The Eldar Warp Gate from Codex: Eldar was the inspiration for this terrain piece. Click on the images below to see a larger picture of each stage.

CONSTRUCTION AND PAINTING

Stage 1

Draw a pattern for the arms on paper. Use the paper template to trace the shape onto a piece of hardboard three times (Masonite will work well for this). Make the circular cut-outs on the backs of the arms with a drill and a spade bit and then cut out the arms with a jigsaw or band saw. Trace the circles for the base with a compass or use circular objects (we used a small bucket and a coffee can). Cut out the circles with a band saw or jigsaw. Smooth the edges of all your hardboard pieces with sandpaper. Get an adult to help you with the power tools if you’re under 18. Use two Titan bases and a 40-mm round base to form the centre of your Warp Gate.

You can sculpt the gem stones out of Green Stuff, but it’s easier to buy plastic pieces from a craft store. We used six teardrop-shaped “gems” on the arms and three oval gems on the base. Assemble all your pieces with superglue.

Step 2

Prime your Warp Gate with Skull White and then spray paint it with Bleached Bone. Apply a thinned-down wash of Vomit Brown along the joins between parts. Let the wash dry completely and then drybrush the entire piece with Bleached Bone followed by Skull White. Paint the gems Scab Red and then highlight with Red Gore, Blood Red, and Fiery Orange. Each highlight should be applied in half circles on the lower half of the gem, and each one should be smaller than the last. Finally, add a spot of Skull White.

Step 3

Use a compass to draw a border along the edge and another line 1/2" from the edge. Add symbols along the edge with a fine tip marker. You can find examples of appropriate symbols in Codex: Eldar.

To suggest that age and neglect have taken their toll on your Warp Gate, you can paint on a bit of PVA woodworking glue and sprinkle flock on top. Your Warp Gate is now ready for the battlefield.