Ultimate guide in map-making

[zacharoo]

I noticed that the strategy/tactics forum has a general strategy thread where everyone can chip in and post their tips on their strategy and game-playing. How about starting one here on tips on map building?

OK, everyone let's post all your tips and know-hows in 3D map making. Everything from materials used to design URL links to scale measurements.

BTW, I'm in the process of building my own custom 3D map, but I need to know the scale of the building. How tall (in inches) should it be?

Thanks. I hope everyone can contribute and learn from this thread. :)

Zach

[MightyQ]

Not sure the exact heights as I am at work, but these figures are about the same size of Mordheim and I always thought of using the buildings that came from that game along with others I have from other games to use in a more 3d level game play... So those people who can leap and climb to get away can actually get away, going up where the person they are running from can't get to them on next turn... A little more realistic...

[psychopanda]

Iceman seems to be the "tallest" Figure. Measure him and add a little bit of space and you should be good.

For building materials, I use something simple, Legos. Even if they make a taller figure later, I can just add another row of bricks ;)

I use foamboard for my map sections, roofs, and building bases.

I have some older pics of my 3d map here:

http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/hc_wire

Hope to get one of my buddies over with a digicamera again someday, so that I can get some new pics.

[Homerclese]

MightyQ you could also try warhammer and warhammer 40,000 terrian and buildings as they are the same size as Mordheim ones

[loud47]

I want to make custom maps of real places, what is the scale of heroclix maps? I saw somewhere that 1.5 inches = 4ft. I'm not sure if that's right though. I live in Chicago and want to make my heroclix battle around wrigley field.

[BatMite]

I think the scale is closer to 1.5" = 6'. check out the batman figure. He is about an 1.5" from head to toe and Batman is about 6' in the comic.

Pretty much every Wizkids heroclix map has objects vastly out of scale with the figures(the forklift object counter should be at least 12' long, not 6' and some of the furniture is crazy sizes).

I wish they would cater to the people who are are little more particular about the scale but I doubt that will happen anytime soon (about when they stop using 8 yr olds to draw the maps!)

[eboladude]

Unfortunately, that idea of taking the tallest piece and scaling him doesn't work - you also have to accomodate the fact that you're PLAYING with him and need to move him around. I've been using a standard floor height of 5 1/4" inches per floor on taller structures to allow enough room to move pieces past each other without knocking them into eternity. Sounds like too much? Just try moving your big fat hands around in a small space!!

[coldfuzion]

I've ad pretty good luck with floor heights of 3 1/2 to 4 inches each. But I haven't tried Iceman in them yet.

As to my wisdom: I recently had the idea to use an old PC case for the base of a building. They work out to 7 1/2 inches usually, and are an ideal shape. I'll let you know how it works out. I'm wanting to try foamcore and drywall compound to smooth the corners and seams. I don't know if drywall compound will work with foamcore, but darnit, I'll try. My first goal id to make a Gotham police headquarters complete with Bat-signal. :devious:

[psychopanda]

eboladude says "Unfortunately, that idea of taking the tallest piece and scaling him doesn't work - you also have to accomodate the fact that you're PLAYING with him and need to move him around."

It gives you an idea of where to start, that's all I'm saying.

I'm lucky in that my walls are constructed of Legos, if I need more room, I can just add some more bricks. Also, all my roofs are made with foam core that I lay over the top, so we can take that off and move the figure around.

Once I get some two (or more) story buildings setup, it might be a little more difficult, but once again, I'll use foam core for the floors, so we could always pick it up to move figures around.

[Spyder's Web]

I'm gonna be making my own map. I'm just gonna print out some buildings from the web on to cardstock and that'll be that!

[psychopanda]

Spyder's Web, where are you going for the printouts? We could use a real good list of building sites here

[Spyder's Web]

Well, I'm not on my own computer right now, PM me with your email and I'll send the stuff to you direct(anyone else wanting these, email me too).