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Other Stuff => Workbench => Topic started by: Dreamfish on January 08, 2012, 08:13:55 PM

Title: Kickstarter: Modular Gaming Table
Post by: Dreamfish on January 08, 2012, 08:13:55 PM
Hi all,

I started the year with a new wargaming blog called Realms of Miniatures (http://realmsofminiatures.blogspot.com).

I already posted some work I did on a Modular Gaming Table (http://realmsofminiatures.blogspot.com/2012/01/modular-gaming-table-part-1.html) and planning to do a lot more in the future. I hope you enjoy reading it.

Kind regards,
Dreamfish
Title: Re: Modular Gaming Table and new blog
Post by: syrinx0 on January 09, 2012, 03:43:15 AM
Interesting table.  Looks very sturdy when assembled.  I have never noticed the fastener hardware your using in stores in the US.  How does that hold up to steady use?
Title: Re: Modular Gaming Table and new blog
Post by: Dewbakuk on January 09, 2012, 08:07:41 AM
Do you mean the metal bars with the push in studs? I can say from experiance that they are incredibly strong and durable if not abused. They are used a lot in things like hiking sticks and adjustable/swappable gardening tools, both of which can take some serious abuse and still work fine. Used in an indoor table they should last for ever.
Title: Re: Modular Gaming Table and new blog
Post by: Dreamfish on January 09, 2012, 08:29:16 AM
Hi,

Like Dewbakuk already said, they're pretty strong and durable if not abused. Mainly because the mechanism is very simplistic. As the image below shows, the whole mechanism exists out of two parts.

(http://www.kampeergoed.nl/images/borgveer_tentstok.jpg)

You only need to make the necessary holes and they're ready to use.

Grtz,
Dreamfish
Title: Re: Modular Gaming Table and new blog
Post by: Dewbakuk on January 09, 2012, 12:11:08 PM
By the way, that table is awesome, I am jealous.
Title: Re: Modular Gaming Table and new blog
Post by: Brandlin on January 09, 2012, 09:06:53 PM
Looks intriguing... I'd like to know how you made all the bits...
Title: Re: Modular Gaming Table and new blog
Post by: Dreamfish on January 10, 2012, 08:29:18 AM
Thanks for the positive feedback...

The whole table is made from two types of aluminium bars. 150x150mm and 200x200mm bars. These are welded together at various points. The whole structure is pretty simple actually. The difficulty lies in the tools needed to work with the material and the precision needed to make it work. Up to a precision of 2/10 of a mm to be exact. The table also underwent a Powder coating (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Powder_coating). Which makes the paint very durable and neat.

I'll try to post some more details on blog when I've got the time.

Grtz,
Dreamfish
Title: Re: Modular Gaming Table and new blog
Post by: Dreamfish on July 08, 2012, 08:17:51 PM
Hi all,

Bumped for progress on the table. Finally finished one river panel.

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Rbe_to7XYI/T_nXt0CgNGI/AAAAAAAAAqs/yFb5eh82WhQ/s320/DSC_9239.JPG)

Read the whole process here (http://realmsofminiatures.blogspot.nl/2012/07/modular-gaming-table-part-10.html) at my blog.

Kind regards,
Dreamfish
Title: Re: Modular Gaming Table and new blog
Post by: Dewbakuk on July 09, 2012, 05:14:39 PM
Beautiful rivers.
Title: Re: Modular Gaming Table and new blog
Post by: oldskoolrebel on July 09, 2012, 06:18:21 PM
Amazing table! I really like it.

The use of epoxy is great; I love the effect. I also love the modular nature of the table. It does make me wonder about some of the applications, especially with the stacking system... tunnels? Sewers?

Cheers
Andy
Title: Re: Modular Gaming Table and new blog
Post by: Dreamfish on July 09, 2012, 10:03:41 PM
@oldskoolrebel interesting thought. The stacking is actually used for storage, but could also be used for multiple layered boards. It would be limited to certain configuration, because it wouldn't be possible to place legs in between frames, but only at the corners.
Title: Re: Modular Gaming Table and new blog
Post by: CyberAlien312 on July 12, 2012, 02:24:07 PM
Wow. Those are some really nice rivers. But aren't most rivers a brown-ish colour instead of blue?
Title: Re: Modular Gaming Table and new blog
Post by: Dreamfish on July 14, 2012, 11:23:37 AM
Well, water is transparent by nature. The materials in the water affect the color, but also the reflection of the sky. Just google on "blue river" or "green river" and you'll see what I mean.

This link explains why the ocean is blue, http://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/mysteries/oceanblue.html (http://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/mysteries/oceanblue.html)

Whatever the case, the same mathod can be used for other colored rivers.

Kind regards,
Dreamfish
Title: Re: Modular Gaming Table and new blog
Post by: Calimero on July 14, 2012, 12:51:51 PM

Great work :-*
Title: Re: Modular Gaming Table and new blog
Post by: Dreamfish on July 23, 2012, 03:57:51 PM
Hi all,

All the river panels are now finished. You can view more pictures at my blog post (http://realmsofminiatures.blogspot.nl/2012/07/modular-gaming-board-part-11.html).

@oldskoolrebel I also tried the stacking system you mentioned.

(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H_3Tfq88eeg/UAvob7NAAPI/AAAAAAAAAsw/dQNlSXvVA0A/s320/Untitled-2.jpg)

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nHqk0GNf7Gs/UAvoaQHOfFI/AAAAAAAAAsk/U81qFPaRaQQ/s320/DSC_9291.JPG)
Title: Re: Modular Gaming Table and new blog
Post by: Dreamfish on August 09, 2012, 04:17:09 PM
Just finished all the hill panels which can be seen at http://realmsofminiatures.blogspot.nl/2012/08/modular-gaming-table-part-12.html (http://realmsofminiatures.blogspot.nl/2012/08/modular-gaming-table-part-12.html).

(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ips_5iMTCpY/UCN8au5Kg7I/AAAAAAAAAuI/aeQgK0B6ef0/s320/Untitled-1.png)

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8o1AEa8X0zk/UCN8b5Nt2oI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/F6-8m8ZvmZU/s320/Untitled-2.png)

(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pt2Nayar_zA/UCN8dbryytI/AAAAAAAAAuY/4_uOSjK7Vbg/s320/Untitled-3.png)
Title: Re: Modular Gaming Table and new blog
Post by: Maxx Von Morton on August 11, 2012, 08:22:39 AM
Wow! :o
I really love your table! I wish I could build one to store all my scenery!
Great job!  :-* :-*
Title: Re: Modular Gaming Table and new blog
Post by: Hammers on August 11, 2012, 08:53:42 AM
Nice. Versatile and straightforward. Useful and practical.
Title: Re: Modular Gaming Table and new blog
Post by: Dreamfish on August 13, 2012, 12:19:18 PM
Thank you for your lovely feedback, you've been very kind.

Here at http://realmsofminiatures.blogspot.nl/2012/08/modular-gaming-table-part-13.html (http://realmsofminiatures.blogspot.nl/2012/08/modular-gaming-table-part-13.html), you can see a demonstration of the table border in action.

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XSdW3TrBqG4/UCjGPgcWQkI/AAAAAAAAAvs/7MF2Aqy5PHo/s320/DSC_9365.JPG)

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uRSSgM6e_Js/UCjGQZvqjTI/AAAAAAAAAvw/G1Qvwls_JW8/s320/DSC_9366.JPG)

(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8aMo-cBFdKg/UCjGLmpTqcI/AAAAAAAAAvM/pydu0A-bKCw/s320/DSC_9357.JPG)
Title: Re: Modular Gaming Table and new blog
Post by: Diceplague on August 17, 2012, 03:29:32 AM
AWESOME! Jealousy is a bad feeling I know... but I canīt help it... :-*

Congrats!

PS.:
 I love when I get to read a lot of old WIP posts!
Title: Re: Modular Gaming Table and new blog
Post by: Dreamfish on August 31, 2012, 10:11:45 AM
Look, backdrops (http://realmsofminiatures.blogspot.nl/2012/08/modular-gaming-table-part-14.html)! You know for the purpose of photography.

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-puGNCM2rx30/UEBzxsy6G2I/AAAAAAAAAzU/CPlmdCTsT7w/s320/DSC_9444.JPG)
Title: Re: Modular Gaming Table and new blog
Post by: Commander Vyper on August 31, 2012, 10:16:34 AM
Really nice, still looking at a way to get my LOTR stuff onto the gaming table, this might just do it, perfect stack options.

Mark
Title: Re: Modular Gaming Table and new blog
Post by: Dr. Zombie on August 31, 2012, 10:45:13 AM
I am extremely jealous both of the table and the talent that goes into making it.

Title: Re: Modular Gaming Table and new blog
Post by: Relic on September 05, 2012, 10:47:12 AM
nice blog. I'll be visiting
Title: Re: Modular Gaming Table and new blog
Post by: Dreamfish on October 01, 2012, 12:36:44 PM
At last, I've finally concluded the series. Visit my blog (http://realmsofminiatures.blogspot.nl/2012/10/modular-gaming-table-part-15.html) for the full demonstration.

(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sZI1Ubgqzjw/UGij2T-oWHI/AAAAAAAAA58/tBjYBqN6JiU/s320/DSC_9606.JPG)
Title: Re: Modular Gaming Table and new blog
Post by: Dreamfish on February 13, 2013, 08:02:55 PM
Ever since I've finished the Modular Gaming Table I've been entertaining myself with the thought of making it comercially available. To be clear, I'm talking about the table, not the panels. There're a lot of things to consider before starting such a thing. One of such things is to find out whether there's a demand for it.

To find out I've setup a poll asking some basic questions. I'll let it run for 80 days and find out whether it's worth persuing or not. I would greatly appreciate it if you help me fill in the poll. The poll is located on my blog at http://realmsofminiatures.blogspot.com (http://realmsofminiatures.blogspot.com).

(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MORfi8O_SRk/TwTVkjAj5TI/AAAAAAAAAVM/6vqAOOEc_wE/s1600/13.jpg)
Title: Re: Modular Gaming Table and new blog
Post by: Dreamfish on April 15, 2013, 09:40:25 AM
Dear members,

I would like to announce my kickstarter compaign on the Indiegogo crowdfunding platform. This campaign is a one time oppertunity for you to own a Modular Gaming Table.

The campaign will run for 45 days. The goal is to raise enough money to order at least 10 or more tables. All contributions are refunded if I fail to meet this goal. Production starts when the campaign ends and the goal is reached.

Now without further ado, I present you the "Modular Gaming Table (http://igg.me/at/mgt)" campaign.

(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2C8zdu3I_q0/UWus-TQor1I/AAAAAAAADWM/3nqV7wTtLy0/s400/rom-mgt-banner.jpg) (http://igg.me/at/mgt)

To be successful this campaign need to be relayed in many places. For this to happen I'm counting on you to help spread the word around you.

Even if you don't have any direct interest in a MGT, or if you cannot afford to support the effort financially, It will be greatly appreciated that you spread the word around (on your blogs, on forums, everywhere you may see fit, but please no spam!)
Title: Re: Kickstarter: Modular Gaming Table
Post by: Thantsants on April 27, 2013, 11:00:32 PM
I just pledged my support - 33 days to go and 9 more tables needed to reach the goal if you're interested!  :D

Here's what I want to do with my table

(http://i591.photobucket.com/albums/ss360/thantsants/citcomp1us016-01_zps725c8bc5.jpg) (http://s591.photobucket.com/user/thantsants/media/citcomp1us016-01_zps725c8bc5.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Kickstarter: Modular Gaming Table
Post by: white knight on April 29, 2013, 12:14:01 PM
I'm seriously tempted, but I have a question. It's a bit hard to make out from the parts description whether the side panels are included? They give the table the proper, finished look.
Title: Re: Kickstarter: Modular Gaming Table
Post by: Dreamfish on April 29, 2013, 04:54:00 PM
Hi White Knight and thank you for your interest.

The wooden MDF borders as described in this post (http://realmsofminiatures.blogspot.nl/2012/08/modular-gaming-table-part-13.html) are not included. The borders are attached to the gameboards and not to the table. The Modular gaming Table series (http://realmsofminiatures.blogspot.nl/search/label/Modular%20Gaming%20Table) on my blog describes how to make the gameboards and borders.

Please take a look at the following instruction manuals to get a good impression on what's included and how to assemble one MGT set.

Instruction manual - table mode (http://d2oadd98wnjs7n.cloudfront.net/medias/754797/files/20130413075749-mgt-manual-table.pdf?1365865071)
Instruction manual - storage mode (http://d2oadd98wnjs7n.cloudfront.net/medias/754767/files/20130413072443-mgt-manual-storage.pdf?1365863085)

You can make your own or buy gameboards like the Citadel Realms of Battle. They will fit as long as a single gameboard is 2x2 or 2x4 feet. Whether or not you're able to use borders depends on what kind of gameboards you're using.

Let me know if you have any more questions.
Title: Re: Kickstarter: Modular Gaming Table
Post by: white knight on April 30, 2013, 10:47:17 AM
Hmmm. Shame that. I really like the finished look it gives to the setup and I have no illusions as to my ability to replicate it.  ::)
Title: Re: Kickstarter: Modular Gaming Table
Post by: white knight on April 30, 2013, 11:04:10 AM
Allright, I went for the double set, but I'll expect you to give me pointers when I hopelessly try to emulate your border setup.  ;)
Title: Re: Kickstarter: Modular Gaming Table
Post by: Dreamfish on April 30, 2013, 02:48:20 PM
Alright, now we're talking! A double set for you it is. Don't worry, I'll see to it personally that you get your borders right... If the goal is reached I'll setup a dedicated support forum.

But, let's not jump to conclusions, we're not there yet. Just 7 more tables to go. I am counting on your assistance to spread the word. Any promotion will do. Maybe you could share some of your plans with us?
Title: Re: Kickstarter: Modular Gaming Table
Post by: white knight on April 30, 2013, 03:31:16 PM
No concrete plans yet. I'm looking to buy a house with the SO in which I will ideally have a hobby room to myself. As it's hard to find something with enough space, a modular table seems the way to go as I can set it up as and when needed and at the size that is needed and put it back into storage mode when it's not.

Hoping to be able to do a few different sets of boards for it too. One generic set like yours with enough boards to cover the whole setup and then some smaller thematic sets, including a greyscale one for my grey scale zorro project and a cobblestone set usable for victorian, musketeers/TYW and fantasy towns. And perhaps a desertlike set to use with Weird/Old West, Lucky Luke and Arabian fantasy.
Title: Re: Kickstarter: Modular Gaming Table
Post by: Dreamfish on May 01, 2013, 08:45:19 AM
That sounds great and inspiring. It'll be great to see the table being used by people - other than myself.

I've been thinking about making some gameboards to use in a 3D setup. I'm not sure yet what exactly, but I've been thinking about making specific (A)HQ or Space Hulk boards. I'm planning on painting the original sets one day and it would be great to play those games on the table.
Title: Re: Modular Gaming Table and new blog
Post by: white knight on May 02, 2013, 12:06:27 PM
Even if you don't have any direct interest in a MGT, or if you cannot afford to support the effort financially, It will be greatly appreciated that you spread the word around (on your blogs, on forums, everywhere you may see fit, but please no spam!)

For your information, I posted this to the Warhammer Empire and Bugman's Brewery forums as well.

http://warhammer-empire.com/theforum/index.php?topic=46251.0 (http://warhammer-empire.com/theforum/index.php?topic=46251.0)

http://www.bugmansbrewery.com/topic/40947-modular-gaming-table-for-a-limited-time-on-indiegogo/ (http://www.bugmansbrewery.com/topic/40947-modular-gaming-table-for-a-limited-time-on-indiegogo/)

Title: Re: Kickstarter: Modular Gaming Table
Post by: white knight on May 02, 2013, 01:12:01 PM
And now on Steve Dean and Guildwargamers forum:

http://www.sdean-forum.co.uk/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=34201&p=386986 (http://www.sdean-forum.co.uk/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=34201&p=386986)

http://www.guildwargamers.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=107&t=28087&p=304014 (http://www.guildwargamers.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=107&t=28087&p=304014)
Title: Re: Kickstarter: Modular Gaming Table
Post by: Dreamfish on May 02, 2013, 01:20:23 PM
Good thinking, will keep an eye on those. Thank you for spreading the word.
Title: Re: Kickstarter: Modular Gaming Table
Post by: Captain Nemo on May 06, 2013, 05:31:44 PM
Oh man, how I wish that I had the money for this!
You could very easily play a game on both the surface of the ocean and the sea floor at the same time!
Wow! Best of luck!
Title: Re: Kickstarter: Modular Gaming Table
Post by: Dreamfish on May 07, 2013, 09:35:18 AM
Thanks! Interesting, Nemo for wargamers. Never thought of that one before.
Title: Re: Kickstarter: Modular Gaming Table
Post by: white knight on May 07, 2013, 10:58:14 AM
That is a very cool idea. You might even be able to make the waterboards transparent, so you can see trough them to the second level.
Title: Re: Kickstarter: Modular Gaming Table
Post by: white knight on May 15, 2013, 09:20:00 AM
On another forum, someone asked if there's a video somewhere of putting it together, to judge how hard it is. Anything like that available?
Title: Re: Kickstarter: Modular Gaming Table
Post by: Dreamfish on May 15, 2013, 12:41:33 PM
Your wish is my command. Go check out the campaign (http://igg.me/at/mgt/x/1161446) website and you'll find three YouTube videos in which I demonstrate a 2x3 table and storage setup.
Title: Re: Kickstarter: Modular Gaming Table
Post by: white knight on May 15, 2013, 12:47:51 PM
Saw it and spreading the word already.  :D
Title: Re: Kickstarter: Modular Gaming Table
Post by: Dreamfish on May 21, 2013, 09:25:32 AM
Stretch Goal? Be an early adopter and help with the future development of the table. Please visit the campaign website (http://igg.me/at/mgt/x/1161446) for more information...
Title: Re: Kickstarter: Modular Gaming Table
Post by: white knight on May 21, 2013, 09:45:02 AM
And shared!  ;)
Title: Re: Kickstarter: Modular Gaming Table
Post by: white knight on May 30, 2013, 03:02:11 PM
Last hours and a few more pledges needed to be funded. Come on people, surely there are enough upstanding members of the LAF to make this a reality?  8)
Title: Re: Kickstarter: Modular Gaming Table
Post by: Dreamfish on May 31, 2013, 08:33:54 AM
I'm sorry WK, I'm afraid it's of no use. The campaign has ended and failed to meet its goal.

My MGT experiment ends here. I would like to thank everyone for their support and positief feedback. Special thanks go out to those brave few who actually contributed their hard earned cash, which of course will be refunded.

Thank you, you've been a wonderful audience.
Title: Re: Kickstarter: Modular Gaming Table
Post by: white knight on May 31, 2013, 08:48:04 AM
Shame that. It seemed really useful.  :(
Title: Re: Kickstarter: Modular Gaming Table
Post by: wdlanghans on May 31, 2013, 03:10:35 PM
Piece of advice if I may.

My first kickstarter failed, but I learned from it and my second kickstarter was successful. You obviously have the guts to take your idea and put it out for all the world to see and comment on, which is more rare than you would think, so don't let the failure get you down.

Now it's time to determine if this idea just needs to be tweaked and relaunched or if it's time to move on to the next idea. I look forward to seeing what you come up with next!
 
Title: Re: Kickstarter: Modular Gaming Table
Post by: Dreamfish on June 01, 2013, 02:05:36 PM
@wdlanghans: Thanks for the advice, and you're right. There're still other possibilities to explore, but for now I'm letting it rest for a while.