"Trenches - A disappointing compromise" Topic

We have had to modify our trench system to make the locating towers locking the trench elements together. While this is absolutely necessary, as nothing can compromise the game, most certainly not art. If possible we will do our best to keep a passable look, it aids visualization. The tall towers do not look ideal (see second picture in
TMP link ) but so far I have not come up with/come across a suitable alternative.

Extensive play at 1/144 has shown for us the absolute need to keep tightly packed terrain like villages and trenches firmly locked together to prevent small accidental movements that completely change the game. Clearly real trench system are more complex than our stylized system. so some compromise is required.

Has anybody seen a trench system that attempts to replicate real trench systems in a styalised form. Many I have seen are based on toy soldiers rules systems that do not account for long range grazing flanking fire. so are unsuitable for simulation.

So anybody out there with experience of vaguely historical trench warfare trench models, that can offer ideas how it may be represented tactically as well as not too far out artistically. In 1/144 would be even better.

see second picture

Seems to be a picture of a hole in the ceiling.

Depending on what I want to be modeled on the hex surface, I use either laser-cut MDF, hot-wire-cut foam, or various model railroad items.
I have Hexon II tiles also but I have not completed my project. However, for trenches I would recommend using 100mm flat to flat MDF hex with the sides built up to match the Hexon tiles elevation. The Hexon tiles will lock in your trench.

Below is my setup with MDF and Acrylic tiles.

Bill that's odd. I went via the link to the second photo and got this. I have put the picture ling direct from Smug Mug here.

link

3rd5ODeuc
You can see from the picture (not a hole in the ceilingI hope) that the trench system does not match the Hex diminutions so alas basing it on hex wont work. Adsditionally the facing of the hex is too restrictive, it may not allow alignment with local terrain features. For the same reason I don't use hex based rivers they form unrealistic shapes i,e. not ones found in nature.

Since you don't use the hexes to regulate the game, all you really need is terrain pieces that mate to the generic terrain of your Hexon tiles. You could carve a trench system any shape/size you want from a panel of foam (12mm thick, I think…?), carve the edges of the foam panel into hex edges to mate with the Hexon, and flock it with the same flocking as Hexon so it matches. It would be extra work to do this as a set of smaller geomorphic tiles, but doable.

You could also make foxholes in individual hexes this same way, so you can place them in random places throughout the game table – carve a single Hexon-sized hex out of foam, then carve the foxhole into it, and paint/flock the whole thing to match the generic Hexon.

This is probably pretty time-consuming, but you can get exactly the depth/configuration you want.

- Ix

Why bother using Hexon if you're not using the hexes?

Your trenches are a bit abstract. I don't see the point of making them bend differently than the hexes, at that scale.

Editor in Chief Bill – I only use the Hex for the ability to be almost unconstrained in hill patterns. you can get close to representing actual sight lines due to the size of many hills. but not of course scale heights.

The hex Trench system has 12 point stars connectors so they have a wide range of angles to allow depiction close to what you want as opposed to what you cam makes using a more limited Hex kit.

I had a hex system long before Hexon of the stepped hill standard, See Featherstones Advanced warames for the inspiration. Ours was about the same height as Hexon single hex and about the same size. It was heavy and not as good as Hexoon. I learnt early on though that hex roads and hex rivers cannot in any way shape or form (literally) reproduce a real maps road system, be that an OS map of the UK or Germany. This is even more so at 1/144 ground scale (1mm to 1m in my case).

Yellow Admiral – I don't do none modular systems, they have to be capable of being re-configured very regularly and quickly and expanded in a way that conforms to local terrain which by definition changes every battle. For a one off your idea would be more artistic I have to agree, but that is a secondary priority for me , hence I am looking for a system that is modular but very flexiable, Hexon based does not meet the latter requirement. Even my current system 12 star location system is not ideal but is the practical limit for my printer in fast mode, given the size of the nodes. If I could print an infinitely variable system that locked quickly within the same dimensions and looked better I would be a very happy bunny. But alas that escapes me at the moment.

The Sunken Road at Antietam, made with modified Geo-Hex.

link

I agree, UshCha. Trenches are hard to do when you can't do a true 3D board to get the type of depth that you need. The plastic peices look particulary bad, in my opinion. I'd look at cutting brown felt "trenches" and using some type of ballast or filler to build up the edges to help give the illusion of depth.

79thPA
I have given up on "real' trenches but Interestingly the samples shown while very elegant don't seem modular in that they are in dependant of the terrain, and do not appear to cover in any way the complexity of the cross fires often achieved in more modern environments. It looks like my compromises are dissapointing, but given the containts I require they may be the best of a bad job.