EXT: Compact and Bijou

As you may have seen from some of the SkypeBoot photos, my terrain collection has recently acquired some nice new additions. Following a request from Kraken to elaborate on the grainy Skype images, let's look at them in some more detail...

"An attractive old building with distinct features."

You pick up some real bargains on eBay. That's what I tell myself when I get caught in a bidding war over some cast-off dwarf plastic hammers. But in this case, it may actually be true. I got these for £15 the pair. They're resin-cast, superbly detailed and hand-painted.

"Excellent views from the rear of the house."

From the roof timers, rotting thatch, and uneven chimney bricks, a lot of work has gone into making this look authentic (rather than 'dolls house' perfect).

"The cottage retains a lot of its original charm."

I found these when I was on the hunt for ruined scenery (take note: I still haven't given up hopes of a WoffHeim weekend), and these fit the bill nicely. A bit too much vegetation perhaps, but they certainly look as if they've been hit by a meteor.

"Very suitable for DIY enthusiasts."

I tried to track down where these came from, and the maker's mark is from 'Dreamholme Creations'. I won't bother linking, as their website seems long-dead, but the internet archive tells me that these pair used to sell at £13 each (which still sounds a pretty good deal - no wonder they went out of business)

And look at the details around the back of the house: flagstones, broken timbers and even a wee barrel. The top floor even lifts out, if you want to make things extra-ruinous.

"Superb ventilation."

The scale is a funny one: they're definitely a bit poky for the 28/30mm scale of Warhammer (though perfectly serviceable - ye olde houses were smaller back then, right?), but they might be too big for 15mm scale.

"Within bowshot of all local amenities."

It turns out I should have split the difference: there is such a thing as 25mm scale, and apparently these were designed for that.

Conversely, they make excellent hobbit-scale.

"The lower floor can be used as a kitchenette."

So thanks Dreamholme Creations, wherever you are. You're making all my cardboard buildings look rubbish!