Appreciate some advice.

I make display bases for my large scale tanks (1:8 and 1:6). They are working models but also entered into static competitions. For the basic base material I have tried all different types of plaster. I have tried painted it, stained it and dyed it using both food colourants and clothes dyes both when set and when 'in the mix'.

The problem is when replacing the tank on the base even very carefully, the steel tracks scrape the surface and expose the white underneath. Great for winter but not for summer grass and mud.

Any advice on a plaster like material that will allow detail to be imprinted but will also stain all of the way through so the above does not happen appreciated.

Trackpins.

I mix my plaster with brown acrylic paint (or whatever color you need) when I am mixing it. This way when poured it already has some color and it is staying whether it gets chipped or not.

Cheers
Hasty

You may want to investigate Dental Plaster additive. I have never used the stuff but I know Keith MaGee uses it in his retail product. It is a product used because of its strength. This may help if it's detail that gets chipped off. You use it in conjunction with regular plaster. I'd wait or PM Keith or do a search in the forums for Dental Plaster.

Hasty has a point about mixing in pigment with the plaster so when/if it does chip you wont see white.

I think a combo deal will be best.

I work my 1:35 diorama with putty (i dont know the exact name in english) - household or that filler for autos.
You can put your model on the base when is steel wet that take it out and let it dry with the track prints. You can paint after.

How about a tough resin coating (PolyUrethane varnish), and then a flat coating to top it ? That should be scratch-resistant.

Thanks for taking the time to reply, appreciated.

I need to experiment I think a little!

I have not tried mixing in paint, worth a whirl.

I think the English word you may be looking for is filler. Car body filler can't be stained, I've tried and household filler is a little too soft.

I have never tried the dental product and will speak to my dentist neighbour. Some good ideas.

Thank you all again.

Trackpins