Plannng a "Dio" base (It's going to be the Display case for my finished projects) What's the easiest way to do either so that it looks convincing with out spending a amall fortune?

Asphalt can be replicated by spray on rubber coat or other textured paint or with plaster that is sanded somewhat smooth, and then can be weathered to the common black-gray color. The best way to replicate concrete is with Plaster of Paris. You can add some Elmer's School Glue style (PVA glue) to give it added strength. You can also add acrylic paint to the plaster to color it throuout. Pour it into a form, just like real cement for the shape you want.

Asphalt can be done easily and well with 'wet and dry' paper. Slightly course black paper used for smoothing metal+plastic. Works well.

What scale? 1/35 see the above ideas. 1/72 you can get away with paper, or sytrene roughed up just a touch and painted.

You could also experiment with baking power in white glue mix, apply, dry and paint. This is the technique guys use for rusty mufflers. Gives off a bit of a rough surface texture.

yeah.... 1/35 it's gonna be a good sized display case... prolly 12-18" deep by 5-6 feet long.......

I use fine sand usually for asphalt. Sprinkle it on white glue. Spray paint a grey color and weather from there.

For concrete I use spackle laid on w/ a knife. After it dries it is very easy to sand smooth and then I carve the different panels into it. Then paint whatever color works for you regarding a concrete color. Weathering is very easy too.

Take a look at my thunder run updates of recent. you will see both asphalt and concrete in those photos.

Bob

As already mentioned, for asphalt wet or dry sanding paper works well. I did a 1/48 D-Day airfield dio and used it for this. Some spray adhesive on the back, place where you want it, add a little weight and let it set for 10-15 minutes or so. Accepts paint and weathers easily. Concrete...haven't done anything for this, but the plaster of paris sounds like a good shot. Hope this helps. "Q"

Matt;
For the concrete, try drywall. You could have a base in 3 easy steps. For asphalt/blacktop, try black or dark gray tile grout. BTW, did you ever get my PM re: mini sanders?

Art