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Thread: Space Playmats

  1. #1

    Default Space Playmats

    Having had a look at what is commercially available, I'm not greatly impressed.
    The good ones are too expensive, the cheap ones too shoddy, and often they're both shoddy and expensive.

    So... Having really good experiences with photoprint fleece blankets for Wings of Glory, and knowing that NASA has some hi resolution photos available, I thought I'd experiment. Especially since I found a site offering 3 for the price of 2.

    Two designs I chose. Obviously you could mix and match, maybe getting a Wings of Glory design, a Sails of Glory island set, and a Space design as your three.

    Click image for larger version. 

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    Sites :
    https://au.bagsoflove.com/blankets
    https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/spaceimages...&currentpage=9

    Cost $107 Aust including postage, so around $70 US.

  2. #2

    Default

    Spectacular looking images and thanks for sharing the info and site links!

  3. #3

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Rory View Post
    Spectacular looking images and thanks for sharing the info and site links!
    Ditto, the blankets look good.

  4. #4

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    Quote Originally Posted by Vagabond View Post
    Ditto, the blankets look good.
    In the UK, the site is https://www.bagsoflove.co.uk/printed-blankets

    About £25 each, but with the same "buy 2, get 1 free" offer.

  5. #5

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    Oh goody, another way to spend my money. Thanks Zoe.
    Run for your life - there are stupid people everywhere!

  6. #6

    Default

    Us also has a site:
    https://www.bagsoflove.com/blankets
    Also a 3 for 2 offer.
    How do they work with WoG planes? Any experience?
    Karl
    It is impossible for a man to begin to learn what he thinks he knows. -- Epictetus

  7. #7

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Jager View Post
    Us also has a site:
    https://www.bagsoflove.com/blankets
    Also a 3 for 2 offer.
    How do they work with WoG planes? Any experience?
    Karl
    See the Cancon 2019 threads for pictures of them in action. I've had them for years.

    Click image for larger version. 

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    They are a thin, fleecy blanket that doesn't easily crease, and folds away easily. Bases don't slip on them.

  8. #8

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    Thanks, Zoe. I wonder if they would hold a printed hex grid alright. Looking for something to play Check Your 6 with.
    Karl
    It is impossible for a man to begin to learn what he thinks he knows. -- Epictetus

  9. #9

    Swordancer
    Guest


    Default

    Thanks for sharing!
    Which one is the best? I think the single layer, right?

  10. #10

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    Quote Originally Posted by Jager View Post
    Thanks, Zoe. I wonder if they would hold a printed hex grid alright. Looking for something to play Check Your 6 with.
    Karl
    These are photo prints. You provide the hi resolution JPEG to put on them.
    That means if you want a grid - hex, square, whatever - of whatever size, just modify the photo using GIMP (free) or Photoshop to put on an overlay on the image you tell them to use. You control the thickness and colour of the lines.

  11. #11

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    Quote Originally Posted by Swordancer View Post
    Thanks for sharing!
    Which one is the best? I think the single layer, right?
    They're manufactured in the UK, so I should be getting my order on the 5th.
    The one I have is from another manufacturer, made many years ago, and the new ones are single layer and the same material as my existing one, according to the specifications. I'll give an update on what the result looks like when I receive them.

  12. #12

    Swordancer
    Guest


    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Zoe Brain View Post
    They're manufactured in the UK, so I should be getting my order on the 5th.
    The one I have is from another manufacturer, made many years ago, and the new ones are single layer and the same material as my existing one, according to the specifications. I'll give an update on what the result looks like when I receive them.
    Thanks a lot!

  13. #13

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    Ordered mine Wednesday, arrived today. Impressive turn-round.
    Run for your life - there are stupid people everywhere!

  14. #14

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    Quote Originally Posted by Guntruck View Post
    Ordered mine Wednesday, arrived today. Impressive turn-round.
    How would you rate their quality & playability?
    I laugh in the face of danger - then I hide until it goes away!

  15. #15

    Default

    Does anyone know whether the N.A.S.A. images are copyright free, please?

  16. #16

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Naharaht View Post
    Does anyone know whether the N.A.S.A. images are copyright free, please?
    Image Policy is at https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/imagepolicy/

    Unless otherwise noted, images and video on JPL public web sites (public sites ending with a jpl.nasa.gov address) may be used for any purpose without prior permission, subject to the special cases noted below. Publishers who wish to have authorization may print this page and retain it for their records; JPL does not issue image permissions on an image by image basis.

    By electing to download the material from this web site the user agrees:

    that Caltech makes no representations or warranties with respect to ownership of copyrights in the images, and does not represent others who may claim to be authors or owners of copyright of any of the images, and makes no warranties as to the quality of the images. Caltech shall not be responsible for any loss or expenses resulting from the use of the images, and you release and hold Caltech harmless from all liability arising from such use.
    to use a credit line in connection with images. Unless otherwise noted in the caption information for an image, the credit line should be "Courtesy NASA/JPL-Caltech."
    that the endorsement of any product or service by Caltech, JPL or NASA must not be claimed or implied.
    Neither of the 2 images I selected are exceptions to the general policy of use for any purpose.

  17. #17

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    Quote Originally Posted by Flying Helmut View Post
    How would you rate their quality & playability?
    Obviously not as sharp as a mousemat type mat, but good enough for a game and is more lighter/portable. I only got a 5x5' for BSG, not sure I'd get one for WoG though.
    Run for your life - there are stupid people everywhere!

  18. #18

    Default

    I thought the mat and poster at CanCkn attracted a lot of people. They are good value I think imho.

  19. #19

    Swordancer
    Guest


    Default

    I have seen that a lot of people use also a printed PVC banner as playmat... I think it can be a little cheaper, but How is it? Is it ok or too much slippery for the ships?

  20. #20

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    What they look like in practice.. straight from the bag, without ironing out any creases.

    Click image for larger version. 

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  21. #21

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    A reminder - buy 3, and these are less than $25 US each, postage included, in Australia, the UK, or US. I bought an extra to give to my nephew, then two different designs for me. If I hadn't already got one, I would have bought an WGF one instead.

    Use the highest resolution possible. The two NASA designs are 1920 X 1200, and that's marginal for the mats of this size. Adequate, but only just. The WGF image was 4000 X 2400, and that's appropriate for a 6x4 size one. The higher the pixel count, the better.

  22. #22

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    I wonder if I can find a good oceanscape for a set for Cruel Seas.
    Karl
    It is impossible for a man to begin to learn what he thinks he knows. -- Epictetus



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