Portable Diorama / Games Base.

[MAGNA]

Here's the problem. You want to display some models on a diorama base somewhere or set up a game on a table. Easy enough except it has to be packed away after and maybe carted around.

It would also be nice if the groundwork was easy to remodel depending on what you want.

The ideal thing is a sand table. The problem is that a sand table has to be very strong as a thick enough sand base is going to be extremely heavy - hard to pack up and cart as well.

Since most people end up using a dining table or similar, sand is just not the answer. I've tried it and it's also too messy.

After much experimentation which is still ongoing I have decided on the following;

A sand table that is a sand table in every way except I don't use sand.

First Pictures so far

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[MAGNA]

This is still in progress and will end up much thicker.

What you need.

A simple pine frame to go around the edges.

A sheet to fold around the frame. I am going to use a plastic sheet later so it can fit better.

When you are finished with your diorama or game you only need to remove models and terrain features. Follow that by folding the sheet back over to form a bag which holds your groundwork. Place this into a strong plastic rubbish bag and remove the pine frame. The table is now ready for other use until next time.

INGREDIENTS for the 'sand'.

You can by large bags of recycled finely shredded paper from craft shops. It's usually used for paper mache etc. and is very light.

I have used a quarter of a bag so far.

Next, get some cat litter. The light sand type is good. Crush as needed. I am experimenting with different types as I go.

Next - Poster paints - powdered or premixed. Bright green and yellow are best.

Mix some of the paint and pour it on the crushed cat litter and paper - do a bit at a time though or you will be in trouble. Squeeze the paint through the 'sand' mixture as if you are mixing dough. Add more mixed paint as needed (if you get the premixed poster paint add water to it or it will be too thick).

Spread the mix out to dry. When it dries off a bit you can pick up handfulls and rub it to make the bits smaller if they have stuck together.

When you have enough set up your table and pour the mix in.

Now the good part. You can form hills and gullies easily, add trees etc. You can also add some different coloured mix to make tracks or roads.

Now spray either more mixed paint or just water finely over your setting. The cat litter (if you get the right type) will clump and set the top of your groundwork nicely.

It doesn't matter if your colours mix when you pack it up because you can always spray more of the right colour on next time (you don't need an airbrush - just use a spray bottle).

And there you have it. Set up and photograph, display, or play, then pack it up in a few minutes afterwards. No more hills etc to make and store / cart.

[Geek44]

Nice work mate...that's a clever solution. I Like the rumbling armour as well incidentally.

[MAGNA]

Yeah it looked a bit bland with nothing there. This is the setup for our next game so I hope TRDG doesn't think that's what he's up against.

It will all get better as I go I think. Roads etc are next on the list.

[Geek44]

Leatchy and I used to wargame on the floor of the largest room in my parents house when we were kids. The floor was tiled but we had EVERY National Geographic from 1948. We use to pile the magazines into 'terrain' and cover them with two large sheets of felt that I had. We were playing Napoleonic at the time and our painstakingly painted troops were glued to boards in groups of ten so they were able to stand up on the slopes. Not very portable though.

[MAGNA]

Yeah I've tried all sorts over the years. It's a real hassle for sure. Even more annoying when your figures and models have so much work put into them and the base looks fairly plain.

Our games group scenery has all been redone recently and I will be posting pics of a large game we have just started. It looks so much better than the old days.

I must remember to keep the door shut here - don't want the fur crested Galah to leave a message in the middle of the battle.

[Geek44]

Now those 'mines' are pretty easy to detect and less dangerous to remove.

[Hagen]

Most impressive Dave, are you saying though that you can reuse the clumping cat litter part even after getting it wet?

[MAGNA]

Yes you can because it just dries out again. Some types are harder to crumble up again though. So far I haven't really bothered to wet the thing down as it all sits pretty well anyway.

Adding more paint later or different shades is no problem. The paper is the same deal. Very handy as it doesn't really wear out and more can be added as you go.

[Whiterook]

Where do you get your trees....model railroading shop? And the fencing is cool, too.