N-Trak Style Modular Gaming Boards

This discussion came up on TMP. One person actually said that it had failed for N Scale why would it work for table top miniatures. They obviously did no research and knew nothing of model railroading since N-Trak is probably one of the most successful concepts out there for modular railroads coming together at conventions. 

Anyway I thought about it and came up with some ideas, its not likely to get off the ground but since I spent some time actually writing it I figured I would post it. I actually used some of these concepts when working on the felt tournament boards for LEG.

Standards for modular terrain boards

The thought is to begin a discussion to create a set of standards that would allow a gamer to build one or more miniature boards, bring them to a convention and link it with other boards to form the terrain for big games or tournament boards.

There are several factors that need to be taken into consideration; size of the board, entry/exit points for roads, entry exit points for streams/rivers and how the boards are framed to ensure the primary surface is the same level across all the boards.

Board size – While 3’ sounds like a good width, 2’ widths are easier to move and you can purchase precut ½”x2’x4’ panels at most lumberyards or home builder centers . These are easy to transport, and provides a good base for framing. This gives maximum flexibility for board configurations. For example if creating a 4’x6’ board you can place 3 boards side by side or place 2 boards side by side and the third board across the end. Measurements must be precise, a board not exactly 2’x4’ will mess up the configuration possibilities. The reality of this is a single 4’x8’ sheet of plywood will only yield two perfect 2’x4’ boards because of the saw kerfs. The compromise would be boards that measure say 23 ¾”x 47 ¾”.

Road Entry/Exit locations – easiest is usually the best. Roads enter/exit every 6” on the 2’ side and at 1’ intervals on the 4’ side. That gives you 12 potential entry/exit points. All some or none could be used on any given board. Decisions on road width really can be left up to the builder. Obviously, boards built for 15mm boards, and smaller, will need smaller widths than for 28mm. But there is no point in trying to regulate it. Roads in real life vary in widths in odd places all the time. If using a different size board then roads exit/enter through the three equidistance points along the edge.

Stream/River, Entry/Exit locations. – These are always tougher. Either use the same entry/exit points as the roads and be willing to except some odd situations or pick the spaces in between the roads at 9” and 18” in from either end of the 4’ edge and 9” in from either end of the 2’ edge. If using a different size board then stream exit enter points should be have two entry/exit points along each board edge at equidistant intervals.

Scenery - Beyond the specific entry/exit points for roads and streams the builder is free to do whatever they like on their board.

For building a board frame the bottom with 2”x2”s (with one center brace) and put the ½” plywood over that. I would not use MDF as its heavy and somewhat fragile for something that is going to be moved around a lot. On top of the plywood glue either 2” thick blue or pink foam so that rivers and some other features can be cut in below the surface.

Really, that’s all it would take.