1:72nd WW2 Dessert, suggestions on replicating?

Modeling Subjects Dioramas
1

Hi,

any suggestions on the best way to simulate a sandy / hard area of dessert in 1:72nd. The sort of thing you might find a Storch, Kubelwagon, Motorbike scenario. At the moment I have a flat plaster area painted yellow. Would like some texture (sand??) and small features.

Thanks,

Ted.

2

Much of the Sahara is not sandy, instead its a barren plains with many broken pieces of rocks thrown about. Sand is blown about, but its not the predominant ground surface.Try to find resources on it or read books like “Brazen Chariots” by Robert Crisp, Iron Hulls, Iron Hearts by Ian Walker and others that are based on the North Africa campaign.

Mike T.

3

If you’re including a Storch, your ground surface, I imagine any way, would have to be sturdy enough to support an aircraft landing and taking off. Much like this photo seen here (for discussion purposes only)

Its more packed sand and rock rather than soft, sprawling sand dunes such as this

For a seen I created in a desert like environment, I used celluclay mixed with some real dirt for added texture. Then painted it with artist oils and added some real stones and cat litter for larger rocks and variations in the ground surface…

You can add some vegetation to break up the monotony by getting some fake plants from a craft store or another vendor, like Woodland Scenics may have something you like.