3D printing in the tabletop hobby: Thunderhead Studio’s HEXTECH: Aeroplex Core Set
Why 3D printing is revolutionizing the tabletop hobby
3D printing has become a real game changer for the tabletop hobby in recent years. What used to be expensive, difficult to obtain or only available in a limited selection can now be produced conveniently and individually on a home printer. Especially when it comes to terrain construction, 3D printing offers enormous advantages: instead of limiting themselves to generic MDF kits or foam structures, players can create detailed, thematically appropriate buildings and structures – and in exactly the scale and style that suits their game system.
Especially for large-scale systems like BattleTech Alpha Strike or Halo: Flashpointwhere open playing fields with clear lines of sight and terrain with tactical added value are required, 3D printing offers an ideal solution. Instead of standard houses from the model railway department, entire spaceports, hangars or even underground complexes can be realized – matching the respective game world and campaign setting.
Note on my own behalf: This post is not sponsored. I did not receive any money or print files for free. I bought the set myself and printed it at my own expense. I am presenting the HEXTECH: Aeroplex Core Set here because I am personally enthusiastic about it and think it is an excellent example of what functional and visually appealing 3D terrain can look like.
HEXTECH – Aeroplex Core Set from Thunderhead Studio
The HEXTECH: Aeroplex Core Set from Thunderhead Studio is an outstanding example of well thought-out, thematically coherent and modularly expandable 3D printed terrain. This set is part of the successful HEXTECH series and is aimed specifically at players who are looking for a modern or futuristic air or spaceport setting for their battles.
What’s inside?
The Aeroplex Core Set is more than just a few hangars and landing strips – it is a complete modular system for designing an air/spaceport with a wide range of play options:
- Administrative control points and terminals: Ideal for marking mission objectives or simulating command centers.
- Large-scale hangars with playable interiors: These buildings offer space for miniatures inside and enable exciting close combat scenarios or ambushes directly in the structure.
- Runway modules including catapults, elevators and technology modules: The runway elements can be combined as required – whether as a small smuggling runway in the outback or as a huge military facility with access to the underground.
- Pure modularity: As usual with HEXTECH, the entire system has a modular structure – ideal for expanding, redesigning or combining with other HEXTECH sets.
Technical printing note: The Aeroplex Core Set is specially optimized for FDM printers. The components can be printed without supports – i.e. without the hassle of support structures and reworking. It really couldn’t be simpler. If you have an FDM printer at home, you can get started straight away.
Technical benefits
In BattleTech Alpha Strike in particular, the Aeroplex Core Set can specifically support the game mechanics: The open areas of the runways create clear lines of sight, while the large hangars act as “line of sight blockers”. Unlike many other terrain sets, which tend to work with many small obstacles, Aeroplex relies on large-scale, functional structures – ideal for large-scale battles with many units or vehicle support.
Conclusion: Anyone who wants to thematically upgrade their gaming tables and rely on a modular, well thought-out and excellently designed terrain system will be delighted with the HEXTECH: Aeroplex Core Set. Thunderhead Studio delivers once again here – and proves just how much 3D printing can enhance the tabletop experience.
