Just another 3D board

[Big Bene]

Like probably most of us, every now and then, I ponder with the idea of making my own 3D board.
Well, perhaps, if time allows, I will try to make one to use in the meeting planned for 2017.

I think I will base it on Lego compatible bricks (of course modded to a non-block appeareance). The basic unit of those is 8mm - a standard Lego block with two by four knobs is 16 by 32 mm.
So for the squares of the HQ gameboard there would be the option of 24 by 24 mm, which is already larger than the original squares, but still unhandy when building with bricks. Plus, everyone knows how crowded the original board can become.
The next option (these two being the only practical useable ones) would be 32 by 32 mm. This would open all possibilities of building, plus it is a standard size of Lego compatible floor plates (4 by 4 knobs). It is, however, even larger then the squares of the 3x3 Boardby HQ Corporation. I fear it could look too big for the figures - I want it still to depict "floor tiles" in the game world.

So, what do you think?
3x3 or 4x4?

(If I ever manage to do this...)

[mitchiemasha]

Difficult, a visual experiment is needed. The 4x4 might look to big, you may be right.

[Anderas]

I have 30x30mm and it is good. Make it 32x32. If it is Lego you can disassemble it if it is too big.

[knightkrawler]

Slev's and mine are both 40x40 mm. I see nothing wrong with it except when you try to convert furniture to the same square size.
A bookcase with me takes two squares, not three. A table takes also two squares, not six.
Even HeroScribe accomodates for this, using the "MiniFurniture" board option.

[Big Bene]

f it is Lego you can disassemble it if it is too big.

Nope, I can't. I would use the Lego plate as a base, but the surface would be sculpted to a "realistic" look, so a gaming square would be the smallest unit, not further disassemblable (is this a word?).

Like this:

d.jpg

c.jpg

b.jpg

a.jpg

Note: I will certainly not use Lego, but a more affordable, compatible brand, but I'll use the term "Lego" for short.

[cornixt]

What advantage to you hope to gain from using Lego? Is it because it is reconfigurable?

[Big Bene]

1. Simplenes
   At least in my mind, it would be simpler than other methods to construct a consistant, aesthetic board.
2. As you said, reconfigurability
   You could not only reconfigure the dungeon layout by placing single rooms, you could reconfigure the rooms themselves, making up totally new ones for every session if you want.
   Frankly, I would use the original HQ layout most of the time, but just imagine including real pittraps etc.
3. Sort of solving the wall issue
   Using the lego narrow pieces I could construct walls thin enoght not to really disturb the layout, but still stable. I would insert narrow "sill" floor pieces in the corridors to make up for the wall space of the rooms.
   Moreover, high walls hinder the gameplay, low walls look not as convincing. While it is probably impossible to combine both, with Lego bricks even the walls are customizeable, so you can choose the hight you want for every game.
4. Solving the open door issue.
   The lego system would allow to quickly replace parts of the wall but still keep them in place all the other time. Thus, replacing a closed door with a real open door would be just as quick as with the original.
5. Thinking Big
   Someday, I will market my own line of Dungeon Blocks and wipe Hirst Arts and Dwarven Forge off the market. Joking, of course - I really love and respect those companies.

[whitebeard]

1. Sort of solving the wall issue
   Using the lego narrow pieces I could construct walls thin enoght not to really disturb the layout, but still stable. I would insert narrow "sill" floor pieces in the corridors to make up for the wall space of the rooms.
   Moreover, high walls hinder the gameplay, low walls look not as convincing. While it is probably impossible to combine both, with Lego bricks even the walls are customizeable, so you can choose the hight you want for every game.

You can even go one step further here. Tall was are nice, but not EVERYWHERE. You could do "cut outs" for visibility (like a ramp in wall height) which suggest's the wall is there at full height but not shown for playability.

This sounds like a huge Green stuff effort! And beware the bargain Lego knock-offs. They do not hold tolerances as well and you find that certain pieces won't fit and others won't stay!

[Sparkymark]

An interesting concept you got there Big Bene. I'm still trying to get my head round how this will all work. Are you saying your going to sculpt the whole Heroquest dungeon plus walls using lego bricks as a base? Will your walls take up a tile resulting in longer passages or built on edges of tiles like the original?
I look forward to seeing this build progress.

[Figomurphy]

I'm doing my best to understand this concept but I can't see any advatage in using lego. Unless it's a complete lego take on heroquest.