Base WIP

[Corvus]

First off, I apologize if this is in the wrong forum- I was unsure, because I plan to incorporate multiple themes into it.

For a while now, I've been planning to build a new lego table- ever since I moved, everything has been sitting on shelves, cabinets.... anything it could sit on, without any real set up. It looked very pathetic.

The other problem was this- How could I build a specific Lego table? I'm going to college in less than a year, so I don't want to build anything that won't fit anywhere else.

So, I came up with a modular plan. So far (though this is subject to change) I've come up with three 30" x 45" tables, arranged in an L shape. This way, I could take one table to college with me, or re-arrange them as I see fit.

I plan to put a layer of bley bricks down, followed by 8x8 plates, followed by 2x2 light bley tiles. This way, I can have a nice 'floor' to my table, while being able to have a bit of room to depress it by putting in a supply 'train' channel for it to run along. Also, I can put down other color tiles (yellow, black, dk bley) to designate areas. This will also be modular by 30" by 45" segment, connecting by technic pins.

So far, here's a basic plan of the layout:

So, there's not much. There's a general area for a 'hangar' and a 'parade ground'. The only specific building I have in mind is the command center, which will look something like the Endor bunker, but enclosed (obviously) and with a second level with wrap-around windows.

So far, the themes I'm planning to include are mostly SW -because that's the most sets I have of- but it won't be limited to it. It's a very generic sort of base, without 'Empire', 'Rebels', 'Republic', or 'Seperatists'- again, those sets and minifigs are they're because they're what I have. This is why the topic isn't in the SW forum- because it's not really SW based.

So, here's my question. I know there are a lot of you out there that are more experiences in base-building. So, throw out ideas! This is a brainstorming session. Any ideas are welcome.

[Siegfried]

Darn, it seems no one had any ideas!

As it turns out, I'm planning on doing something similar soon, probably on a smaller scale. I need it for my comic so I want it to be modular and also easy to digitally replicate.

I don't have any firm plans at the moment, but I'll post my results. First off I am planning on making a hanger style area too, somewhat like what is done in the Home One set. That shouldn't be too hard...

First off, I apologize if this is in the wrong forum- I was unsure, because I plan to incorporate multiple themes into it.

It fits in here. I'll probably "base" some of my Star Wars models in mine too!

[SuvieD]

The power of MOCs like this are lost to the internet. They are simply too large. My suggestion is to do this in steps. Focus on each segment at a time and make it a worthy MOC in and of itself. Then once all the parts are finished put them together and turn it into a battle scene.

Buildings are often boring but their are ways to mix it up. Common tricks include, heavily greebled areas, repair work, areas under construction, repelling an attack, a prisoner escape, espionage, an accident, dramatic entry of a dignitary or ruler, or anything that shows movement/drama are great for increasing the look.

For details themselves, go take a look at Keith Goldman's stuff and steal a few ideas to help you get started. Use them as he does or tweak them to suit your building style and part selection.

Finally, stick with what you have. Buying loads of parts to complete a MOC does nothing to promote creativity. Using what you have forces you to get creative and can produce amazing results.

[Corvus]

Sorry, guys! I somehow missed your comments.

The power of MOCs like this are lost to the internet. They are simply too large. My suggestion is to do this in steps. Focus on each segment at a time and make it a worthy MOC in and of itself. Then once all the parts are finished put them together and turn it into a battle scene.

Buildings are often boring but their are ways to mix it up. Common tricks include, heavily greebled areas, repair work, areas under construction, repelling an attack, a prisoner escape, espionage, an accident, dramatic entry of a dignitary or ruler, or anything that shows movement/drama are great for increasing the look.

For details themselves, go take a look at Keith Goldman's stuff and steal a few ideas to help you get started. Use them as he does or tweak them to suit your building style and part selection.

Finally, stick with what you have. Buying loads of parts to complete a MOC does nothing to promote creativity. Using what you have forces you to get creative and can produce amazing results.

Thanks, Suvie.

This is intended to be a long-term project. The large size of it makes it simply impossible to buy and plan parts for, as well as making buildings rushed and lacking detail.

Here's an update:

So far, I have:

-2 level command center (56x56 studs)

-2 level barracks/armory (80x48)

-3 tiered spaceport for smaller vessels (64x64)

-maintenance garage (80x48)

-4 gun emplacements

-Monorail to service guns/carry cargo from end to end of area

-Heavy armor lot

-Large hangar area

This is intended to be a basic visual so I can plan basic sizes for models. One idea I've had so far is to include a tiered spaceport for smaller vessels- starfighters, speeders, and the like. The three decks will be attached to a central tower, which will include stairs and hopefully a working elevator for moving larger items, like crates, fuel, etc.

Second is a long barracks-type building. I don't have anything specific as of yet for design of this building. While this is intended to be a military base, I don't want it to be too crude. I'd like to include some architectural elements, such as a balcony, and maybe a statue.

One of the core ideas I've had so far has been to include a monorail for moving supplies. This will be close to the ground, running along a two-stud wide groove for a track, enabling materiels to be tacken off easily.

I plan to dabble around in LDD for a bit to get a more exact idea on what I want to do. Hopefully I'll be able to figure out what parts I'll need, too.

I really like the 'in construction' idea, SuvieD. It could be a great way to spice it up during mid-build.