Hi all, In the process of finishing my benchwork for a modest version of Grangeville,ID on the Camas Prairie RR, I am thinking of the way to duplicate the typical dark soil found in this area. I have found a good source of very fine sand in a forest near my home.The material is so fine that it needs nearly no sifting. But alas, its shade is rather light. I guess I have two options : 1°Gluing that sand and then work its colour with washes of,say,ashes gray 2°Tinting that sand with diluted acrylic paint or any other coloring agent before gluing it. I'd like to know if anyone has a clue on that topic. Thanks for your help, Marc
Did you ever think about using real dirt, instead of sand? I dont like using sand whatsoever, unless it is almost like dust, or of course it is actually ballast. Just around my house I have 2 different shades of dirt, light brown, very dark brown, which I use extensivly after some fine shifting. If sands the way you want to go, I suggest glueing the sand down first, because the glue darkens the color of everything a bit. Once thats done, see if its to your liking, if not I would go for using washes. Use acrylic paint washes diluted with water and also dont forget using oils in some areas. I suggest practicing on a little diorama to get the right shadees. Good luck MIke
Hi Mike, Thanks for your advise.I guess the dorama solution is the best one to try what method works best. Regards, Marc
Hi Marc, Mike hit the nail on the head with his suggestions. Sand (or any 'rock' based material) won't absorb colour. At best you will coat the grains with the colour. Washes and even judicious airbrushing with a thin wash will provide realistic effects to whatever you use once in place. Doing a diorama as a test piece is a great idea - I did the same and now it's used as a photo board, some of which can be seen in the SSW 4152 thread. It is in need of some TLC, though - it's been carted around a fair bit! Gary.
Hi Gary, I have been to the pics posted.Is that ME code 55 or 70 which is used ? You have done a d...nice work ! Marc
Some Arts & Crafts Stores have colored sand in small packets for "Painting" scenes in Jars, glasses & Vases. Might take a look for the variety of colors!
Thanks, Marc. It's code 55 ME. I used peco Z Scale joiners on it BTW. They fit tightly and are all but invisible, being the smallest available. Great idea, Watash! Gary.
