Hi, I'm a wargamer and I was taken with the idea of having cardstock terrain but I have worries some of the sets wont be able to handle the weight of the large metal models we play with.
I'm drawn to the idea of having terrain i can take apart into reasonably sized modular chunks I can store more easily since I have limited shelf space to store it (if it can be folded up thats a definite plus). I play mostly warmachine, some anima tactics, and I'm looking eagerly to the release of soda pop's super dungeon explore so I can handle many styles but more fantasy and historic types than modern or sci fi. We are adults and dont get very rough with terrain but things will get bumped around and with the big spears and swords i would like some durability. We still have some of the old mordhiem terrain but It is old, half of the set is beyond repair, and the ruined buildings are getting stale. I want something that can hold up to healthy gameplay and wont need to be treated too gently.
If anyone has any advice for me please let me know. Will I be able to maintain any card terrain and store/fold it? Are there any good sets with imagery that matches what I like to play? Will I be able to play with large metal warjacks on said terrain?

My terrain primarily see's wargamming use. My current Mayhem city has done numerous wargames with no problems (recent pics in this thread as it's about to be retired):
http://www.worldworksgames.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8756

However the best thing is if you damage 1 tile or a building just print and build a new one, or apply a patch . The terrain tiles have no problems holding up metal tanks etc.

I'm currently building up a Hinterland layout (prepping for it) and New mayhem layout and I have no doubt they'll last 2-3 years + again

As to your question for me I play a mix of sci-fi and fantasy for versatility you can't beat Hinterland when it's TLX'd .

I'm sure others will chime in with similar stories

All the new TerrainLinX (TLX) sets use foamcore for ground tiles and floors, and I;m pretty sure the Platform Command, PC Battleground, and Red Sector also use (or are designed to take) foamcore for the elevated areas. The results happily support heavy figures like the Warmachine ones.

There are some pics around somewhere showing Warmachine mechs on WWG scenery. (Sorry, a bit late to search now - will have to leave them for someone else to find.)

Thanks for the input. As the generic noob followup question, what would the investment be to be able to make a nice set of terrain for a 4x4 table and add a few obstacles and elevated elements? I know I would need the cardstock, several sheets of foamcore, some printer ink, and glue at least. likely a cutting board and extra knife blades for the cuts scissors cannot make. Would this change much If I wanted to make a few large 2-3 story buildings instead, or would the walls and extra flooring even it out?

You should also pick up some black markers and some coloured markers for edging. Edging is key, it's the difference between "Hey, that terrain really looks good" and "Hey, that terrain really looks like paper".

Optional items: tweezers, superglue, double-sided tape

I'd offer you the NZ prices, but don't think that'll help you much

I put some figures together in this thread but it's all AUS based:

http://www.worldworksgames.com/forum/vi ... php?t=8833

7th post

So many variables - foamcore can run anywhere from $1 to $4 U.S. per sheet.

If you are in the U.S. and want good quality foamcore, at a decent price.... *dig, dig, dig* there is Jo Ann fabrics - which has 10 sheets of black foamcore for $50. A trifle pricey, but here is a coupon for 40% off one item, which can be a case of foamcore. *EDIT* Whoops, that's the in store coupon. Here's a page of their current online codes. The online codes are better, too - currently there is one for 50% off.

They also have a case of 25 sheets for $80, which, again, counts as a single item. (I picked up such a case about a year ago - I am nowhere near its end.)

Sheets are 20" x 30" - covering a 4' x 4' table would be no problem at all.

The Auld Grump

Grump, did you sign up somewhere to get coupons like that emailed to you? It's got an expiration date of the 13th and I won't be looking to even buy materials until after I close on my house on the 19th.

Around where I live, as soon as you use a credit card or debit to pay for anything there (or at Michaels), they start sending you flyers every week, with most having its own 40% off coupon. Actually, you can't get away from the silly things...

Whoops, sent the wrong one in any event - that was an in store coupon - the discount code is better.

I do get their e-mails, but I got on their list by using one of their coupon codes and signing up when I got to their site. As it turns out, the online code is better, 50% off. Here's a site with the current codes. I need to fix the above link.

The Auld Grump

I also purchased a pack of 25 foam boards some time ago from Jo Ann's. Oddly enough, I still catch myself looking for things like foam board and glue when I go to places like Micheal's (despite being fully stocked). Old habits die I hard, I guess.

I can't believe how cheap foamboard is in the US, approximately 1/4 price for black foamboard on what we pay in aus...

Foamboard can be had for $1 at the dollar store, but I personally don't like it as much as the quality is lesser. The stuff I use retails at $4 a sheet, but you can catch it on sale or in bulk discount.

thanks for all the replies. I think I can get enough foamcore for a table in about $20-30 at michaels (assuming they are about $2.50-$4 a sheet) and I already have some double sided tape and a black marker.
The himmelviel streets look like a good starting point and I like a couple of the sci fi sets for possible use as a steampunk factory. Are there any sort of accessory type pages you can print to glue on and add some extra detail? I would love a sheet of just metal riveted strips to make the himmeviel set look more reinforced.
I will go looking some other threads for info on paper, printing, and glue but if anyone has any other input to help feel free to post here.

If you are looking for good quality at a pretty good price, please go check out http://www.ebblesminiatures.com/ The Supply Depot there really is good stuff