So I've seen a few blogs mention the Kickstarter that Secret Weapon Miniatures recently launched, Tablescapes. For these not in the know, SWM is releasing a series of 1'x1' tiles, modeled to some extent with existing terrain, and accompanied with terrain pieces to go with it. This is exciting if only for the existence of more quality and affordable terrain. That said, the prices aren't astounding. The wall set at $150 is overpriced, and to be honest the destroyed tanks don't look quite good enough for me to choose them over plasticard tanks sliced to bits. Even still, I may nab some of the terrain eventually, for example if my FLGS happens to get some (they were a backer of Dreadball after all)
Now, on to the "meat" of the matter: the boards. 150 dollars gets you a 4x4 board, suitable for any skirmish level game. They clip together with a slightly better system that GW's for the realm of battle board, but I don't anticipate it being as good as I'd like. No big deal there, I will likely use them on an existing table. The designs will be themed, and as the KS grows, new themes will unlock. This, I think is the coolest part. The realm of battle board is extremely limited, pigeon holed into grassy hilly skull town, so this is a potential change of pace. And most importantly of all (since I just spent 200+ dollars on the RoB) the 150 dollar price tag gets you a 4x4 section, which when combined with the GW RoB 2x4 section of flat ground, would be enough for a thin, light 4x6 board. To get this from GW you have to buy 2 of the Gameboard extensions, giving you 3 each of 2 tiles, and nearly another 200 bucks. SWM gives you more variety and modularity, for less money. They are even offering a $190 "mini wargamer" pack that includes 8 additional random tiles on top of the 16, giving you a 4x6 standard Warhammer 40k board.
As a result, I am pledging $190 and eagerly await the images of the next design. The current themes are Scrap Yard (the default unlocked), "Clean" Urban Streets, "Damaged Urban Streets," and "Ruined Temple," and "Trench Works." I am really excited to see what gets unlocked, I may go with one of the later ones (they will not be released all at once due to having to be designed and produced), since I have a board already. One of the stealth benefits of 1/4" thick 1'x1' boards is this is a potential surface for a display board as well. Just build a frame with pegs that assembles around a 2'x2' or 2'x3' section of tile, and you have an instant and flexible surface for a display board. SWM even have bases that go with each theme. All and all, I think this is a great development,and I'm glad to see it funded within 3 days.