DIY Sci-Fi & Urban Wargaming Terrain: How to Build Chain-Link Fences
Building Post-Apocalyptic Fencing for Combat Zone
Original Article by: Mark Elster
Whether you are looking to funnel enemies into choke points, create deadly fire zones, or block off table edges, high-quality urban fencing is a must-have for tabletop skirmish games like Combat Zone.
Today, we're diving into a classic tutorial by Mark Elster detailing how to build modular, post-apocalyptic mesh fencing using simple hobby supplies.
"Give me land, lots of land... don't fence me in!"
Good fencing keeps the bad guys out and the good stuff in (depending on your way of thinking). Urban fencing sections are great for creating courtyard fire zones, blocking off areas of the gaming table as "no-go areas," bridging gaps between buildings, or defining table and road edges.
🧰 Materials & Tools Needed
Plasti-rod: Assorted profiles (Square, I, L, and H sections)
Fine Wire Mesh: Look for soft, malleable mesh in art supply stores or auto parts shops (car body repair mesh works perfectly)
Plasti-sheet / Plasti-card: For bases, feet, and structural reinforcements
Wire: Fuse wire and thin jewellery wire
Tools: Modelling mitre saw (for clean right-angle cuts), scalpel, sharp scissors, pin vise, and long-nosed pliers
Pro Tip on Mesh: Cut the mesh to your desired size using a pair of sharp scissors. If you can't easily cut it with scissors, it's too thick—you've got the wrong stuff!
🛠️ Step-by-Step Construction Guide
1. Planning & Frame Supports
Measure your gaming table layout to determine proper fence lengths. Vary your construction methods from section to section to keep the terrain looking dynamic:
Long Sections: Add extra upright posts and 45° angled support braces to prevent sagging. Look at real-world chain-link fences for structural inspiration.
Perimeter Tops: For larger fence panels, use square rod for main posts. Angle the top ends at 45° and glue short pieces of rod at the tips to recreate security wire arms.
2. Attaching Mesh & Wiring
Securing Mesh to Posts: Wrap fine fuse wire through the mesh and around the plasti-rod uprights. Using long-nosed pliers, twist both ends together until the wire coils tightly against the post. Snip or tuck away the excess length.
Adding Wire Details: Drill small holes through the posts using a pin vise and thread jewellery wire through at regular intervals. Alternatively, top the fence with miniature modelling barbed wire for an extra lethal look.
3. Doors & Hardware Details
Door Frames: Construct door frames from L-shaped plasti-rod cut to size. Cut out the corresponding section of mesh from your fence panel, then glue the L-rod frame and mesh insert in place.
Hinges & Handles: Craft tiny hinges from small bits of plasti-rod. Glue a small square of plasti-card to act as a handle plate, then add a thin slice of H-section rod to serve as the handle/lock mechanism.
Base Stability: Use small squares of plasti-card as corner strengtheners. If your fence sections are freestanding rather than glued directly to a display board, add plasti-card "feet" to the bottom of each upright post to keep them standing upright.
🎨 Painting & Weathering
Painting these terrain pieces is fast and effective:
Undercoat: Spray everything with a solid black primer.
Drybrushing: Heavy drybrush with dark browns, greys, and gunmetal/silver to build up texture, rust, and bare metallic wear.
Wash: Apply a heavy dark ink or oil wash to grime everything up—it's post-apocalyptic, after all!
Here's hoping your wide-open gaming spaces become fenced-off corridors and courtyards of death!
Have you built similar chain-link terrain for your skirmish tables? What materials do you prefer using for security mesh? Let us know in the comments below!