"The Player Board Overlay that fits" Terraforming Mars

thingiverse

As every Terraforming Mars enthusiast knows, the standard player board is a real challenge to work with. A single misplaced cube or a slight breeze can send the entire setup tumbling across the table. Some players even capture screenshots of their mat during gameplay on YouTube. In my search for an ideal player board overlay, I tried out several designs, but none met my expectations. The issue lies in the way the numbered spaces are designed to fit the cubes snugly, leaving no room between them. While the height is generally satisfactory, it's often marginal at best. Moreover, even with these overlays, the markers can still move around. So what sets this custom overlay apart? This design takes a different approach by clamping the player board securely in place using both a top and bottom frame. This means that no matter how much you need to adjust or move the board during gameplay, it will stay firmly in position. The layout of the "Player Markers" is carefully tailored to fit seamlessly onto the player board. There are no vertical ribs on this design, which holds the markers securely in place using small knobs. This allows for easy movement while preventing them from falling out (check out the final picture). Assembly is straightforward: Print the three individual parts. Glue the bottom frame to the overlay top, making sure it's properly aligned before applying glue. I used fast-drying glue and applied only tiny drops, holding it in place for a few minutes. Slide your player board between the two frames. Check that the board is accurately positioned. Place one side of the bottom plate into the frame and bend it to fit snugly on the other side (be careful not to let it snap shut). The best approach is to sit at a table with your belly pressed against it, then slide the bottom plate in from underneath and push everything firmly against your stomach. This will allow you to easily insert the plate without having to glue it. Remove the player board whenever needed by simply lifting the bottom plate out of its slot. Get ready for hours of enjoyable gameplay!