Tabletop Miniature Hobby Podcast · Bedroom Battlefields

The Evolution of MDF Terrain at Warbases

·36 min·3 clips

Glenn had to redesign an alleyway because his initial version couldn't fit a standard 25mm base figure.

The host visits Warbases to explore innovations in MDF terrain with production manager Glenn. This episode details the company's design philosophy and a major shift toward pre-colored kits. Glenn explains how Warbases balances aesthetic appeal with practical playability in its products. A primary misconception is that more terrain always improves a table, but excessive pieces can impede movement and disrupt gameplay. Warbases designs buildings as simple four-wall shells without interiors to maximize usable space. Designers meticulously adjust features like alley widths to ensure a standard 25mm base can pass through. Window heights are calibrated so 28mm figures can effectively shoot from them. The company spent four years developing a process to UV-print color directly onto MDF, requiring a white base layer for consistency. An early attempt using white card failed because the ink could be wiped off with a wet cloth. Warbases launched its first color-printed set, WWII pillboxes, at the end of 2024. Their new "Table Ready Terrain" range aims to let gamers build and play without painting, with prototypes assembled in 10-15 minutes. The upcoming "Red Brick Terrace" range allows customization of shop signs and door colors. Despite the new focus, sales of raw, unpainted MDF kits remain steady, and both options will be developed in parallel. Product development timelines vary from a few weeks to over a year, with some projects planned for events like Salute in 2026. Glenn recalls the challenging but rewarding design of a three-story corner saloon for their Old West range. The company also runs Bifrost Miniatures, a fantasy range with about 140 codes, born from founder Martin's love of 1980s Red Box D&D. Sculptors sometimes submit personal projects, like a recent set of "old school" dwarf figures due for release in September. A popular, humorous line is the "Haggis" miniatures, a nod to the Beano comic's dog, Gnasher. The tone is conversational and informative, featuring an interview format with specific examples from the workshop. The style is deeply insider, focusing on manufacturing details and niche hobbyist concerns. Miniature wargamers interested in terrain design, manufacturing, and time-saving solutions will find this episode valuable. Listeners seeking narrative drama or pure painting tutorials might want to skip it.

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