Author Topic: 3d modular for battletech pandemonium (Read 18936 times)

Jeffrey · « **on:** 23 January 2012, 11:49:10 »

O0new 3d modular terrain

Jeffrey · « **Reply #1 on:** 23 January 2012, 11:57:28 »

some more(w/ trees). The acrylic pieces under the trees are to denote heavy or lite woods. The blue is for lite and the yellow is for heavy (this idea is borrowed from Tactical Operations manual page 27 based on a color code used for target modifier dice). When a unit moves into a wooded area, having the bases allows the trees themselves to be removed from the board creating space for the unit. It is also easier to see from across the board whether the woods are heavy or lite thanks to the color code to aid in determining los. What do you think, everyone?

ApokalypseTest · « **Reply #2 on:** 23 January 2012, 11:59:39 »

Can you tell us a bit more about it? How did you make it? Whats the module size? How do you keep it from sliding around etc.?

And: Nice work - looks cool.

Jeffrey · « **Reply #3 on:** 23 January 2012, 12:07:45 »

hex size is 1.5, it is made from owens corning foamboard cut with a hot knife scroll table, then painted, flocked and dotted. We have not figured out how to keep it from sliding around yet unfortunately. Any ideas???

john blackwell · « **Reply #4 on:** 23 January 2012, 12:15:49 »

Would felt on the bottom of the hills help keep them from sliding?

Nice board!

JB

Jeffrey · « **Reply #5 on:** 23 January 2012, 12:20:30 »

thanks we will check it out O0

scatcat · « **Reply #6 on:** 23 January 2012, 13:09:09 »

looks great! How did you make your stencil?

Jeffrey · « **Reply #7 on:** 23 January 2012, 13:18:28 »

:)card stock cut outs.the same ones we used for the cutting.

HavocTheWarDog · « **Reply #8 on:** 23 January 2012, 14:10:35 »

Nice work! O0 [drool] 8)

Jeffrey · « **Reply #9 on:** 23 January 2012, 21:41:44 »

O0 thanks

Downslide · « **Reply #10 on:** 24 January 2012, 11:41:13 »

what did you use for the dotting?

Jeffrey · « **Reply #11 on:** 24 January 2012, 11:57:05 »

black sharpie ,thanks to monica and her patience.

BARNESGN · « **Reply #12 on:** 24 January 2012, 12:07:10 »

Road trip to Va to see that work of art. Great job-that's the kind of terrain that recruits players.

btp2k2 · « **Reply #13 on:** 24 January 2012, 20:31:41 »

Hey Jeffrey, looking good. We did the same thing for use with a MKP hexed mat.

May I offer one suggestion....well, a couple really.

One, contour the sides. I used a dremel on low speed with a sanding drum...I just started whacking at the sides until I got a cool looking texture. Then, coat the entire hill in latex paint (just good old indoor latex paint like you would put on your walls....get a nice "earthy" color). The latex will protect the foam from getting beat you. Then, once that dries, paint a quick coat of acrylic paints in a nice earthy tone (this is where those cheaper Apple Barrel paints excel). Make a darker color wash and apply and finally....once the wash is done, dry brush with a lighter tone.

Your hills will go from being these straight edged platforms to this...

Sure, it's a lot more work....but it's well worth it

Downslide · « **Reply #14 on:** 24 January 2012, 22:59:04 »

Quote from: Jeffrey on 24 January 2012, 11:57:05

black sharpie ,thanks to monica and her patience.

Ah, an excellent answer. Unfortunately, I have a "Jen," and apparently, those models didn't come with the patience option. ;)

btp2k2 · « **Reply #15 on:** 24 January 2012, 23:21:08 »

Quote from: Downslide on 24 January 2012, 22:59:04

Ah, an excellent answer. Unfortunately, I have a "Jen," and apparently, those models didn't come with the patience option. ;)

The "Brooke" model doesn't either. It does have a "Grumpy that you are always playing with your robots and not taking me shopping" mode though

HavocTheWarDog · « **Reply #16 on:** 25 January 2012, 00:54:14 »

My "Lorie" model, just doesnt want to get involved in any geekery, but indulges me, when i want anything (as long a the bills are paid!)

House Davie Merc · « **Reply #17 on:** 25 January 2012, 04:36:10 »

That looks REAL familiar .

If I could show you my boards you wouldn't believe how close they are !

Currently the base boards that I use are 3/4 inch insulation sheets that I use as my base boards .
I painted and focked them with GW grass .
Then I made a template for my hexes .
For that I magnified the blank hexed side of one of the
Battletech maps by 114% ( or something like that) for 1.5 inch hexes and taped
it to a sheet of plexiglass so that I could see the pattern through it .
Then on the plexiglass I put a dot at each corner and another two on each line for a total of 4 per line .
( JUST like the old Geo-Hex Battlescape so that they could be used together)
Then I drilled out each dot with a 1/8 inch drillbit . ( actually several and it took a long time)

Now if I need something hexed I plan out the edges ,drop on the template ,and just spray paint through the holes .
It's even EXACTLY the same amount of hexes wide and tall as the standard Battletech maps so
I can copy any map in 3D with 1.5 inch hexes .

I've been considering making more portable boards by using some type of pre-made hexed
matt and using styrafoam insulation for just my hills . The styrafoam boards can be hard to transport.

That looks kind of like what you've done .

I HAVE to ask a few questions that could help me work out more portable boards .

Is that a rollout hexed matt under those hills ,and if so who made it and exactly which one is it ?
What size is it ?

The color of your flocking looks pretty close to your matt in the pics . What kind of flocking did you use ?

If the flocking you use is not the Game Workshop flocking ,do you know how close it would be in color to your flocking ?
( Looks close to GW in the pics if it isn't -that's what I use on my minis because it's available locally )
Sorry to be technical with my questions but I've been working on my terrain for years .
After damaging my boards in transit I want to switch to a hexed matt for the base but I've
never been able to find anyone with one on hand that I could look at .
If it's close enough I already have my mountains and woods made .
( I use the woodland scenics tree armitures and light green for light woods , dark green for heavy)

Thanks for any info you can give me .
It could be a HUGE help in working out a new set of more portable terrain .

Papabees · « **Reply #18 on:** 25 January 2012, 06:33:47 »

Quote from: btp2k2 on 24 January 2012, 20:31:41

Hey Jeffrey, looking good. We did the same thing for use with a MKP hexed mat.

May I offer one suggestion....well, a couple really.

One, contour the sides. I used a dremel on low speed with a sanding drum...I just started whacking at the sides until I got a cool looking texture. Then, coat the entire hill in latex paint (just good old indoor latex paint like you would put on your walls....get a nice "earthy" color). The latex will protect the foam from getting beat you. Then, once that dries, paint a quick coat of acrylic paints in a nice earthy tone (this is where those cheaper Apple Barrel paints excel). Make a darker color wash and apply and finally....once the wash is done, dry brush with a lighter tone.

Your hills will go from being these straight edged platforms to this...

Sure, it's a lot more work....but it's well worth it

Can you give us some more pics in your own thread?

Downslide · « **Reply #19 on:** 25 January 2012, 11:02:03 »

Quote from: Papabees on 25 January 2012, 06:33:47

Can you give us some more pics in your own thread?

He's got a thread here: btp2k2's slick gaming table.

I just found it yesterday.

Downslide · « **Reply #20 on:** 25 January 2012, 11:03:33 »

Quote from: btp2k2 on 24 January 2012, 23:21:08

The "Brooke" model doesn't either. It does have a "Grumpy that you are always playing with your robots and not taking me shopping" mode though

Quote from: HavocTheWarDog on 25 January 2012, 00:54:14

My "Lorie" model, just doesnt want to get involved in any geekery, but indulges me, when i want anything (as long a the bills are paid!)

You guys do realize that if our "models" read this thread, we're hooped. ;)

btp2k2 · « **Reply #21 on:** 25 January 2012, 14:11:30 »

Quote from: Downslide on 25 January 2012, 11:03:33

You guys do realize that if our "models" read this thread, we're hooped. ;)

After being married for 14 years.....I'm already hooped.

Jeffrey · « **Reply #22 on:** 25 January 2012, 16:10:58 »

::) [cheers] lol

gaussgirl · « **Reply #23 on:** 25 January 2012, 16:11:15 »

Quote from: Downslide on 25 January 2012, 11:03:33

You guys do realize that if our "models" read this thread, we're hooped. ;)

I guess you're a lucky guy then Jeff, stuck with me the awesomely patient and uber-geeky ^-^"Monica" model

Jeffrey · « **Reply #24 on:** 25 January 2012, 16:11:53 »

Downslide · « **Reply #25 on:** 25 January 2012, 21:06:31 »

Good on ya, Monica! There's never enuf uber-geeky ladies in the ranks!

I would never trade my Jen model in though. I love her to bits.

"No warranties, exchanges, or returns" was the line I got from my father-in-law at the wedding reception anyway. ;)

gaussgirl · « **Reply #26 on:** 25 January 2012, 21:19:13 »

O0

Quote from: Downslide on 25 January 2012, 21:06:31

Good on ya, Monica! There's never enuf uber-geeky ladies in the ranks!

I would never trade my Jen model in though. I love her to bits.

"No warranties, exchanges, or returns" was the line I got from my father-in-law at the wedding reception anyway. ;)

Just remember, all "models" work more efficiently when administered chocolate regularly ;D

btp2k2 · « **Reply #27 on:** 25 January 2012, 21:26:47 »

Quote from: gaussgirl on 25 January 2012, 21:19:13

O0
Just remember, all "models" work more efficiently when administered chocolate regularly ;D

In my models case, shoes and bags.

It's a working relationship. She "works" on ignoring my ever growing Battletech collection, I "work" at ignoring her ever growing shoe collection.

gaussgirl · « **Reply #28 on:** 25 January 2012, 21:52:14 »

Quote from: btp2k2 on 25 January 2012, 21:26:47

In my models case, shoes and bags.

It's a working relationship. She "works" on ignoring my ever growing Battletech collection, I "work" at ignoring her ever growing shoe collection.

ah yes, more shoes tend to keep me at peak performance too ^-^

kuttsinister7 · « **Reply #29 on:** 25 January 2012, 22:14:51 »

Looking sweet! O0

Jeffrey · « **Reply #30 on:** 19 February 2012, 20:19:41 »

:) thanks

Jeffrey · « **Reply #31 on:** 19 February 2012, 20:27:16 »

Quote from: john blackwell on 23 January 2012, 12:15:49

Would felt on the bottom of the hills help keep them from sliding?

Nice board!

JB

we have decided to paint,flock, and dot the bottom side to a desert tan in which knocks down the siding by half and makes the same terrain pieces twice as functional.

john blackwell · « **Reply #32 on:** 19 February 2012, 21:17:49 »

Quote from: Jeffrey on 19 February 2012, 20:27:16

we have decided to paint,flock, and dot the bottom side to a desert tan in which knocks down the siding by half and makes the same terrain pieces twice as functional.

sounds like it's working to a degree . . . cool! Your terrain looks great.

JB

gaussgirl · « **Reply #33 on:** 19 February 2012, 21:44:42 »

[AAAH]

Quote from: Jeffrey on 19 February 2012, 20:27:16

we have decided to paint,flock, and dot the bottom side to a desert tan in which knocks down the siding by half and makes the same terrain pieces twice as functional.

[AAAH] more dots!!!!!

Downslide · « **Reply #34 on:** 20 February 2012, 12:03:26 »

^ Apparently the "Monica-Model" needz moar Chocolates! ;)

Jeffrey · « **Reply #35 on:** 20 February 2012, 12:12:23 »

gaussgirl · « **Reply #36 on:** 20 February 2012, 13:31:08 »

O0 O0 O0 O0 O0

Quote from: Downslide on 20 February 2012, 12:03:26

^ Apparently the "Monica-Model" needz moar Chocolates! ;)

Jeffrey · « **Reply #37 on:** 12 March 2012, 18:39:25 »

she gets lots of chocolate O0

Jeffrey · « **Reply #38 on:** 23 June 2012, 13:47:57 »

[AAAH] :D

Jeffrey · « **Reply #39 on:** 09 September 2012, 16:22:17 »

that stuff was green turf and desert. now we are make more snow tundra on one side and moon scape on the other

john blackwell · « **Reply #40 on:** 09 September 2012, 18:05:28 »

Quote from: Jeffrey on 09 September 2012, 16:22:17

now we are make more snow tundra on one side and moon scape on the other

More dots? Happy hunting!

JB

Remove · « **Reply #41 on:** 09 September 2012, 21:06:49 »

Quote from: Jeffrey on 19 February 2012, 20:27:16

we have decided to paint,flock, and dot the bottom side to a desert tan in which knocks down the siding by half and makes the same terrain pieces twice as functional.

The small self adhesive rubber or felt pads that come in hundreds of shapes, sizes and colors are cheap and easy to install. the super thin rubber ones, like 1-2mm are best as they can easily be hidden on terrain or pieces. Heck, in thick flocking you may not see them at all!

Jeffrey · « **Reply #42 on:** 11 September 2012, 15:33:36 »

cool thanks O0 8)

Jeffrey · « **Reply #43 on:** 14 December 2012, 21:25:02 »

I am Belch II · « **Reply #44 on:** 17 December 2012, 02:33:11 »

Some good stuff.

phlop · « **Reply #45 on:** 19 December 2012, 11:10:23 »

I have made some 3D terrain and bought a stencil from Litko for 1.5 hexes. Lay it on the felt and spray with what ever color you want your lines to be. Wipe off with turpentine or other paint thinner to keep from clogging the holes. Much faster than Sharpie. Looks very good, and I wish my "Cyndi" model shared my geeky obsessions. O0 ;D

WarMonkey · « **Reply #46 on:** 19 December 2012, 22:04:09 »

Quote from: phlop on 19 December 2012, 11:10:23

I have made some 3D terrain and bought a stencil from Litko for 1.5 hexes. Lay it on the felt and spray with what ever color you want your lines to be. Wipe off with turpentine or other paint thinner to keep from clogging the holes. Much faster than Sharpie. Looks very good, and I wish my "Cyndi" model shared my geeky obsessions. O0 ;D

Do you have a link to where I can find this stencil? I am currently getting ready to build some terrain and 1.5" hexes are just what I need.

Thanks in advance!

scatcat · « **Reply #47 on:** 20 December 2012, 08:47:27 »

I'm not sure links are allowed, but google "Litko Aerosystems" and hit the "stencils" link from their homepage.

WarMonkey · « **Reply #48 on:** 20 December 2012, 09:23:17 »

Quote from: scatcat on 20 December 2012, 08:47:27

I'm not sure links are allowed, but google "Litko Aerosystems" and hit the "stencils" link from their homepage.

Thank you sir!! :)

Netzilla · « **Reply #49 on:** 20 December 2012, 11:36:44 »

Ah, if only they had a 1.75" stencil.

scatcat · « **Reply #50 on:** 20 December 2012, 17:40:10 »

Meh. Litko stencils are expensive for their size. I suggest commissioning a reputable stencil maker to cut some custom stencils for you. That's what I did.

Remove · « **Reply #51 on:** 20 December 2012, 22:23:10 »

Quote from: scatcat on 20 December 2012, 17:40:10

Meh. Litko stencils are expensive for their size. I suggest commissioning a reputable stencil maker to cut some custom stencils for you. That's what I did.

Was very surprised with how small the stencils was for the price. :(

WarMonkey · « **Reply #52 on:** 21 December 2012, 01:30:41 »

Quote from: Remove on 20 December 2012, 22:23:10

Was very surprised with how small the stencils was for the price. :(

Yeah, after looking at the measurements for the size and price of the stencil I am tempted to make my own. I have some ideas, but I don't know how I am going to go about doing it right now.

Papabees · « **Reply #53 on:** 01 January 2013, 11:20:26 »

Quote from: scatcat on 20 December 2012, 17:40:10

Meh. Litko stencils are expensive for their size. I suggest commissioning a reputable stencil maker to cut some custom stencils for you. That's what I did.

Where might I find one. My google-fu for this was weak.

Jeffrey · « **Reply #54 on:** 31 August 2013, 22:19:40 »

we cut our own out
:)

Dragon41673 · « **Reply #55 on:** 04 September 2013, 18:28:06 »

Jeffrey...I skimmed through most of the posts, so if this was asked, I apologize for a repeat.

Is this terrain something you are making to sell, or is this a project for yourself only?

It looks really good!

RABIDFOX50 · « **Reply #56 on:** 12 September 2013, 19:16:57 »

Quote from: btp2k2 on 25 January 2012, 21:26:47

In my models case, shoes and bags.

It's a working relationship. She "works" on ignoring my ever growing Battletech collection, I "work" at ignoring her ever growing shoe collection.

After 20 years of married bliss and my wife's 100% acceptance of my hobbies early on, I have learned the words Coach, Dooney Burke and others as far as her purse collection is concerned. :D

grabula · « **Reply #57 on:** 16 September 2013, 22:20:55 »

there was a company who used to manufacture something like this - geohex I think? I always thought it looked pretty sweet and so does yours.

Still having issues with sliding? Someone mentioned felt and that was my first thought, however, you could also just put a small hole in the middle of each hex, then use a dowel to lock it down. I think it would end up being more work than the felt.

Jeffrey · « **Reply #58 on:** 12 December 2013, 08:56:45 »

:) no I don't sell this stuff it's for me and our group

SubtleAsAHammer · « **Reply #59 on:** 12 December 2013, 09:59:52 »

Wow nice stuff there fellas. O0 8)

Jeffrey · « **Reply #60 on:** 15 December 2013, 09:57:23 »

Jeffrey · « **Reply #61 on:** 17 December 2013, 16:30:11 »

that was a cool game [cheers]