Fake rock build - Pics

[JoshN]

Hey guys, started my fake rock build about 2 weeks ago and thought I'd post some pictures of my progress. I didn't take any pictures of the early stages as I had no access to a camera, so here's what I have so far.



General overview of the build before i glued anything in place. Here you can also see the flooring that is stuck into place. I've left it off the left side as this is where the heat mat will be, ensuring that in the future it can be removed if it ever breaks.


Here you can see a close up of the rock wall detail, the idea was that someone had chipped away at an area that had been covered. This took 3 hours to carved out!


Now have the stairs glued into pace and the final design is starting to take pace.


Overall view of semi-final design now that everything is glued into place. Just need to add some supports and any extra details that I may decide to do.


Just showing the cable access channel, this is for the thermostat and thermometer probe and runs down the back of the rock wall, coming out at the bottom where the vent is.


This also shows the access hole for the heat mat, in the event it ever breaks it will be able to be removed and replaced.

That's all now guys, will update with new pics once progress is made!

Any advice is appreciated, do't be afraid to say what you think.

[shiftyraccoon]

Looks ace!
The worse part comes up now, grouting! haha

I'm looking into working with Jesmonite soon, it's pricey but you should take a look

[JoshN]

I'm worried more about the painting than the grouting haha, i've had a practice with the grout and didn't find it too bad.

[Pendragon]

Looking good, keep the pics coming

Jay

[JoshN]

Just a little update people, added a support to the right hand side platform. Just got some last little details to do before grouting.

[cardinalgrom]

awsome dude, did you use a heated wire to shape the rocks? i use to make stuff like that for my toy soliers to play in, might give it a go lol, ah youth

[JoshN]

Originally Posted by cardinalgrom

awsome dude, did you use a heated wire to shape the rocks? i use to make stuff like that for my toy soliers to play in, might give it a go lol, ah youth

Nope, just got a set of 4 disposable sharp knifes for £1 and a pack of fine sandpaper from the range. Quite easy to shape but can be frustrating when bits tear off that you don't want!

[cardinalgrom]

lol thats the exact reason i use to use a hot wire

[daveplymouth]

how did you get the polystyrene so smooth and round on the edges?

[JoshN]

I just cut the pieces straight then cut the sides into 3 or 4 angles and sand them down.

like this:

\
|
/ and then once sanded the end up like this ).

All i can say is before you start your rock build practice on scrap pieces of polystyrene.