"Reasonably-Prices Terrain for 54mm Gaming?" Topic

My dad collects 54mm (or so) figures, like Britains, King and Country, Collector's Showcase, etc. The terrain that is purpose-built for these figures is crazy expensive, like $25 USD for a couple inches of wooden fence.

My daughter wants to get my dad something for Christmas to go with his FIW figures he has been collecting lately. I did some quick searches at Michigan Toy Soldier and other places, but I didn't really find anything of the quality we have for 28mm figures in MDF or resin that she could afford. She isn't going to pay $200 USD for a log cabin. While I like the Marx stuff, it doesn't blend very well with the larger collector's figures.

I even looked to see if we could find some interesting STL files on line, 3D print them, and paint them. No joy.

Pointers would be helpful.

Buck, I'd suggest browsing through the various terrain pieces at Toy Soldiers of San Diego:

sdsoldiers.com

According to their current web page they may be sold soon. Nick and DeAnna are wonderful people. You could call and talk to one of them about what you're looking for. I'm confident they can help you.

Another site to look at would be:

classictoysoldiers.com

Here's a direct link (I hope) to the buildings and terrain pieces made by TSSD:

link

And a link to foam buildings and accessories made by Form Tech:

sdsoldiers.com/formtech.html

TSSD, classictoysoldier, and the Hobby Bunker are all worth taking a look at for relatively inexpensive buildings and terrain pieces.

Buck,

I have some pieces of TSSD foam terrain for the Pacific and they are well done. As mentioned above both Hobby Bunker and TSSD are great sources with a wide variety of 54mm items.

He'd probably really appreciate it if she made something for him by hand.

Lots of stuff is easy to do, materials are relatively inexpensive, and she might have fun doing it.

Later, they could always work on projects together too.

Check out the terrain building posts here, and there's that new book that got posted too. Not sure if it is any good, but worth a look. Tons of how-to videos on Youtube as well, to show you how to do stuff step by step, and its free.

High=density, extruded polystyrene foam is perfect for making hills and other items. It comes in either pink or blue board, and some home repair stores now apparently carry it – only in some regions. They even sell sections smaller that 4' x 8' for craft projects – 2' x 2' I think.

The thin, paper-backed foam boards from the Dollar Store can be used for making buildings and other structures. Some remove the paper with water first, but others use it with the paper on. Depends upon what you are making. Use dress-making pins in the corners, along with the glue, for added strength.

One alternative you might consider, is printable terrain. Most pieces are scaleable, and these guys can go up to 50mm, which should be close enough – printablescenery.com

You could buy the files, and find a local business that does the 3d printing on demand.

In theory, that might even make the pieces cheaper.

Surdu2005!

Perhaps you need look no farther for very reasonably priced 54mm buildings specifically designed for use with such figures for wargames.

1) link

2) link

3) link

4) link

Sold as PDF's for self-printing, the files are in full color and need only foam core for backing walls and floors to make all items effectively permanent. These may also be customized regards removable roofs, etc.

They all come with streets, walls, and other accessories. The "Little Wheels" range includes a Pontoon Bridge set,
General Service Wagon, Field Forge, Field Kitchen, and other items besides early 20th Century Autos (and a Rolls Royce Armored Car).

The "Little Houses" and "Tudor Towne" ranges will provide many European style buildings good from the Elizabethan Era through WW II.

Please feel free to go see for yourself!

TVAG

Thanks for all the great pointers everyone!