The Way Is Shut - Refactored

 

This was my first booknook. At that time, I was going to use the nooks as display and storage for some of my war game miniatures. Since that time I have changed my opinion and want the nooks to be presented without any such imperfections associated with removable figures.

"The Way Is Shut" depicts the entrance to The Paths of the Dead. It uses a mirror to appear larger (deeper and wider) on the inside like the first city alley type book nooks. A video can be found here.

The original figures stand on square bases.

I really like the Aragorn miniature and the Gimli figure is already a new addition. I searched for a replacement Legolas miniature, but I could not find a better model in a less aggressive pose. At least here Legolas has raised his bow and is drawing an arrow in response to a ghostly vision under the mountain.

The other (and more book accurate) version of this nook incorporates "The Three Hunters Mounted" from Games Workshop.

Three hunters mounted version

Three hunters mounted version

Instead I will replace the figures with the same ones without bases.

Aragorn

This model is from Dark Sword Miniatures (here - hedge knight dual wield) and required a bit of assembly (both arms). The dagger arm (left) did not fit together quite right and needed to be pinned and the gap filled with green stuff.

Legolas

This model is from Reaper Miniatures (here - Arthal Nightblade, Elf Ranger) and comes as a single piece with an integrated base. A jewelry saw was used to cut the base from the figure so that it can stand freely on the path inside the booknook.

Gimli

This miniature was 3D printed in resin by my neighbor. The model is Uddir Thunderaxe and can be found here.

Base Pinning

The metal figures will need to pinned inside the nook. The Aragorn figure had casting lines on the feet and were trimmed and sharpened for insertion into the foam booknook terrain. The Legolas Figure was drilled with a pin-vice (hand drill) and stiff wires inserted.

Painting and installation

The figures were painted with a common cloak color. and an emphasis on the sides which will be visible after installed in the nook.

Aragorn was installed by pressing the figure into the foam, double checking for any possible visible reflection in the mirror, and gluing down with wood glue.

Legolas was glued down in the same way, and Gimli was installed very quickly.