Ideas for a mobile 3D map surface???

[LovaX]

I'm working on a 3D city map, and I was hoping to get some ideas on how I should make the map surface. I want it to be mobile too. The city I'm working on is gonna be 6'x5', but I want it so I can change it around and make a new map each time. So basically I want nothing but gray grid.

At first I was gonna use 2 big pieces of gray fabric with the grid drawn on them. Then I thought about using some foam board and making them into sections, but when laying side by side, some of them seemed to bow just a bit and it didn't look right. Next I thought about using some left over 2'x2' pieces of ceiling tile, but they seem too fragile for the mobility I'm looking for.(corners chip real easy)

I think I may just go back to my original idea and just use fabric. I'm thinking on having it so I can use 2 pieces for my 6'x5' map, and if I want to go smaller, I can just fold the fabric.

Anyway, what do you guys think? If you can think of something better than all I mentioned above, I'd really appreciate it.

[xxgoonboyxx]

:devious: You know I was thinking of going the fabric route. nothing says mobility like being able to roll up your map and take it with you. I am building some building out of foam core to make up a new city.

[LovaX]

hmmmm....Well I guess fabric wins by one vote. LOL

[Gambit266]

Right now I'm trying the foam board idea making several different pieces so that I can rearrange it like a puzzle and get different maps, when I finish it (could be awhile) I'll tell you how it went, but for easy transport I'd go with the fabric idea.

[LovaX]

Well I thought about using foamboard, but when I laid the pieces side by side, some of them would bow just a tad. I didn't like it because the sections wouldn't line up properly. I hope you have better luck. I'm about to go to a paper shop. If I find anything useful I'll post it here.

[Dr RAD]

I have gone both routes. I have a canvas map that is about 4 ft square, and some small canvas ones as well. I am also using foam ore for some bulding bases. The canvas has a map painted on it, with spaces to accomodate foam core based buildings. I was thinking of buying 72 inch wide black canvas (to simulate roadway) with dotted white or yellow grid, so the map base is much more flexible.

Doc

[battle7]

Go to an Upholtery shop and get you a roll of vinyl if you want to go the fabric route, that way it gives you a slick surface for your gridwork.

[Pfr_Fate]

I do both.....

grey fabric base for pavement;

bits of green and brown fabric (with randow black blotches) for grass and construction site;

white foam board in 6" squares for sidewalk

[Pfr_Fate]

Oh! And I make buildings out of various sized boxes.

First, flip over so the top of your box is on the bottom.

Then use this 'Rock' spray paint (Wal-Mart decor paints), on all but the box-top at the bottom.

let it dry,

draw details on it (and lightly shade with the side of the pencil's point)

glue windows/doors that I printed up on cardstock.

THEN: put clear packing tape over it all, except the box-top on the bottom.


You can stack these if you need higher buldings and (BEST OF ALL), you can put your Clix gear IN them (and smaller boxes in bigger ones!)

[Blue_Shield]

A while back on ebay there was someone selling custom map pieces made from a foam-like children's playmat. They look kind of like puzzle pieces(each approx. 12" x 12") that you could connect.

[TalonMC]

The base I use for my 3-D terrain is comprised of 2 boards (each 2' x 4'). It's not exactly made for travel, but it's easier to move than one single board.

If you plan on moving it often, the roll-up fabric idea would probably work best... as long as you have something solid and level to lay it out on wherever you'll be playing.

-MC

[Punish This !!]

Try Using Some Gray Card Stock or a Very Large Sheet of some 2MM Foamcore for your Base layout. I Just Finished Gridding a City map for my Clix an the 2MM foamcoare worked out pretty good for me. If you go tht rout you might have to tack the ands down to keep it from rolling up on you. If you go with the Cardstock version you can get them in 2x2 sheets, possibly bigger if need be and dry fix or tape them inderneath to keep them from seperating during play. Easy to use and you can pack them in a nice little plastic case to keep them from being damaged.

[Punish This !!]

Sorry For the ####py Spelling, Not Fully Awake Yet ....... I Hate Mondays

[MysticBengal74]

Corn dog boxes can be cut to any shape and you can glue the detail on and cut out windows. give it a try.
I made one and its very sturdy. looks good too.
sorry i don't have a web cam to show you but if you seen the Building at the begining of this thread if rivals that.
Enjoy
PS you know those little cardboard flaps you get from sticker machines they work great for accesories.
TMB

[JAYTANIST]

I have had good luck with using 1-2 inch foam insulation board with some kind of hinge in the middle (I use tape). I have made 2 such boards for 40k (one bifold, 1 trifold) and one for clix. The clix board has gone to the trash bin- not because of durability problems, more because of "reaction" with a paint I used.
I really should know better after modelling for as long as I have.
:rolleyes:

[bagel1225]

I haven't tried this myself but I'd suggest getting some masonite board. It's thin, pretty light-weight but very durable. I use it to make drawing boards and it takes paint fairly well too. You should be able to get some fairly cheap at any lumber supplier.

[warminster]

Sounds screwy but I came up with this one in the lab. cut posterboard into 6 rectangles measuring 18 inches by 12 inches. lay two long edge to long edge and connect them with a strip of duct tape. Turn it over and add another section hingeing in the opposite direction. Repeat this with the other 3then lay the two panels side by side and join only one pair of panels with duct tape. they should fold up into a nice flat package. Cut green grid to size on one side, and grey grid on the other with spray adhesive. By these layers building up it gets pretty strong. Collapsable boxes can be covered and used for buildings, and storage. You can also use foam core, but it makes for a thicker 'book'. I'll try and put some pics on soon

[Dr.Notsoevil]

just cut that masonite into 4 squares and put em together.
It should stay flat and level and will hold real good.
There are different types or grades of masonite you could use. Some are more waterproof than others but will be more expensive.
All this from wood shop class.......

.... hate those long wood lectures.

[warminster]

HAHA! You said wood. How's the weight on that? I hadn't thought of that material. Thanks for the tip. however 6 panels is slightly more managable than 4 but the weight more than makes it up. To the lumber yard.

[Dr.Notsoevil]

Masonite really isn't wood. It's like super thick paper. It is a bunch of super compressed saw dust with glue. The lower the grade the lighter it should be.

And you can use it as a drawing table for those master plans.(AKA taken over the world);)

[warminster]

Even better. Is it brittle enough to break or can it take a little punishment?
Dont want to open my pack and find dust. haha:devious:

[Dr.Notsoevil]

Depends on the grade you get. Some would turn to pulp if it got wet but some is made for out door use and could be used to make a boat.(not that anyone would wanna make a boat outta it)

It is not really brittle. I'm sure if you had some one hold it up and you kicked it would break. You could try an art store and see if they have some but if you want to make it to a certain size than you should get it from a home dep or another ummm 'wood' store.

Only thing is you need a table saw to cut it.

[warminster]

Hoozah! To the lab... er ... workshop. That masonite will talk! I mean make a good map. Thank you again.

[Dr.Notsoevil]

Did I mention its 1/8 inch thick?:cheeky:

[warminster]

hoozah!