Pendraken Miniatures Forum

Wider Wargaming => Resources => Topic started by: Luddite on 12 July 2014, 07:58:24 PM

Title: Game mats
Post by: Luddite on 12 July 2014, 07:58:24 PM
Oooh...pretty!

I just stumbled across these.  Don't know anything about them but they do look mighty puurrdy.... =P~ =P~

http://www.gamemat.eu/6x4-g-mats.html (http://www.gamemat.eu/6x4-g-mats.html)
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: FierceKitty on 13 July 2014, 03:09:20 AM
They do, and I have a pro-Czech bias, but what would you really do with them?
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: Ithoriel on 13 July 2014, 03:55:06 PM
I rather like the look of Eric Hotz's game maps ( http://www.hotzmats.com/index.html ) but by the time I'd paid for the mat, the postage, import duties, Post Office handling fees, etc I'd be pressed to justify the cost.

That said, I ever win the lottery Hotz Maps are going to get a number of custom orders :)
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: sebigboss79 on 23 July 2014, 01:23:59 PM
If you are after gaming mats I am in the process to get some cooperation with a printer for PVC Gaming Mats. Price for 90*90 (3x3) is 35 GBP delivered to my house.

These are 510gsm heavy duty and hard to inflame. 4x4 would be 40 quid.

If you order 5 mats of the same design that price is 15 GBP / 20 per mat. Postage and getting the printer set up is the majority of cost. At the moment I have two sets of mats on hold and will get them mid August. It is of no importance what design you wish to print but high resolution gets better quality.

My designs are a 120x85 Martian desert and a 90x90 Space map for sending my Cylons out to destroy the Goa'Uld. Designs for urban areas are in the works.
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: FierceKitty on 23 July 2014, 01:36:16 PM
Only my dice get inflamed! They have a clear arthritic tendency when the higher numbers are involved (i.e. anything above two).


Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: sebigboss79 on 23 July 2014, 02:04:40 PM
Quote from: FierceKitty on 23 July 2014, 01:36:16 PM
Only my dice get inflamed! They have a clear arthritic tendency when the higher numbers are involved (i.e. anything above two).




Never had any heated argument then? Clearly you are not married...  ;D
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: Lord Kermit of Birkenhead on 23 July 2014, 03:58:39 PM
Quote from: FierceKitty on 23 July 2014, 01:36:16 PM
Only my dice get inflamed! They have a clear arthritic tendency when the higher numbers are involved (i.e. anything above two).

Drink more chocolate, or sacrifice a few more people.....

IanS
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: Luddite on 29 December 2014, 07:21:59 PM
Another set of very nice looking mats.

http://www.deepcutstudio.com/ (http://www.deepcutstudio.com/)
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: Ithoriel on 29 December 2014, 07:38:55 PM
Quote from: Luddite on 29 December 2014, 07:21:59 PM
Another set of very nice looking mats.

http://www.deepcutstudio.com/ (http://www.deepcutstudio.com/)

Interesting, if out of my price range at this, post-Xmas, moment. Good find, thanks.
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: Bodvoc on 29 December 2014, 08:17:21 PM
A few weeks ago, I bought a 6×6ft piece of dark green cloth and a few cans of matt spray paint. I draped the cloth over the clothes line and sprayed a mottled effect of grey, grass green, earth brown and sand all over it. I now have a unique gaming mat for about £30.
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: Leman on 29 December 2014, 11:46:31 PM
Yes, I did the same with a faux green throw. Worked pretty well I thought:

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g440/dourpuritan/10mm%20SYW/IMG_1344_zpsbfad55e7.jpg)
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: Techno on 30 December 2014, 07:53:12 AM
It most certainly did !!
Cheers - Phil
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: Maenoferren on 30 December 2014, 04:59:20 PM
Liking the home made mat
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: paulr on 31 December 2014, 03:36:52 AM
I'm falling behind on posts without my reading time on the train to/from work  :!!

Very nice home made mat, has come out very well

I have done a few of these and I find it easier to darken a mid green cloth than lighten a dark one, YMMV
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: Steve J on 31 December 2014, 09:18:11 AM
Great home made mat. However I will stick with my GW battlemat for the time being.
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: Leman on 01 January 2015, 06:34:31 PM
As the two work out at about the same price, probably not a bad idea.
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: Hertsblue on 02 January 2015, 01:10:49 PM
Nice looking effect, DP. How did you get the mottling effect between the patches of solid colour?
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: NTM on 02 January 2015, 03:27:06 PM
I too will be sticking with the GW mat for temperate gaming.
Need a desert mat though so may well use some of these techniques. A beige sheet or blanket should be a good starting point and easy to get hold of.
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: Maenoferren on 02 January 2015, 03:52:39 PM
Quote from: NTM on 02 January 2015, 03:27:06 PM
I too will be sticking with the GW mat for temperate gaming.
Need a desert mat though so may well use some of these techniques. A beige sheet or blanket should be a good starting point and easy to get hold of.
I am going for the same idea..I will give some sand coloured fleece a go and maybe sponge the colours onto it....
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: Leman on 02 January 2015, 04:04:13 PM
Hertsblue, the mottling  effect is actually finger marks which can be smoothed out.
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: Hertsblue on 03 January 2015, 09:42:43 AM
Ah, yes, never thought of that.
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: Westmarcher on 22 January 2015, 02:08:39 PM
Encountered this today. Fascinating game mat (or is it more than one piece?). No idea of origin (e.g., homemade or what).

http://malefricmusings.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/combat-at-eichberg-carnage-scenario_22.html (http://malefricmusings.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/combat-at-eichberg-carnage-scenario_22.html)
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: Steve J on 22 January 2015, 03:26:23 PM
Looks like one piece to me that is then sprayed with different colours. Very effective if done well as this is.
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: petercooman on 22 January 2015, 04:31:48 PM
Quote from: Westmarcher on 22 January 2015, 02:08:39 PM
Encountered this today. Fascinating game mat (or is it more than one piece?). No idea of origin (e.g., homemade or what).

http://malefricmusings.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/combat-at-eichberg-carnage-scenario_22.html (http://malefricmusings.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/combat-at-eichberg-carnage-scenario_22.html)

Hotz artwork make a mat that is similar:

http://www.hotzmats.com/mat_1-en_euro.html
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: Ironduke on 23 March 2015, 10:09:31 AM
Quote from: Leman on 29 December 2014, 11:46:31 PM
Yes, I did the same with a faux green throw. Worked pretty well I thought:

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g440/dourpuritan/10mm%20SYW/IMG_1344_zpsbfad55e7.jpg)

Poetry, in a cloth gaming mat kinda way, great stuff, you could do a terrain feature in SSQ!
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: getagrip on 23 March 2015, 10:12:57 AM
Really is very good!

Anyone know where I can get a mat for DMH? (American West dusty effect type thing.)
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: GordonY on 08 April 2015, 01:07:21 PM
You looked at the Cigar Box line? http://www.cigarboxbattle.com/now-available-cigarboxbattle-wargaming-mats/
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: getagrip on 08 April 2015, 02:06:20 PM
Quote from: GordonY on 08 April 2015, 01:07:21 PM
You looked at the Cigar Box line? http://www.cigarboxbattle.com/now-available-cigarboxbattle-wargaming-mats/

They are absolutely fantastic and soooooooooooooooooooooo expensive :'(

I'm quite happy to shell out for minis but, at that price, I'm happier to stick with a green mat. :-\

Thanks anyway Gordon. :)
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: GordonY on 08 April 2015, 02:09:32 PM
North Star are starting to carry them from the 27th at £60 for one of the big ones, should ease the postage a bit.

OR you could just buy a couple of metres of this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Felt-Baize-Fabric-60-width-per-meter-poker-snooker-tables-pin-boards-/380464877174?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&var=650093098859&hash=item5895794e76
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: getagrip on 08 April 2015, 02:12:41 PM
Quote from: GordonY on 08 April 2015, 02:09:32 PM
North Star are starting to carry them from the 27th at £60 for one of the big ones, should ease the postage a bit.

That's do-able. :)

Just resent postage costs! >:(
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: GordonY on 08 April 2015, 02:19:28 PM
Heres the URL

http://www.northstarfigures.com/list.php?man=190&page=1

check out the last mat on page 3, I'm having that puppy for me.  :D
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: getagrip on 08 April 2015, 03:29:58 PM
Thanks Gordon.

The Waterloo mat is fantastic!

Enjoy. ;)
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: NTM on 08 April 2015, 07:02:57 PM
Lidl are selling a 2x1m grass mat for £4.99 again
A bit bright and perhaps too rigid for my liking but not bad
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: fsn on 08 April 2015, 07:17:00 PM
Why are Lidl selling grass mats?  :-\ What are they for?
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: toxicpixie on 08 April 2015, 09:36:33 PM
They're "AstroTurf" sort of thing for patios etc. maybe a little bright but actually pretty good "in the flesh".
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: GordonY on 08 April 2015, 10:39:52 PM
Yeah I've played on one, yes theyre a bit stiff, I found it a bit on the dark side to be honest, but that was an ALDI one. Cheap and cheerful but they would get the job done, except that the OP was looking for a deserty mat.

summat like one of these



or

Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: zackzeta on 14 May 2016, 04:15:44 AM
been looking into mats but theyre very pricey and feel extremly flat i think it might be better to make my own. love the picture someone showed here might do something like that i was watching a video showing how to make a mat

if someone has something better let me know

https://youtu.be/c4inBnDwYGo
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: pierre the shy on 14 May 2016, 09:34:15 AM
Hi zackzeta

Rather than an rigid "battle mat" have you considered just using a loose base cloth of cotton or fleece material coloured to your requirements?

e.g. a generic green fleece base cloth can be used for a wide range of battlefields or a light sand coloured cloth sprayed conservatively with irregular patches of lighter/darker brown can be used for desert settings.

I have got my wife to run up a few different ones for me over the years using material from local patchwork/craft shops that have served well, looked good and cost me very little. She's a patchworker so is quite happy to make them up for me.

Hope you find something suitable for your needs :) 

 

Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: Orcs on 14 May 2016, 11:20:27 AM
I have used Dyed Flannelette sheets or blankets over the years.  I used cold water dye put it in a bucket with the sheet or blanket and done.

If you want a felt cloth go to a sewing shop and buy it by the metre about £15 for enough to cover a 6 x 4 table

Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: Leman on 15 May 2016, 11:21:58 AM
Don't forget the trusty Faux Mink Throw in Lime, with some spray acryli8c darker green and brown added. Very effective. got mine from Amazon. Bigger than 6'x4' so good for putting hill formers under.

(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g440/dourpuritan/10mm%20SYW/IMG_1345_zps7b51b634.jpg)
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: zackzeta on 17 May 2016, 07:01:32 PM
So I saw a giant grass mat at my hobby shop what do you guys think about that? It's fairy cheap like $25 and I can use a coupon.

(http://javascript:void(0))
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: toxicpixie on 19 May 2016, 08:47:49 AM
Without seeing it, sounds decent :D

I recently used a pale greenish bed sheet (£2 from Asda) and the scrag end of half dozen different spray cans (not even enough puff for base coating figures, but just enough to asthmatically gasp out at close range in a splodgy fashion!) to make something a little like Leman's but essentially for free. It's not as nice, but it is serviceable, was exceptionally cheap and used up some stuff that would otherwise be binned!
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: zackzeta on 19 May 2016, 08:53:22 AM
i believe it this one but a lot larger

(http://img.hobbylobby.com/sys-master/root/h0d/hb8/h00/8982244851742/235739[5].jpg)
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: toxicpixie on 19 May 2016, 08:55:48 AM
From memory they're quite stiff but nice - not sure you can put hills etc UNDER the mat and have it lie nicely, but otherwise are good looking - not convinced, I'm working from memory of maybe seeing them at the model shop?
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: Hwiccee on 20 May 2016, 11:11:58 AM
Does anyone know of a company that does custom mats of specific battles? I am planning an 18th century demo game and I will have to travel to some events by train. So conventional terrain will be a problem. What I am after is someone to make a mat of a specific battle, it won't be Blenheim but that battlefield for example.

Does anyone do that?
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: Ithoriel on 20 May 2016, 02:49:52 PM
No idea as to costs or timescales or the detail possible but ...

Hotz Mats do custom orders (http://www.hotzmats.com/1_mat_custom_1.html)
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: toxicpixie on 20 May 2016, 09:46:05 PM
No specific details but a couple of people have had a graphics place/banner/sign printers do them matts from an image file - sort cognition you see events or stalls with, on thick vinyl. they sounded reasonably priced from memory and looked decent to game on & good enough to last!
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: GrumpyOldMan on 20 May 2016, 10:47:02 PM
Hello Hwiccee

Quote from: Hwiccee on 20 May 2016, 11:11:58 AM
Does anyone know of a company that does custom mats of specific battles? I am planning an 18th century demo game and I will have to travel to some events by train. So conventional terrain will be a problem. What I am after is someone to make a mat of a specific battle, it won't be Blenheim but that battlefield for example.

Does anyone do that?

Wasn't there some FPW(?) battles shown that were played on large prints of the actual maps of the battle. Had a quick look but couldn't find them. Does anybody else remember these or am I going more gaga than normal?

Cheers

GrumpyOldMan
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 20 May 2016, 11:23:41 PM
Your faculties fail you nor Le Machou has them for Gravelotte-Sant Private
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: GrumpyOldMan on 21 May 2016, 03:56:05 AM
Quote from: mad lemmey on 20 May 2016, 11:23:41 PM
Your faculties fail you nor Le Machou has them for Gravelotte-Sant Private

That's what I thought but there are only a few pictures in photobucket and his blog seems to have disappeared. I seem to remember lots of good pictures in forum posts.
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: Leman on 21 May 2016, 08:09:54 AM
Wargame Vault has a large number of downloadable mats which you then get a third party to print on cloth, vinyl or paper. They look good but I have absolutely no idea how this is done or how one goes about getting it printed as WV seem to assume one already knows.
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: Hwiccee on 21 May 2016, 11:33:47 AM
Yes the using an image file and making a 'sign' sounds good. I am not sure where I will get a good image but it does at least sound doable.

It would be great if someone can locate the FPW ones? Does anyone know what map/kind of map was used for these?

Thanks all
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: Le Manchou on 21 May 2016, 12:13:41 PM
Well, The FPW maps don't exist for sale in my knowledge, the one I used in my games were the work of a Chinese artist who painted the maps from a general staff map model or a Bruce Weigle's map I gave to her. You can check them on my web site:

http://2d6.fr/projet1870/index.php?pages/Les-batailles-propos%C3%A9es

and

http://2d6.fr/projet1870/index.php?pages/les-tables-de-la-salle-tactique

and

http://2d6.fr/projet1870/index.php?
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 21 May 2016, 01:05:03 PM
Formidable Le Manchou 8)
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: Hwiccee on 21 May 2016, 03:12:20 PM
Quote from: Le Manchou on 21 May 2016, 12:13:41 PM
Well, The FPW maps don't exist for sale in my knowledge, the one I used in my games were the work of a Chinese artist who painted the maps from a general staff map model or a Bruce Weigle's map I gave to her. You can check them on my web site:

http://2d6.fr/projet1870/index.php?pages/Les-batailles-propos%C3%A9es

and

http://2d6.fr/projet1870/index.php?pages/les-tables-de-la-salle-tactique

and

http://2d6.fr/projet1870/index.php?

WOW these are fantastic but probably more than I will need. I will try the printer but I might come back to you if that does not work.
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: Leman on 21 May 2016, 04:00:42 PM
Too Fat Lardies produce a CD of a massive map around Metz which was produced by the German military in 1872. I don't know whether segments of this could be rendered as a tabletop mat, but I imagine it's possible in the same way as the WV mats mentioned above.
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: Hwiccee on 22 May 2016, 09:35:35 AM
Sounds good but unfortunately any 19th century map is likely to be unusable for a late 17th/early 18th century battle. Also I haven't decided which battle to do yet but I am looking at battles in Spain, Holland, the Balkans and Russia.
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: Leman on 23 May 2016, 07:49:49 AM
Whoops, thought this was a FPW thread - moving on, moving on.
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: Le Manchou on 23 May 2016, 08:43:17 AM
For battles in Belgium, you might check the ferraris

http://kbr.be/collections/cart_plan/ferraris/ferraris_fr.html
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: Hwiccee on 23 May 2016, 03:13:33 PM
Leman: Good link and thanks for the thought.

Le Manchou: A great resource - thanks :)
Title: Re: Game mats
Post by: zackzeta on 23 May 2016, 03:22:20 PM
I might go with this method, anyone have any ideas for flocking and painting?

Want a nice green field and then another wasteland style mat

https://initiativetabletop.com/2013/09/05/to-buy-or-to-build-the-battlemat/