Island project: how to create water and reefs

[Captain Hannibal Joost]

Hi everyone,

I plan to make a big island, as realistic as possible, starting with a "volumetric" ocean (ie, higher than one plate).

I've tried and look at different technics, but I can't find something beautiful.

My idea was to have part of coral reefs with transparent tiles or plates or rounds above, but the result doesn't work.

Any ideas or example?

Thanks in advance!

[legoguy1984]

I've seen some builds where the "water" was empty space and the sides were clear to see in. Unfortunately I can't remember any of the names but this way will give you a above and below view.

[Captain Hannibal Joost]

The problem with empty space is that it's hard to make waves on the beach with a transition to wet sand...

[Tezclatipoca]

The problem with empty space is that it's hard to make waves on the beach with a transition to wet sand...

Sure it is.

To deal a shore and to see what is beneath the water I think Phred showed us a good example on this build. Perhaps a good idea to start.

I made myself a ship wreckage on a reef for Brethren of the Brick Seas, but didn't made the water : The end of the Appleseed.

Hoping that will help.

[kurigan]

"Cheat"!

Put the under-water part beneeth glass (plexiglass or lexan would work too) and build the ocean's surface on top.

You could try to brick-build it like Phred did but it will limit your span. With that method you'd have to find clever ways to add supports which go from the floor to the surface.

If you want a more engineering based opinion on how to span great distances as such, you should hit up the Technic forum, some of those guys really know their stuff!

[Capn Frank]

"Cheat"!

Put the under-water part beneeth glass (plexiglass or lexan would work too) and build the ocean's surface on top.

Agreed. This would be the best/easiest way.

I've seen multiple pirate displays with Plexiglas seas, and they look pretty good.

You could try to brick-build it like Phred did but it will limit your span.

It's my topic, but I didn't build it. That was a flickr find.

[Boettner Builds]

I haven't done it yet, but my plan for LEGO ocean is glass. I've seen a few different types (frosted, frosted/wavy, clear/wavy) I think it will look pretty good (better than the no longer made blue baseplates) and sorta cost effective.

[kurigan]

Oops. Well all credit to W. Navarre then as that really is a neat one.

[Captain Hannibal Joost]

For the final render, you're probably right. A plexi or glass will do the job. But... it's not Lego

I have to say I probably plan this as a "modular" building (multiple 32x32 base plate) to transport it easily. So plexi or glass plate will be hard to use.

[Capn Frank]

Here's a great example of a display I found using water:

Port Staj Historical Seaport - Overview by akama1_lego, on Flickr

[Captain Hannibal Joost]

Nice view :) it lacks the lagoon blue, but it's really good :)

[Tezclatipoca]

Nice find Phred ! I did not think some displays were using real water ! That's an excellent MOC !