BattleTech - The Board Game of Armored Combat

BattleTech Miniatures and Terrain => Gaming Terrain => Topic started by: Ang Moh Siao on 01 May 2017, 03:59:41

Title: simple "topographic" mapsheet
Post by: Ang Moh Siao on 01 May 2017, 03:59:41
I've stumbled on a relatively simple idea for making a more 3D mapsheet--don't know if it's been done before or not--but I've been play-testing it enough to feel like it's worth sharing.

You see, I've gotten access to a nice, big Epson printer, the kind that can print up to A1 size using roll paper.  What I've done is print out enough copies of a map sheet so that I can cut out all the various elevations along their hexagonal-edged contour lines, glue them to foamboard, and then stack and glue the layers together on top of each other.

What you end up with is a unmistakeable indication of level differences at a glance, but without too much bulk.  And it's relatively quick and cheap to make.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4181/33988291070_0895aaec8a.jpg)

It's been working great in action.  I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to go back and do every one of my mapsheets like this now.
Title: Re: simple "topographic" mapsheet
Post by: Simon Landmine on 01 May 2017, 06:30:39
Ooh, that looks nice!
Title: Re: simple "topographic" mapsheet
Post by: Ang Moh Siao on 01 May 2017, 06:32:52
Hey, your avatar picture is essentially exactly this.  What is that picture from?
Title: Re: simple "topographic" mapsheet
Post by: Simon Landmine on 01 May 2017, 15:41:28
What is that picture from?

It's from MegaMek (the Java-driven virtual BT online mapboard), with the isometric view switched on.

(A snapshot of yet another not-entirely victorious battle.)
Title: Re: simple "topographic" mapsheet
Post by: Daryk on 01 May 2017, 17:27:24
Very nice!  And I love the paint job, especially on those "zombie" urbies... O0
Title: Re: simple "topographic" mapsheet
Post by: SeeM on 28 July 2017, 08:12:30
My friend did something like this, only his hills are taller.

I saw one unexpected result, even on my little hills. Players are avoiding higher hexes. I think miniature is more exposed not only in a game mechanic, but physically, too. They are hidden "better" behind 3d hill and they're safer from units in front of them, since the players sometimes overestimate partial cover. :) Remember that in your games, it really gives an advantage.
Title: Re: simple "topographic" mapsheet
Post by: Uncle Gus on 19 September 2017, 20:37:46
Are the intro box maps available for print anywhere? This would be a much easier method than my current method, which is painting the foamboard :P
Title: Re: simple "topographic" mapsheet
Post by: Frabby on 20 September 2017, 04:20:55
Are the intro box maps available for print anywhere? This would be a much easier method than my current method, which is painting the foamboard :P
Yes they are. Or at least, they're for sale as PDF products: CGL is offering them as PDF files in the MapPacks (http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Mapsheet#MapPacks) - Link to shop (https://store.catalystgamelabs.com/pages/search-results?q=mappack)

Edit: At least I think it's legal to print those maps for personal use, and then use these printouts to build terrain for personal use as suggested in this thread.
Title: Re: simple "topographic" mapsheet
Post by: Uncle Gus on 22 September 2017, 20:18:19
Hmm, none of those map packs seem to include any of the introductory box set maps. Is there any way to get printable versions of those maps?