75mm ground

[Simon Hooper]

So I'm new to this and need help with creating sandy soil, I know I can google and go down a rabbit hole, asking for some reliable uk based resources. TIA

 

[1969]

I normally use soil from the garden, just dry it out and grind it down a bit, looks better if it is ground to small irregular particles and not to a fine dust. You can always throw in some tiny stones and sand to add more effect.
Spray some PVA glue over the area you want the soil or brush on with modelling brush and then scatter the soil over the glue. Allow to dry then paint and you will have a realistic effect. This method can be used for all scales, just depends how much you grind the soil down.
Cheers
Steve

 

[DEL]

Pretty much as Steve says. Only addition is I mix a 1 x 2 PVA to water solution and spray two coats over the groundwork before painting or staining. Always remember to mask the areas where feet etc will locate before sprinkling soil and spraying.
Cheers
Derek

 

[Nap]

Hi Simon

Welcome to PF

Wise words from Steve and Del

Look forward to seeing your modelling and groundwork

Happy benchtime

Nap

 

[Simon Hooper]

Thanks guys, lid of soil drying on the radiator now
It'll be slow progress but hopefully I'll get some pictures up for you this year...ish.

 

[Venko]

For sandy soil look I make ground paste from PVA glue mixed with chinchilla sand and coloring with light acrylic color, works for me

 

[Jed]

Recently I've tried used and dried coffee granules mixed with water and pva glue,a work in progress

 

[Nap]

Recently I've tried used and dried coffee granules mixed with water and pva glue,a work in progressView attachment 401122

Good idea that Jed , you can also get the used stuff from coffee shops as well

Nap

 

[Chris Oldfield]

Recently I've tried used and dried coffee granules mixed with water and pva glue,a work in progressView attachment 401122

That looks quite realistic, Jed - just had a look in closeup. Nice one, mate!

 

[Simon Hooper]

Clever Nicely done.

 

[Jed]

That looks quite realistic, Jed - just had a look in closeup. Nice one, mate!

Thanks Chris, I haven't seen any of your figures for a while, how am I missing them?

 

[Chris Oldfield]

Thanks Chris, I haven't seen any of your figures for a while, how am I missing them?

That's because I haven't posted any for a while...........
Just finished a France 1940 diorama, will post pics soon - stay tuned.

 

[Nap]

That's because I haven't posted any for a while...........
Just finished a France 1940 diorama, will post pics soon - stay tuned.

Look forward to that diorama ...don't forget we have a Vignette and Diorama comp running

Happy benchtime

Nap

 

[Ronaldo]

Much of what Del says works , if its a sandy base you want ; builders coarse sand will give you a good mix "Not building sand"
Its referred by different names depending on what part of the country you live in , common names IE. Sharp sand .Concrete sand.
Its a great mix of fine grains to small stones .
Instead of using garden soil also try dried tomato compost you get a great mix detritus material all to scale .
In both cases I use Everbuild industrial superglue to fix it as you get a 50gm bottle for about a fiver; your groundwork is set in about 10 seconds then overspray with preferred primer .
One bag of tomato compost will last a couple of lifetimes unless you are a sonic railway modeller in that case only one lifetime