Modeling Calamity

[pocoloco]

This looks better and better by each update  One question though, did you consider running the streets bit more diagonally?

[Heisler]

I did consider that and even tried a few concepts with the streets running like that. I really don't like everything running parallel to the edges of the board, but I found that it was harder to get everything to fit and I would end up with odd corners. I'll probably toy with that idea again though since it would visually break up the scenes better.

[pocoloco]

Too open odd corners could be, at least couple of them, filled with a terrain feature such as pond/lake, where from a river/stream then runs to other parts of the table or a steep cliffside perhaps? Or howabout a building that is cut open so that it's easy to move minis inside, front facade of the building facing towards the board?

[Heisler]

Those are good ideas. I might throw together another set of boards and play with that structure a bit too. The hardest part was the building models, the boards are pretty easy to work with.

[Elbows]

I like my Hotz Mat, but I'm ordering a flocked blank desert mat simply because I tire a bit of the same layout (streets at least) constantly.  I painted an alternate roadway on the back of my Hotz Mat as well...trying to keep up some variety. 

[pocoloco]

Where do you order such mats? Flocked desert mat migt be just the thing for me as well.

[Heisler]

So, basically, I'm finished with the model at this point. There are a couple of things I need to do like figure out how to represent the railroad tracks and build some fences. I have been messing around with the angled street concept on paper and I'm struggling to find a good layout of streets and stream with that. I'll have to go back to the Leadwood site and take a look at the way he built some of his structures.

Here are a few pictures of the finished boards and a few sample building arrangements.
Of course there is a longer discourse on my blog: http://wargamesandrailroads.blogspot.com/2013/03/modeling-calamity-finishedfor-now.html

[Heisler]

Where do you order such mats? Flocked desert mat migt be just the thing for me as well.

The mats I like are the ones from Monday Knight Productions: http://www.mondayknight.com/Index-Mats.html

[pocoloco]

Thanks for the link, it could be just the thing. But getting it shipped from the US to Ultima Thule aka Finland seems to be too pricy, need to find a supplier here or then just make the board myself.

[Elbows]

I'm going to invest in a rather expensive one from some guys here in the states...let me find them.

http://www.theterrainguy.com/4ftx6ftdegam.html

It's only one sided, but the mat is almost rubberized with built-in flock etc. so it won't flake off.  Considering how much Old West gaming I do, I think it'll be worthwhile.  There is a shop in the UK who does the same thing, but they quoted me almost $80 to ship a $100 mat...

[pocoloco]

So that's like a true pro mat then?

I could always try to paint the normal GW mat... 

[Heisler]

So maybe what you are looking for is similar to the tournament boards I made for my gaming group.
Here is a, more or less, step by step process to create your own gaming mats. These are pretty rugged, we have been using them for three or four years now and they have been holding up great. We have a couple that are almost 15 years old now.

Here's the link to the post on my blog. The one thing to keep in mind though is be prepared to invest in quality felt, otherwise it will fall apart on you.

http://wargamesandrailroads.blogspot.com/2012/11/painting-and-flocking-felt-gaming-boards.html

[pocoloco]

Thanks, read it and bookmarked it for future reference. If I go felt-shopping I will need to bring my missus with me Read also your comparison between different manufacturers of laser-cut building, very useful that one as well.

[Heisler]

I have some buildings from another manufacturer that I need to add to the comparison and waiting to see what company is working with Great Escape for Dead Man's Hand.

[Elbows]

Heisler, I'll try to remember to take some pics of my Flying Tricycle building.  It's very nice...but christ it's the most overly complex thing I've ever seen!  It's seriously...50+ parts for a small Sheriff's office?

I see a huge advance in the more modern stuff.  It's still a nice building, and I'll be using it, but I have to redo the roof etc.  It's a half dozen supports and hand-cut tiles etc.  It's definitely not gamer friendly!