So after considering some of the feedback a received on various forums I realized I missed the mark in terms of complexity of the design. While I really enjoyed creating the SkyBar building its a rather complex thing to build for the average wargamer. I got carried away!

I'm relaunching the topic under a new format. This time the designs will be easy to reproduce, be low cost (60$ for the table) but still try to give a decent look that can be achieved with MDF. I choose Outpost as the theme since its a classic and can be used both for Paradiso and YAMS.

MODULE #1A : [4"X4"]
The Module


The Parts

If you look at the grid on the cutting mat you can guess the approximate dimensions I used. The larger squares are 1". The small ones 0,25".

Dark gray weathering + Etched patterns






This module cost me 50 cents in cardboard and a few drops of paint... Minimal effort, minimal cost and decent look. Mission accomplished

[The other Poor Man's Skybar project. Its shelved for now. I'll get back to it when I'm done with creating all the elements of this system.]

Amazing.

Great work, Marc!
It shows that even in the times of laser cut MDF and plentyful terrain kickstarters nothing should stop us from doing stuff ourselves. All one needs is trash, tools and a plan.
And in your case the result can even look good.

MODULE #1B [WIP]

A+ man, will definitely be giving this a go

The stairs: Currently they are 1,25" wide. For remotes they would need to be larger.





Stackable !

[Off topic] INFINITY SUNDAY at our local store: 10 showed up. +1 one new player gluing his army and 1 guy eager to get into the game.


[/Off topic]

I am envious of:

1) Your homemade terrain
2) Your homebase Infinity group

Jealous, I am!

FINAL VERSION
I made a minor change to the top module. The legs were beveled inward to connect with the top of legs of the lower module.

Where was that, and when are your games, again?

 Mathieu Raymond wrote:
Where was that, and when are your games, again?

Got ya! ;-)

It was at the Abyss gaming store (St-Michel subway*). The next casual play day will be on Sunday Nov 24th.
They have 3 permanent INFINITY tables (MAS) . We bring the rest.

*The entrance is at the back behind the Pharmaprix. Use the blue door (in the parking lot) to go down to the basement of the building.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LAbyss/members/

Hope to see you there !

Double height staircase

Simple and impressive.
Nice work.

The staircase looks like it's very interesting to play on. I bet people would pay for it.

Did you make those holes in the staircase on purpose so models can shoot through?

 soulcow wrote:
Did you make those holes in the staircase on purpose so models can shoot through?

Yes. I'm trying to do everything as cinematic as possible.

Sky bridge:

Module 1A : 4"x4"

Very nice!
I have several big sheets of plasticard about that thick that I've been saving. These would work perfectly!

Support Column Allows creation Check Point passage

well I'm inspired..

So simple but effective!

Thanks for posting : )

The Poor Man's Table System is done :

So, will you be publishing drawings of all those modules? It looks pretty damn good.

 Bolognesus wrote:
So, will you be publishing drawings of all those modules? It looks pretty damn good.

Tx!

Yes. I will publish all the plans in the coming days/weeks.

The exact name of the cardboard I'm using is : Chipboard .100 / 32"x40"

what are you using to cut it?

Nice. Fun project for those with more time than money

I'm using a steel ruler and an Xacto knife. You need to make several passes.
Don't try to cut it in one pass. Its too thick and could potentially result in serious injury.



I'm done for the weekend. Other plans will follow next week.
Cheers!
Marc C


Automatically Appended Next Post:

 Bolognesus wrote:
Nice. Fun project for those with more time than money

Tx. Assembling a MDF building, priming it with 2-3 coats (+need sunshine outside) and then doing the finishing touches takes quite some time.
The modules are easy to do and require almost no painting except dry brushing. WIN/WIN!

Absolutely fanstastic idea for a thread, and some wonderful results already!

Its raining, change of plans

Building Module 1A

• Step 1 : Cut one 3" band (walls) and one 3,25 band (roof, floor)


• Step 2 : Use the Xacto to trace the etching marks and the cut marks (forget the pencil - saves time!)


• Step 3 : Cut, cut, cut.... and cut. Did I say cut?

I am now the proud owner of two more modules: (WIP)



SAFETY FIRST :
1/8" chip board is thick. Some of you may be tempted to try to cut it with one pass by applying a huge amount of force. That is the best recipe to end up in the hospital with a deep wound. I have seen this happen in design school. Its hugly, lots of blood fast and you end up with stiches + an unsuable hand for a few weeks.

I'm really impressed how great that actually looks. Well done! I'd really like to see a table full of it.

And after scaring everyone, change tune to positive:
Just cut the same place multiple times, with minimal pressure. It will work like magic, you repeat and repeat and then it's just cut. Always try soft and multiple times, increase pressure as experience dictates. It's also less tiresome and normally the first cuts will quickly guide the following ones. Soft touch can be applied to many other tools, like sanding or powertools (here just make sure there is no kickback or loss of control, and let the tool work, maybe try higher speeds once you tested low ones).

Other TIPs:
- Change/refresh the blade regularly. Nothing worse than cutting with a dull blade.
- Once the cuts are done some of the edges may be fuzzy. Use the nail of your thumb to make passes on the fuzzy edges to push them back to normal.
- When cutting the 1/8" wide slots its better to make them slightly thinner then larger. You will get a tighter fit of the pieces.
- Etching: You can either do two light passes with the blade or one heavy.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
• Step 4 - Dry brushing
Use a large brush. Remove excess paint on the brush with a tissue paper.


• Step 5 - Stripping, lettering
Use clear acetate and blue poster gum to position pieces. Apply paint.


Print font you like. Cut out the letter in clear acetate.




Automatically Appended Next Post:
Two levels


«L» shaped



Automatically Appended Next Post:
The state of things : I have enough stuff to cover 25% of the table at this point.


My cutting and dry brushing are getting sloppy... Its time for a break.
More stuff Monday evening.

Marc C.,

I really love your plans. Can you do some for the double height staircase?

Thanks,

DScrilla

Yes I will do all the plans in the coming days/weeks.

Landind Pad with heavy charge lift (supported by small module)

Fortified Guard Tower

These things are great!

I'd go so far as to say that not only are they great, but inspirational as well!

This is an amazing thread!


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Where would one pick up cardboard like this?

How thick is this stuff compared to say foamboard?

Crazy stuff for sure. You realy do great terain here. Give us more of the plans, I think we´ll copy your ideas fast...

 Surtur wrote:
How thick is this stuff compared to say foamboard?

The cardboard I'm using is 1/8". Its much sturdier then 1/8" foamboard but also more difficult to cut.
I opted for cardboard because its gray and I only need to drybrush it to get a finished look.


Progress Report :




I will attempt to make 4 more buildings during the weekend.

So where do you buy your chipboard? It seems ordering it on-line would be expensive when it comes to shipping. What kind of store would carry it?

 bbb wrote:
So where do you buy your chipboard? It seems ordering it on-line would be expensive when it comes to shipping. What kind of store would carry it?

Local brick and mortar art store or any school with art department and an art supply store.

Thanks! I'll look around for art stores in my area.

Very inspirational, and your work rate for this stuff is tremendous!

Do you have blueprints for all of these, and any plans to distribute them?

 Pacific wrote:
Very inspirational, and your work rate for this stuff is tremendous!

Do you have blueprints for all of these, and any plans to distribute them?

some of the plans are there on page 1

Crates:


Painted tower



Automatically Appended Next Post:
Reaching critical mass !
Today I assembled two long modules, two 1-level staircases, one support column and two crates.

Containers

One of the reasons I'm not publishing more plans is that I'm debugging the system as I go along. For example the first design of 1-level staircase turned out to be too long (5 steps) if someone decided to do a door on the long panel. So I adapted the design to allow that (4 steps) :

I've decided to publish all the plans in a single PDF document similar to what was done for YAMS. Sorry to make you wait.

Marc


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Engineering : TAG and REM repair shop




Removable roof



Automatically Appended Next Post:
Progress Report : 75% done


I will get to the plans starting next week Nov 18.

Marc C,

What is "YAMS" ? Can't wait for the plans.

Thanks,

DagScrilla wrote:

Marc C,

What is "YAMS" ? Can't wait for the plans.

Thanks,

YAMS is a mission system for Infinity called « Yet Another Mission System » : http://infinitythegame.com/forum/index.php?/topic/7737-yet-another-mission-system-11-download-link-post-147/?hl=yams

The power core


90% done !!! Only one building to go

Absolutely brilliant.. tremendous amount of creativity has gone into this. Love some of the little touches like the open side to the staircase, that stop it from being just a collection of block-like terrain.

Think this board should be used as a poster for it's possible to create a cheap Infinity board!

Out of interest, what do you think the total cost is so far (including everything)?

 Pacific wrote:
Absolutely brilliant.. tremendous amount of creativity has gone into this. Love some of the little touches like the open side to the staircase, that stop it from being just a collection of block-like terrain.

Think this board should be used as a poster for it's possible to create a cheap Infinity board!

Out of interest, what do you think the total cost is so far (including everything)?

Thanks !!!

I haven't added up the total yet but from the top of my head I would say 60$ max including the glue, paint and hobby knife blades.
« DIRTY DEEDS DONE DIRT CHEAP! »

This deserves stickying, IMO

Tx everyone for the kind comments. It certainly helps me to stay motivated.

FINAL COST
$36 - 4 sheets cardboard
$09 - Xacto blade dispenser (20)
$05 - Wood glue bottle
$10 - 2 bottle of GW paint (gray, orange)
$0.5 - Clear acetate sheet
-----
$60.50 CAD/US

Proof of concept that its possible to have a modular cinematic table that rivals MDF products for a minimal price.
Also the buildings are light weight (transport) and can be repaired easily.

TIME BUDGET
I didn't tally the hours because I was designing the stuff as I went along. Which takes longer than just executing models from plans. It took me a month to get the table done. During that time I continued to watched my TV shows, read 2 sci-fi books and enjoyed life in general. As long as you are willing to put some time into such a project you can save a lot of cash.

When I think back at the time and money I spent on my MDF table it was more «expensive» in terms of budget and time. The only point in favour of MDF is that it comes pre-cut and some of the kits a really gorgeous.

Marc C


The last piece of the puzzle : The comm centre
[/b]


99% finished :









[The 1% is 2 hours of paint and touch ups]

...more than $60? YOU LIAR!!!

The table is not even one third done, you need two armies!

Very funny guys!

bahzakhain wrote:
This deserves stickying, IMO

Agreed, or at the very least a link needs to be included in the beginner's guide.

Absolutely fantastic looking table, and very well executed. Now, I think you need to enjoy the fruits of your labours with a few evenings in and some games

Thats a nice looking table, and doable for under $50 if anyone already has some paint/ glue on hand. Nice work!

 Pacific wrote:

bahzakhain wrote:
This deserves stickying, IMO

Agreed, or at the very least a link needs to be included in the beginner's guide.

Absolutely fantastic looking table, and very well executed. Now, I think you need to enjoy the fruits of your labours with a few evenings in and some games

Can't wait to try it out !!!
As it turns out our monthly Infinity day at the FLAGS is next sunday nov 24.
I'll post pictures here.

This is taking longer than I thought. I'll do the PDF file later.

CONTAINERS

STAIRCASE - 1 LEVEL

Excellent work and point well and truly proved. I'm in the same boat as you when it comes to being at that point in my life where I can spend (almost) whatever I want on this hobby and quite often listen to concerns of others when it comes to prices. Next time I'll know exactly where to direct them!

INFINITY DAY with a few pictures of my table :
http://s1179.photobucket.com/user/shesheyan/slideshow/Infinity%2024%20nov

What are those buildings made out of ?

Man, if I didn't have to man the store every Sunday.

Looks absolutely fantastic Marc C, hopefully will provide a really good option for people wanting to make a table cheaply!

Holy crap. Me gonna get me some cardboard!

Sorry to bump this back up (okay, not really... it deserves to be on the first page), but do you think these designs would still work well with foamboard? I have a bunch already and it's easier to cut.

I've found that starting an Infinity army is very easy, it's the terrain that's daunting for new players.

It looks like these things are great for transporting: I think they don't need glue and can be dissasembled. Is this true or am I missing something obvious?

 Red Viper wrote:
Sorry to bump this back up (okay, not really... it deserves to be on the first page), but do you think these designs would still work well with foamboard? I have a bunch already and it's easier to cut.

I've found that starting an Infinity army is very easy, it's the terrain that's daunting for new players.

Yes if you look at the below link you will see someone who made an adaptation to foam board :
http://infinitythegame.com/forum/index.php?/topic/19111-poor-mans-table-infinity-outpost/page-10


Automatically Appended Next Post:

bahzakhain wrote:
It looks like these things are great for transporting: I think they don't need glue and can be dissasembled. Is this true or am I missing something obvious?

Indeed! No glue required for the modules.

All I can say is WOW. I couldn't find .100 Chipboard locally so I just put an order in at Amazon. I just got into infinity and having a bunch of 40K terrain with no true LOS blocking method this set is just awesome. I can't exalt this post enough for the ease and the amazing blueprints you provided.

Thank you again.

lordunborn wrote:
All I can say is WOW. I couldn't find .100 Chipboard locally so I just put an order in at Amazon. I just got into infinity and having a bunch of 40K terrain with no true LOS blocking method this set is just awesome. I can't exalt this post enough for the ease and the amazing blueprints you provided.

Thank you again.

Thank you for your kind words.

Its been a while. The Poor Man's table is a great success at the LGS. In fact I put it on loan so people can enjoy it when I'm not present.

Started a new cardboard project this week. This time I will add more details to each building. Also I don't have a deadline.
Material was bought at the local art supply store. [I will not make plans for these buildings.]

The first building and walkway. The roof needs more detailing.

Looks great so far!

My production has been down for a while because I have been working on a 2.0 version of my Outpost concept.
Here is the result. Its laser cut card board (.100" or 3mm). I will paint it in the coming weeks.





All the buildings are collapsible and fit nicely into a plastic box (12"x16"x4") I had in my gaming closet !
Now a can bring a table to the FLGS without carrying a large box.


I really enjoyed having full controls on the laser. It was a great learning experience.
I have to say that now I understand why some companies have higher prices than others.
I always had intuitive respect for MAS kits but now I understand why in an informed way.

You should start selling these.

I'm not sure about Dakka policy on advertising. Don't want to get in trouble.
You can find more info in my terrain thread on the INFINITY fan forum DataSphere.net.

------------------------------------------------
We did a play test last night at the FLGS on a 4x4 table. A few pictures I took during the CA vs Haqqislam confrontation.
Look closely there is a very special HVT on that table !

These look absolutely fantastic, as per norm.

Love the practicality of them as well, that's something that I all too often forget when making my own terrain (which usually arrives with at least one piece broken)

Is DeSerres your local art supply store? And am I correct to assume your group is based in Montréal?

 greywulf wrote:
Is DeSerres your local art supply store? And am I correct to assume your group is based in Montréal?

Yes. We play at the Abyss every second Friday. And one Sunday a month.
We have an ITS tournament on Saturday March 28th.
Next INFINITY Fridays are April 10th and 24th.
The Sunday is April 19th.

Maybe some day. Thanks for the info. And amazing work Marc!

Nice. Found it impossible to track down 3mm cardstock around here (adelaide, aus) so just grabbed some thick card to bang up details on foamcore bridges with

 Trapthem wrote:
Nice. Found it impossible to track down 3mm cardstock around here (adelaide, aus) so just grabbed some thick card to bang up details on foamcore bridges with

Good idea! Do you have pictures?

Follow me on FB :
https://www.facebook.com/pages/MC-Studio/1548740365389130

Some of the players in my group said the buildings were too small.
Here is my reply : I created a short Passage that can be placed between buildings.
Here are 3 designs I made this morning. Very happy with the flexibility !

Please take my money. I want that set! Take it!

That's some cool stuff. How long does it take to set up a table's worth of terrain like that? Portability is nice, but it would be a drag to spend an hour putting together cardboard buildings before you can play on them.

I really like the arched walkways, they break up the square building feel nicely. And models on them look like they will still be easy to access with just the one beam at top middle, unlike the 2 beam archways some other people have designed.

 Trapthem wrote:
Nice. Found it impossible to track down 3mm cardstock around here (adelaide, aus) so just grabbed some thick card to bang up details on foamcore bridges with

Im in the northern suburbs and I havent seen any around either. I did find a heap of plain white gift boxes at a spotlight for a couple dollars each tho. Im stealing an idea I seen on a terrain thread (forgot where) where they flip the lid for a roof with cover. I grabbed 3 sizes that stack in each other for storage like a russian doll. Theyre roughly 2mm thick so depending on what you need you may be able to cut one of the larger ones up into small sheets.

 Henry wrote:
That's some cool stuff. How long does it take to set up a table's worth of terrain like that? Portability is nice, but it would be a drag to spend an hour putting together cardboard buildings before you can play on them.

Thank you.
On average 15-20 minutes for one person. Less if your gaming partner helps you. ;-)

I have a tournament this Saturday. Decided to do a little experiment.
Can I fit enough stuff for one table into a Bankers Box without collapsing everything?

Need to fit the below for 1 level coverage with five 2 level high points :
- 11 4x4 cubes + 2 ladders each
- 12 Roofs
- 01 4x4 2nd level cube + 2 long ladders
- 01 Staircase
- 04 2,5x2,5 crows nest with 4 stands + 4 ladders
- 08 Long barricades 6"
- 04 Short barricades 2,5"
- 04 Low barricades 5"
- 02 Bridges 8"
- 04 Connecting Passages 3"

The items :


I've packed 8 containers and a set of trees in the army bag thanks to the low model count of Infinity.

Set up I made for a tournament last weekend. Using contents of the box + containers & trees. Worked out well. Everybody like the playability.

Airbrush painting under way :

Looks great!

really want to buy these - you should sell them or do a kickstarter to cover the costs to manufactur some. They are perfect also for a FLGS to have when they have limited tables and limited storage!

The paint is moving along nicely !

The painting is done. Hope you like it!

It looks great!

What kind of airbrush setup do you use?

I was following this on Facebook. He had someone else paint it for him.

 Alpharius wrote:
It looks great!

What kind of airbrush setup do you use?

Thank you! I'm very happy with how the paint turned out.
Ask the artist who did this for me (Antoine aka Le Zonion) :
https://www.facebook.com/lezonion?fref=ts

Well, I have to say that looks absolutely stunning.. catalogue worthy.

 Alpharius wrote:
It looks great!

What kind of airbrush setup do you use?

My set-up is pretty simple. I work in a small unfinished room with two windows and a ventilator. Using a good mask as I don't have a ventilated boot yet. Did the first coats with a big .7mm siphon feed, then the detail work (green stripes, glow on the lights, first weathering coat) was done with a smaller airbrush (.4-5mm I think). Lights and edging was done by regular brushwork.

Thanks for this details - I appreciate it!

And your painting is top notch - that table would be a pleasure to game on!

 Alpharius wrote:
Thanks for this details - I appreciate it!

And your painting is top notch - that table would be a pleasure to game on!

Thanks. I'm getting some for my own use for sure when the kickstarter goes live.

Wow! Amazing stuff here Just starting to think about getting into Infinity from 40k, and this terrain is super inspiring! Subbed!

Cheers
Rawson

The kickstarter just launched.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/204346096/m4-collapsible-cardboard-scenery

Backed your kickstarter for level 8. Partially because I like the design of your terrain, but also because you were patient enough to show people for free how you did your first projects. I respect that kind of community assistance.

Pity about the lack of international shipping. My brother seemed keen to jump on board at a high level, but we're over the pond in Australia.

Can I ask where you got your MDF from? Everything I find has a smoother side and yours looks rough like cement should

 Orock wrote:
Can I ask where you got your MDF from? Everything I find has a smoother side and yours looks rough like cement should

It isn't MDF, it is cardboard or rather chipboard. The roughness isn't that bad, it provides a nice texture. Although if you don't want the texture a light spray of gesso, with light sanding will smoothen it fairly easy for when you want the smooth look. It looks really great when you mix areas, like keep the bottom part of the building rough like cement but then smooth out the edges or trim to give it a metal smooth look.

Hello if you are in the USA or Canada you can make a Pledge on our chipboard KS.
All you will have to do is assemble it and paint it. No cutting required !

Only 48 hours left :
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/204346096/m4-collapsible-cardboard-scenery

69% and rising! Don't miss the boat !

Backed. I'd saved some of your previously posted designs in my own terrain making attempts, so it was the least I could do. I hope you make it.

Grats on the successful kickstarter! Now the long wait for october.

Thank you guys!
Time to take a few days rest after such an intense finish!

Not to be a necromancer, but are there more updates on this? Can we still expect our sets in October?

Hello!

I've been posting weekly progress updates on our Kickstarter page :
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/204346096/m4-collapsible-cardboard-scenery


In short :
To this date 25% of backers have received their Rewards.
The rewards are done in chronological order of backing.
When its your turn I'll send you an email to get your shipping address. (maybe you already have a message waiting for you. One person didn't reply last week)

Cheers!


Marc
MCSTUDIO

I suppose that could be. My email has been filtering everything to junk. I'll have to check.

 Orock wrote:
I suppose that could be. My email has been filtering everything to junk. I'll have to check.

Send me your KS backer user name via PM.

FUNDED !!!

We are currently runing our WAVE #2 Kickstarter.

A reminder that we have four Pick & Choose Pledge Levels: $50, $100, $200 and $300. That is in Canadian dollars which is approx. 0.75$US. In other words $10 = 7,5$US.

$50 = $37,5 US
$100 = $75 US
$200 = $150 US
$300 = $225 US

Make a Pledge today ! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/204346096/mcstudio-m4-modular-outpost-wave-2

To follow (with some months of delay...) the painting of the M4 Buildings kickstarter by MC Studio in March, here is a tutorial on how to paint them with the "official" colour scheme I published today.

Happy painting!

http://www.zonion.net/en/2015/12/how-to-paint-a-m4-building-by-mc-studio/

Wrong thread...