yell “eureka!”

Carter-Sexton at 5308 Laurel Canyon Blvd, 818-763-5050, is really an Artist store but has a lot of things that the wargamer uses and has a hard time finding. The have a great selection of brushes and by looking or asking you can find some excellent red sables in the $5 range. They also have a big selection of inks, airbrush equipment, and lots of cool tools! They are also giving us a 10% discount for paid members with badge!!!!

Do you know of any stores in your area we should let our members know about? Write it up and post it or let me know! Ask them if they will give a discount to organized non-profit groups, most will!

We’re looking forward to hearing from you guys and your order.  Get in touch with me at: ray@artofwarterrain.com  when you’re ready!  Remember, you can pool your cert with a buddy, order a customized model, or even hang on to it until next show if you’re not quite sure what you’re looking for!!!!!  We also have terrain building supplies if you’re handy and want to build your own stuff.

Here is a method recently posted on TMP:

“Start with Camel colored felt. DO NOT USE BAIZE as some have recommended. Baize is really expensive and does not have a knap [sic].

Using a Wagner Power Spray Paint Gun hit the fabric with paint sprayed at about 4-5 feet. DO NOT cover uniformly. Also don’t put it on too thick.

Spray Painted Felt

The paint will adhere to the knap [sic] and does not penetrate the fabric. This is really great because you can paint one side in a grassy green motif and the other side as desert terrain.”