Futuristic City Terrain.

[Ironworker]

I've had a project idea in the back of my mind for a long time.  I've even had a number of false starts on it.  The project is to build a generic futuristic city.  I've not seen a whole lot of these done by terrain makers.  I've seen several bunkeresque outpost and a number of wasteland shanty towns and more than a few varriations of village of domes but I've not seen a whole lot of actualy futuristic city type terrain.  I'm talking about sleek and shiny nice looking cities like you would expect on a core world from Star Wars or an Alliance plannet from the Firefly/Serenity or even a Tau type city.  I know one of the biggest reasons I've not seen many cities like this is because it seems like it would be very hard to pull off.  That's also the reason I've never got a good start on mine.  

Anyone have any links to any projects that would fit that kind of theme?  I've had a hard time even figuring out where to start.  I know GW has one article on a Tau city and it's close to what I'm talking about but I would think that there would be more things out there.  Might make a good year long project or something.  Anyhow I'm just looking for Sci-Fi terrain that goes beyond the "Bunker and random industrial stuff" look.

[matakishi]

Future cities like that are usually on a scale that precludes fitting them on a table top.
Also, they tend not to have too many areas for figures to access, which makes them fairly redundant as gaming terrain.
Now, you could go for a 1950's city of the future with walkways and monorails and suchlike, that might work.
It really depends what you want to use it for, for should follow function.

You should have at least an idea of what you want, rounded or squared, tall or flat, open or closed etc.
Share your thoughts and we can take it from there  

[Ironworker]

One thing I had in mind was an elevated city with walkways.  Not everything would have to be big either.  Large building would have to have lots of room for fighting either on large balconies or their roofs.
I think when people think futuristic city they think about massive spires and big buildings but I don't think the buildings have to be big they just need to look futuristic and not be bunkers.  
Ideally I'm looking to build the city either out of simple shapes used in novel ways or everyday items that can be dressed up in unusual ways.  This is something most terrain makers are good at but I just don't see them apply it much to really nice looking futuristic buildings.  
I had considered three or four or so space needle type buildings with some smaller buildings spread out between them in clusters but with lots of open ground and room to move figures.  
Also I'm thinking as much about using the city for role playing or skirmish level games and not so much for big battles but keeping it flexible is important.

[lethallee61]

How about a futuristic city set within a space station?

Something like the interior of Babylon 5, with public open spaces, rail lines and other sundry buildings?

Or under a dome, like in Logan's Run?

[pixelgeek]

You may want to check out the Industrial Tower System from Litko

http://www.litkoaero.com/page/LAI/CTGY/ITS

there are also some previews of expansions for it

http://www.litkoaero.com/page/LAI/JIMSLAB

If you can find any of the Necromunda terrain it also does a good job.

There is a photo of my terrain on my blog

http://minigamer.bitterwise.com/?p=328

check out the second and third photos

[Ironworker]

That's nice looking stuff but I'm specifically trying to avoid random industrial stuff.

[Plynkes]

I like the Logan's Run idea. If you made Logan's Run style terrain it could double as a shopping mall for a rampaging zombie game.

[number9]

I think this might be more what you are looking for. Its on the infinity forums, make sure you scroll all the way through as there are some nice pictures later in the thread.

http://www.infinitythegame.com/foro/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4363

[Ironworker]

I think this might be more what you are looking for. Its on the infinity forums, make sure you scroll all the way through as there are some nice pictures later in the thread.

http://www.infinitythegame.com/foro/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4363

Yeah that would definately fall under the kind of city terrain I'm talking about.  Nice link.  

[Cory]

I experimented with cheap window tint over dollar store mirrors to get a glass effect for a city in 1/285.

That worked well, but the taller buildings kept reflecting the players which just detracted from the overall effect. If I do this again I  have been thinking about putting the film over mirrors for the lower sections of the buildings so you get the mirror effect of darkened glass for the figs and over some high gloss photos of a bright blue sky with clouds for the upper levels.

[Trooper]

This is some of the new Games Workshop buildings I just put together, industrial I know but they do come with walkways etc, and paint up pretty good. Not too expensive. This is the Manufactorum, the other sets are more gothic in appearance, they can be put together in a huge range os designs. You also get lots of useful bits like lights and ladders.

[pnweerar]

Nice work, but we're specifically trying to find non-industrial / urban wasteland looking terrain.

[Trooper]

Fair point, but I think you would find the extra bits useful, tiled floors for walkways and the lights and ladders. But have you checked out the Snapdragon Studios web site, and Pardulon have some interesting bits too. Both sites worth your time to visit.

[Will Bailie]

Hirst Arts has some ideas on their website:
http://www.hirstarts.com/molds/molds.html

Scroll right down to the bottom of the page, to moulds #300 through #311 for the Sci-Fi stuff, plus the floor moulds 270 to 273.

Lots can be done very easily with Lego as well, as long as you aren't too worried about every surface being covered with tiny cylindrical protrusions, each cleverly stamped with the word 'Lego'!

[Faust23]

Just read this thread.  I agree with your vision, Ironworker. I've considered a similar idea for a Traveller based board with high tech looking scenery that doesn't look bombed out.  I'll share what I find or make when I have something for you.