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Hey guys, just a quick question, I'm currently building a 4x4 table to game on and i was primarily going for an Gotham vibe for the new Batman game, but I'll be using it for tons of other games as well, I was just wondering if anyone knew of good sources for manhole or Sewer covers, as most of the ones I've seen were self cast on other table. The only ones I've found so far are etched brass, and not the type of design I'd be looking for.

Thanks in advance

The etched brass ones are all that I've seen, although you might find something else in a model train store.


Otherwise, you could check out a haberdashery. You might find some buttons that do the job.

Buttons are a great idea, although you'd need to fill in the button holes.

Some real-world covers are square rather than round, and made from 'deck plate' steel - they'd be easy to make yourself.

Where do they have square manhole covers in the street? I'm actually pretty curious.

Think Clang is referring to a sewer drain where rain runoff goes into.

I've seen square manhole covers before. On a boy scout trip when I was much younger. Somewhere in central Illinois, but I can't remember the city. (Bloomington-Normal? Springfield?)

We use square, rectangular and triangular covers in the uk

http://www.google.de/search?q=drain+cover+uk

(Ignore the flag. In germany on holiday just now)

If you want round ones look on ebay for the tops of rhinos and land raiders.

Maybe some of the Grilles and Vents from Zinge could do the trick.



http://zinge.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&path=110_62&product_id=171

I want to see this board you are making

I am sort of a huge fan of gaming tables/boards. Also those Zinge ones seem like the best idea.

I thought these were pretty impressive looking.
http://www.vectorcut.com/accessoriesO.htm

The Zinge and Vectorcut options both look great.

I always liked the round manholes cutting them out of "deck-plate" and finding a suitable tube to cut as the perimeter.

I remember as a kid asking why the manholes were round and the answer was: There is no possible way to drop the cover into the hole. Makes sense if you do not want a 50 kg plate of steel dropping on your head.

Correct re why they're round. Square/rectangular ones are usually hinged to their frame, so don't have the same issue.

Wow I don't check for one day and the replies flood in, thanks a lot guys (and ladies if it applies)

I really like the look of the vectorcut ones, I may have to go with that, although zinge industries is awesome too.

Once I have a wee bit more done I'll post some pics, I'm also going to attempt to scratch build some street lights, and possibly try my hand at putting in LED's, so if i do (and it's successful,) I'll post it all

Thanks again everyone.

@erratyk - I would go for the Vectorcut ones for bases and boards as mine might be too thick and make the models unstable. Mine were intended as wall decals and such.

Cheers

Kit

 Talizvar wrote:
I always liked the round manholes cutting them out of "deck-plate" and finding a suitable tube to cut as the perimeter.

I remember as a kid asking why the manholes were round and the answer was: There is no possible way to drop the cover into the hole. Makes sense if you do not want a 50 kg plate of steel dropping on your head.

I had never thought to ask this question...even though the answer is so obvious.

OT I second the vector ones (specifically the one in the middle) - very nice.