Starship/Space Station Model Lessons Learned
Space Station K-7 modified to be a realistic model on the game table; the actual model kit has hallways that are way too long. Greebles added.
Starship configuration of the same hallways as the space station.
Hallway brackets being added.
Summary
It is not necessary to have the floor of the hallways/rooms the same thickness as the matte board; it can be basic stiff cardstock.
In all cases glossy materials to be avoided; glues wont stick.
Wall graphics should be added before assembly.
Assembly can use UV light-activated glue instead of hot glue to hold corners and middles of parts together during assembly and so final gluing can be done.
Embellishments along floor/wall joins e.g. 3d printed floor trim should not be done; the runners should be graphics only; this way, doors can be added anywhere on the walls.
3/16 inch foam core, white. Matte board should be white, tan or other. If black, issues may arise but once design/shape of facility is decided, consistency mandatory; do not start with foam core and mix matte board; use matte board only.
Different elevations not necessary but the access to different elevations can be shown as either graphic or 3D printed e.g. stairs in a hallway lead to another room/hall on the game table even disconnected from the main structure just to show it.
Liquid white thick Elmers glue or Tacky Glue that dries solid can be used but test to see if it causes paper material to be affected e.g. warp during drying
Where foam core corners meet not necessary to cut 45o angle but it is helpful; Matte board 45o not necessary nor easy to do.
Hallway supports not necessary but look cool
Cutting doors in walls not recommended as it commits to where a door is located.
Main screen monitor in control room/bridge should be graphic not 3D printed object so it can be hidden/covered over with other graphics; also that wall may be another hallway door connection.