Building big 3-D map

[Gator]

I'm very close to finishing a large (38' x 42') 3-D map. I'm building it on top of my kid's Thomas the Tank Engine table which he has outgrown in favor of Heroclix.

I have 5 buildings nearly complete. My problem is that I can't build a good set of stairs to save my life. The latest idea I have is to make ladders, but I'm trying to figure out how. I'm open to suggestions on making a ladder. My buildings are 3' - 6' tall and made from foamcore.

[A_Higher_Level]

Toothpicks! THey're cheap, realistic enough, and quite easy to paste

[Gator]

I'll try it tonight, anyone else have any other suggestions?

[atomic]

Balsa wood. Thin strips for the sides and small dowels or tooth picks for the rungs. You cal also buy them from Plastruct (sp?), they should be available at hobby and model train shops.

Cheers,

atomic

[Puuka]

HO scale train track, right scale for 28 mm miniature ladders. Also if you go to http://www.germy.co.uk/fprpg.htm they have 1 inch square steps available for cardstock models, if you increase by 1.5 (may have to experiment depending on method of enlargement and printer used) this will work, I have done it myself

[dkwd]

You can always use chicken-wire. Cut into strips and with the edges folded back ino the building.

David

[klaw1]

Well I have an idea for you might sound a bit strange, But here it goes you could use popsickle sticks they take paint pretty good, and easily worked with. cheap as well
hope it helps.

[Daky]

I don't know if you want actual stairs vs a ladder but blocks similar in shape to Jenga blocks can be used to create stairs. I know our Hobbytown store carries them in long strips that can be cut to size.

[unsung hero]

My first year or so playing Clix (Back during IC) I made 4 buildings out of Masonite. I made them at work so I had access to a table saw and electric drill. I made ladders on 3 of the buildings from 3/8" dowels. I drilled holes and put toothpicks in for the rungs. One of the buildingd was about 3 1/2 stories (scale-wise) tall so I made a staircase from a 2 x 4 cut like a doorstop (on a mitre). I glued toothpicks on the slope at 1 1/2" intervals (normal HC squre size) to hold a fig in place on the staircase. So a fig who couldn't make it up all 6 spaces couls be in the middle. Everine who's seen the buildings likes them.

[wintremute]

Wow...threadcromancy in the house. Did Gator ever post picks of what he made?