I'm collaborating with a friend to get a 3d board done, but am realizing that I'll probably have an issue where aircraft are skirting the sides of the trenches. Need to figure out a solution for that.
The temporary card is a good idea, you could also embed a small support piece at the top of the trench (doesnt need to span whole trench just enough to give foot a hold)
Otherwise replace the feet with a pin and place tubes for the pin to slot into.