5thelement

Wasn't sure where to post this so hopefully this section will do!

Basically, i want to make a simple diorama base to display my plane on, and im using this picture as a reference.



I've allready bought a frame for the base (12x10") and i've got a bag of javis scatter grass to use for the grass. Can anyone recomend any gravel i can use for the strip of gravel track? my basic idea is to have the gravel strip running diagonally across the center of the base, with grass at either side.

Something simple like this



Another idea was to make a fence of somesort, out of matchsticks cut down to scale?

Any other ideas, or suggestions of things i could use on this would be greatly appreciated

Thanks

Bunkerbarge

Firstly bear in mind you probably wouldn't have anything as hazardous as a fence anywhere near a taxiway so I would leave the fence for something else.

I once made a very similar base for a vintage motorcycle and the gravel was made from fine sand.

Use any sort of sand or gravel from the garden and apply a coat of contact adhesive to the base, sprinkle the dried gravel over it and pat it into the glue. When it has dried shake the excess of and add a bit of interest with some fine washes making sure that you do not hide the individual grain colours.

Normal garden soil if dried and seived will probably do the job.

Taxiways would normally be well looked after to prevent anything being kicked up by the prop wash so I would concentrate on some nice textures in the gravel and the grass and let the model do the talking.

5thelement

Good points, thanks.

None garden as i live in the centre of town in a flat, so i'll need to take a walk and see if i can find anything suitable lol failing that ill see what the model shop has to offer.

Bunkerbarge

Builders sand from a builders yard or the beach. You are in Liverpool so you can't be too far away from some sand.

5thelement

True lol plenty building work going on around here aswell, so i should be able to find something.

rjwood_uk

games workshop do small pots of decent gravel, but i think it would be a bit big for what you want....se the picture of my scooby in the gallery under cars/my name...

__________________
...One finished model...5 O'Clock in the morning!

5thelement

Nice model there's a games workshop 5 minutes down the street so i'll take a look next time im passing, thanks for the tip

Bunkerbarge

By the way the idea of making a diorama to look like a specific picture is a cracking one and you have a belting picture there to make one from.

All credit to you for the idea and the execution of it, I can't wait for the finished item. Modelling is all about generating ideas and converting them into practise which may not necesarily be on the model itself.

5thelement

Thanks looking forward to getting it completed aswell, just need to lay my hands on some sand/gravel or dried soil then i can get on with it. I'll make a new post with pictures when its all completed.