[Redbishop]

Hey guys,

I am looking for some ideas on how to model arcs of lightning like energy discharges. I have googled my heart out but my search foo is weak and I am hoping someone on here has an idea. My goal is to scratch build a necron pylon from a square pillar of Styrofoam. I want to drill a large hole (3 or 4 inches wide) through it at the top and suspend an orb (a large marble maybe) with the lightning bolts. Any suggestions would be extremely helpful.

Thank you!:biggrin:

 

[LordRaith]

Seems like a difficult thing to model, however, I have seen it done with jeweler's wire, such as here: http://www.coolminiornot.com/179333

You could also do it with green stuff, which is what I believe was used here: http://coolminiornot.com/183992

 

[bitsandkits]

dryad branches are used quite alot

 

[The Wraithlord]

The problem with doing that is the fact that they will always look wrong. Anyone who has ever seen a movie with lightning arcing around will have an idea in their head about what it should look like and a static bit just won't ever convey it. Try it by all means but don't be surprised it if doesn't come out like you thought.

 

[morfangdakka]

It does make it difficult to try and make a moving object look good when it is standing still. I found these which will hopefully help

http://www.flickr.com/photos/xole/1353004226/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/xole/1353004432/in/photostream/

For some reason I can't get photobucket to load these images so I had to link them. The guy that did these has a whole army like this so I you can find it then it may give you other ideas.
Probably a combination of wire and green stuff will help convey the movement that you are looking for.

 

[Redbishop]

Thanks for the fast responses guys!

I have to admit I was hoping for a "that's easy here is how you do it" But the lack of solid techniques means I get to put my creativity hat on and see what I can do. If I come up with a technique that gives me good results I'll post it here and if the pylon ends up looking good I'll post that too.

Again thanks for looking!:grin:

 

[Phenious]

YeaI would asume lightning would be one of the most difficult things to make. I think a combo of those two might do you fine with some epic glow effect painting. Might also try something like static grass with a bit of green stuff accents. Just got to find good static shots of the randomness of real lightning to go off of. that you can find lots of from movies to scenic shots. For something that happens in the blink of an eye people seem quite capable of capturing it.

 

[Raptor_00]

What about using a small electric globe such as: http://cheekypeanuts.com/Pictures/Computer Accessories/USB Plasma Ball - 3.5 Inch Electric Globe.jpg

Modify or buy one that runs off batteries. This way you don't have to model lightning, you can simply harness it. I think I've seen them about 3 inches in diameter before. Just an idea.

 

[genesis108]

I was thinking of suggesting that too..but 3" is still a bit big for 28mm scale. I'd imagine you'd need one about 1 1/2-2" to fit..

 

[mcmuffin]

there is a star wars model of the emperor that comes with lightning, so why not pop down to your local toy store and see if they have it. here is a pic of the lightning http://www.briansjunk.com/images/Star Wars/Trilogy/Emperor Pal.jpg , i actually have 3 of them at home. night lords here i come. hope this helps

 

[Dave T Hobbit]

there is a star wars model of the emperor that comes with lightning....

The spread end is not too bad. However the disc about 1/3 along looks out of place and, given the type of plastic, difficult to remove without leaving an obvious mark.

 

[Otep]

necron doomy doomy doom!

commandeer ideas young padawan!

 

[Holmstrom]

That Monolith doesn't just defeat the enemy...it gives you cancer, too!

 

[Gothminion]

I'd say get some thin wire or some pipe cleaners and just have them arcing out of the hands and into the air, rather than onto the ground - I think that should give the impression that it is moving, rather than a stream of electricity going into the ground