Ive tried using red sand and white glue solution but when it dries it is to dark brown. How might I paint this type of ground what colors do I mix. Here is a pic of the type of ground I want.

I'm currently struggeling with this. I've used various red and brown pastel chalks on top of PollyScale (and other brand acrylics) Earth Reds, but still not too happy with the outcome. I did this to good effect years ago but unfortunately, I can't remember just exactly what I did.
#:-)

What I did for Charlie Fox was mix hobby paints from Michaels (Apple Barrel acrylics).
I used Burnt Umber, Red, and Black, and some white.
I did about three layers. I think once you get the texture the way you want it then you should paint it. I was purposfully going for a bit more red. I see no reason why you couldn't just go more brown.

Mix a base batch - I'd go Burnt Umber and Red. Then slowly lighten the color and add thin layers letting the dark show through.
The hobby paints are from Folk Art - Apple Barrel - here is a sample
http://www.supplycraft.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=SCI&Category_Code=AAA
They run about 90 cents a tube and last a long time. LOTS of colors to mixing is a snap.

DAS has 2 modelling clays,white and terracotta.Terracotta is very good for groundwork in nam dios.

Thanks for the info guys.

For the red clay mud of upper Nam I used baking soda and rust color paint by MM. If you want it even redder add a little signal orange to it. It has worked for me.

Hummm.... baking soda.... I'm gonna give that a try with a little of that MM or probably Polly Scale paint...

I don't know why, but I'm having a hard time with this one... adding a lot more than usual to the on=going subject, but the ground work has been a block and a half.

Thanks Dave!

I'm sure the Customs officials would love your technique Phantom

Couldn't you mix dirt, paint (Leather), and glue together? I am interested if that will work.

~Chip :-)

Chip, yes you can. I have done it that way also.

i would be interested in a proven technique, i ordered skybows m41 last night, thinking of dio ideas at the moment.
of course i watched full metal jacket and apocalipse now for some inspiration!
i want to do the scene from fmj where the bulldogs are firing at distant buildings, with some gi's crouched behind a low wall.
anyone know any suitable figures? plastic preferably, but i dont mind stehing to one or two resin ones.
i especially want a commander figure firing the .50, or at least holding it.
any help would be appreciated
cheers
joe

No US Forces used the M-41 in Vietnam. They were all used by the South Vietnamese forces. We used the M51 sherridens and M-48 AND SOME m-60'S. But a Dio of an ARVN Unit in the central highlands would make a good dio or even better yet a dio of the tet offense of 1968. The Battle of Hue and the attack on Saigon itself would be authentic. The ARVN's used the tanks in both of these places. The AFV Club has decals in it's kit for an ARVN unit.

thaks for the info gents, they are definately m-41's in the film, and now i come to think about it, theres a bulldog in apocalypse now to.
its a flamethrower, its burning a hut, when the boat guys first meet up with the air cav nutters. thers an lvt thing too
cheers
joe

One option for the volcanic dirt of VietNam is to use real volcanic dirt! The red dirt of the west-central Idaho highlands where we go hunting, is almost exactly the same shade as in the Squadron Signal color plates and pictures. Spray a coat of adhesive down, and sprinkle away. Use dullcote to mist on over the top to settle it down