One idea that had caught my attention about a year ago was casting my own terrain. HirstArts.Com has an excellent on-line site with pictures, free terrain ideas and examples of constructions that can be made from his molds. Mr. Hurst likens his concept for molds that provide building blocks to a Lego-like system. Basically, HirstArts sells molds that allow you to cast your own terrain building blocks in plaster of paris, dental plaster (for added durability) and in some cases resin.

I had heard nothing but good things about the company and the molds but I was reluctant to take the plunge and buy one. Over $30 for a mold to make stuff can seem a little high, especially if you're not sure of your ability to work with the materials once you have them on hand. Finally, I worked up my courage, picked one of the couple of dozen molds he has available and ordered from the on-line store.

The mold arrived Priority mail within a couple of days with excellent e-mail contact with the company and a nice introduction letter enclosed with the mold, explaining that most any question I could ask was probably answered on their website; they weren't joking either. The mold is made from a very flexible rubber which allows you to start casting right away (no need for a mold release like talc or soapy water).

The mold I got was designed to allow you to build a Warlock's House (#70 in the on-line catalog). The plans for the house are provided for free download and they include very good, step-by-step schematics of how to build the house. To top that, Mr. Hirst also has a photographed step-by-step demonstration of how to put most (if not all) of his models together. Plus, there's a large selection of FAQs on his site (complete with pictorial explanations) on how to do everything from properly mixing plaster of paris to creating a wooden textured building section using cardboard and aluminum foil---really it works!

At any rate, with my new mold in hand I quickly mixed up some plaster and poured it into the mold. Within 1/2 hour or so, the first blocks were ready to come out (a little wet still but dry enough to come out). My first batch broke and had several voids in them. Uh-oh. I'd bought a mold and now I was going to get garbage results. I should have known those pictures were too good to be true. Not exactly :)

Going to www.hirstarts.com I soon found explanations of all the mess ups I had just made (blocks weren't dry enough, plaster was mixed too thin and I hadn't pounded the air bubbles out in order to prevent the voids in the blocks). My second batch, made using my new found knowledge, were much better---though far from perfect. Each batch I make gets a little better as I learn patience and attention to details with each iteration.

The blocks (for this kit) look like tiny little sections of a stone wall. Using the floorplan I downloaded from the site, I found that I could build a nice little ruined house---in my case I went with ruins since they're quicker and easier for my WarMachine habit---with a little perserverance.

Casting enough blocks for a typical building takes awhile (20 or more castings at 30 minutes each) but Bruce makes recommendations on how you can budget your time in order to have enough blocks to build something worthwhile in just a few days (a few castings a night).

As noted the blocks are useful for projects other than the building for which they are specified. You could, for example, use the blocks from this mold to make a bridge---which I did---or any of a number of buildings, ruins, etc. I am learning that a little prior planning and patience as you mix and cast and build goes a long way.

For quick, cheap constructions you can stick with plaster of paris. For the price of one pre-painted, pre-casted piece of terrain (easily $35-$50), I have a mold that allows me to crank out terrain that literally costs less than a buck a piece (labor not included :). The plaster paints up well and Bruce provides a ton of suggestions on how to get the best paintjobs going for your creations. For those who want their buildings to last a long time---dental plaster is recommended. Not surprisingly, Bruce provides some good information on available dental plaster, resin and other casting materials on his site---for those who want to go that route.

There are several other molds on the site including new science fiction structures and I'm now trying to figure out what I will pick up next. I am actually thinking of going back and picking up the starter set for building a Wizard's Tower (Bruce recommends that simpler set for beginners) to help me work up the patience for building things beyond bridges and ruins.

All in all, HirstArts is a well-run operation that turns out excellent product. You get quality on-line support, suggestions and answers to your questions and the company is very responsive and quick with the shipping, so you get your stuff ASAP. If you are even intermediately crafty and enjoy the model/terrain-making aspect of miniatures/RPG hobbies, then I cannot recommend these molds enough.

www.hirstarts.com