Lately, my evenings have been brimming with the excitement of crafting new terrain, a venture that has led me down a rabbit hole of endless learning. I've joined a handful of Facebook groups dedicated to terrain enthusiasts, where I've quietly observed and absorbed a wealth of knowledge. Coupled with countless YouTube tutorials on terrain construction, my arsenal of techniques has expanded significantly. Each new trick offers its own allure, though some are admittedly more intricate and time-consuming. My challenge now is to sift through these newfound methods to find the perfect balance between efficiency and effect.
I'm particularly enthused about sculpting hills—modest 1" ascents and more prominent 2" rises. I'm intent on engineering gentler slopes to ensure that our miniature forces can hold their ground without the risk of an unintended descent. For the craggy outcrops, inspired by the rugged terrain of the Peninsular War, I envision them as stark reminders of Spain's tumultuous topography, providing strategic challenges in our campaigns.
Roads on my terrain will boast a more generous width, accommodating the varied conditions of our battles—some will be slick with mud, others bone-dry. I'll adorn the roadways with painted edges, and if fortune favors me, I'll border them with tufts of grass to add texture and life. Each section will be anchored with Velcro to ensure steadfast positioning amidst the throes of maneuvers and conflict.
The forests will witness a transformation as well. I'm eager to experiment with new patterns, taking a leaf out of Andy's book by using dark green fleece to simulate the dense canopy. While it may not win any beauty contests, it's functionally fantastic, clearly demarcating the wooded thresholds. As for water obstacles, I'm well aware of the contentious nature of rivers in Napoleonic warfare simulations. Their presence on the map can be a tactical headache, restricting movement to bridge crossings alone, which, while historically accurate, can prove decisive or downright infuriating in our reenactments. Streams will be less formidable foes, offering passage to cavalry with ease and to infantry with some delay—though artillery will find them insurmountable without bridges.
These are the plans for the terrain, a project I hope to complete over the coming months. With a bit of luck and a lot of Styrofoam, glue, paint, and fleece, I’ll bring the landscape to life for battles that are as engaging strategically as they are aesthetically pleasing.