I have spent hours pondering how I could create a 13 x 9 standard Commands & Colors hex board with 6" hexes, but the amount of time and effort that would be involved was too much. Marking out boards with hexes is a slow and demanding task, and I wanted some texture that would involve flocks and glue etc. I had been aware of the growth in printed battle mats, and seen this companys products, but I had not seen this specific C&C mat before. I made an inquiry asking if they could print me one with 6" hexes as my roads and rivers are all 6" or 12" sections and my French Indian War collection are on fairly large bases, and received a reply within a couple of hours and YES they could print me a 6" hex version "no trouble". I had no hesitation in placing my order, the sale of my Bolt Action stuff had left me with a bit of spare hobby cash. As it's a 13 x 9 mat of 6" hexes its going to come up fairly large, taking in the dark edges - I really like that touch, it's just like the board - it will around 7' x 5' but that's a managable size downstairs in the dining room.
The mat is printed on cloth and rubber backed, as you can see it's fully textured and has a very realistic look ....... I really can't wait to get my hands on it! The company are Kent based, the cost of my completed 6" version was £118.00 including delivery, and to be honest, for the time and effort it will save me I consider it worth every penny.
With Richard Borgs 'Tricorne' due to ship in March, I can see myself expanding my FIW collection into the AWI again, this time with metal Front Rank figures.
Pics up once I have the mat, I know hexes are not to everyones taste, but C&C continues to call me back as it's the only rule/game system I have ever totally got to grips with and enjoyed.
Link to the company web site HERE, they also do some amazing non gridded battle mats. Below is their 6 x 4 mat for the Battle of Antietam for example.
The mat looks very good indeed - hmmm. Worry not about those who dislike hexes - they mean no harm, they just really, really like measuring things. Something in the constitution about the right to bear rulers?
ReplyDeleteNice one Tony :) I have tried hard, but the fact is I'm a lost soul without hexes! And what is it with buckets of dice these days? I really don't want to be throwing 15+ dice to resolve a simple combat.
DeleteLee - these mats are really very interesting - I am interested in ordering a very large one (Epic size with 7" hexes) only thing that bothers me is the rubber backing. I'm sure the quality's good, but everything I ever had which was rubber or rubber backed was eventually spoiled by the rubber going off. Rubber-backed rugs which had the backing crumble, and I had a very expensive set of noise-reducing headphones which had rubber pads, which turned to something indescribable after a few years. I am not wishing to say the wrong thing about your purchase here - I'm sure it will be great - do the makers have any idea of the likely working life of the rubber backing?
DeleteTony - The rubber backing is an optional extra, but I will ask of them the expected lifespan of the product for you. The fabric they are printed on is good quality, so you would not really need the backing in my opinion. I received my mat yesterday, but there is a bit of a problem with it, going to update the blog with details shortly!
DeleteLooks like a very nice product .... you are going full circle with a C&C hexboard :-)
ReplyDeleteI am indeed Norm, C&C was a revelation to me, I'm sure I would have given up the hobby several years ago had I not been introduced to them.
DeleteGood on you Lee. But I reckon you're a touch optimistic if you think Tricorne is going to be out in March. They're saying July on the website.
ReplyDeleteJuly! Oh well, I'm sure it will be worth the wait.
DeleteThey are nice bits of kit!
ReplyDelete