www.athensgamersunite.com :: View topic - Modular Gaming Board

Samedi · Tactical Marine

First off, pics to come....soon?

Anyway, I'm working on making a modular gaming board. I have 2" extruded polystyrene (insulation foam), mounted on to a sheet of 3/4" plywood (a little thick, I'm starting to think, but sturdy). These are all cut into 2'x2' squares, that will be easily moved (one hopes).

Of course, this means my canyons will currently be about 2" high. I would like to put bridges and other walkways (as another member suggested), but I need to cut out the designs on the foamboard.

Here are two links, that show a few ideas for section designs, as well as two examples of a 4'x4' table assembled with the pieces.
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ATaSiW63nxR1EqflkRAEGg?feat=directlink
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qQ9JqoBOBg96ydFxkgb4zg?feat=directlink

When I actually get some cutting done, I'll get pictures up.

kabniel · Devestator Marine

Righto. I think that even at 6" you could potentially get bottlenecks made by warbands. It would take a bit of effort for someone to push through, but not terribly much. If you have a warband that is 15 models strong, then there's not much of a problem keeping that gap plugged if you are trying to prevent someone from taking an objective or doing one of the "get from point A to point B" types of missions. Just a thought is all. Too many if's probably.

I think the walkways could add alot of flavor to it. Especially if you went with a shanty town kind of idea. Or an abandoned mine mentality. Throw in a couple mine entrances that are movable and you have places that act as sewer entrances. ooo... that's hot.

You might also like to consider sloping the canyon edges. I don't think there would be any issue with 2" walls, but in the event there is, a slight slope up to the edges might help. Also gives a greater distance for people to fall, etc.

Can you tell it is spring break and I've got my work done for the day? With no students to bother me, I get stuff done much earlier in the day. That and I haven't rolled bones in a while.

I'm really looking forward to how you go about this.

Also, I'd love to see a picture of the work area you described.

Samedi · Tactical Marine

It's true, there may be bottlenecks. I do plan on having access to the top, and some bridges or what have you, but they're not showing in the plan. Ideally, they also would be modular/moveable, as opposed to permanently attached. I really like the story idea of a mine.

I haven't actually started cutting yet (I have two squares mounted to the plywood, the rest are all still loose).

As far as modular ability, my original plan was to have a 6" entry on all four sides of each square. That way, no matter what the middle looks like, it'll line up.

As a note, the designs I threw up are just basic ideas, not permanent blueprints. I also have some ideas for edge tiles (when I want to expand to 8'x8'!!), so that you can deploy on a large-ish area, then have your units infiltrate the canyon system.

Pics after I get off work (late tonight).

Abaddon · Site Admin

Here is a link to my Mordheim terrain log:

http://www.athensgamersunite.com/viewtopic.php?t=1866

Aelies · Veteran

I was looking at this a while back. It might give you some ideas.

http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/243963.page

Samedi · Tactical Marine

Nice links, thanks.

The lava board is cool, and I will likely use some of the tips, but its not interchangeably modular (as opposed to being modular for storage). There's definitely some good info, though. Smile

Nightbane · Terminator

just remember that troops can climb, so you may want to put some ways to get to the top that don't require climbing otherwise some warbands could really have a huge advantage

Samedi · Tactical Marine

Ok, here's what I have, practically a blank slate...

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/V3j4aEh_p3QuineOWHqvhQ?feat=directlink
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UhcZahUpLXc38sw8OEsGtA?feat=directlink

The first is the foam and plywood, the second a few bits I hacked out of one of the squares when we were unsuccessful completing the hot wire cutter.

I will be heading out to Comer either tomorrow or the following day to complete the hotwire table, so I'll be able to cut the foam cleanly and easily.

If anybody wants to lend a hand, let me know. I'm always open to helping hands Smile

Abaddon · Site Admin

I'd love to give you a hand if I didn't have plenty of other projects to work on (including finishing my modular Mordheim table!)

Saturday night I plan on going to gaming night but I think I might just bring my paints and hang out and working on my Mordheim sections. If you can make it by mayeb we can work some ideas (although now that I think about it I think you mentioned you can't make Saturday nights).

Samedi · Tactical Marine

Yeah, I work Saturday evenings, but may be getting off around 8 or so (it's been slow recently), and so may make it out. Unfortunately, I won't know how busy it is until Saturday.

Abaddon · Site Admin

We usually don't get there until 7 so if you want, you are welcome to stop by whenever. I plan to be there until at least 12.