Hi,
I'll be adding mud to my M48 dozer soon and am wondering if the earth colour in Vietnam is really as red as is indicated in pigments available or colour pics (thinking that there maybe too much magenta used in the colour film process),
Input much appreciated
Thanks
Joker

I would suggest there were different colours of mud type.if it was hot and dry then more of a dusty looking red brown colour.and wet looks a lot darker in colour.



hope this helps

think of Georgia clay-

Thanks for the information, men
All the best
Joker

i been through the central highlands a few times. And yes, the soil really is as red as they say it is. Hope it helps!

If it's any help, there was a 1932 Clark Gable/Jean Harlow movie set in French Indochina called "Red Dust." Seriously, viewers often find it hard to accept really red earth in a diorama, and if you look at the Georgia clay country, you'll see the tone varies a bit from yellowish to a dull brownish red, so subtle gradations in tone are what you want. Otherwise, you'll be asked "why is it so rusty?"

Unfortunately I don't remember details now, but this topic was discussed in detail long time ago on one of modeling forums. The conclusion was that indeed in some areas of Vietnam the earth is red. But not everywhere. In other areas there is light brown soil and in others dark brown mud. So to be fully accurate you must think about exact location of your model / diorama and check the earth color there.

Pawel

Britannica suggests that there are a variety of soil types across Vietnam

Britannica

And while I couldn't find an online soil map of Vietnam, this vegetation map makes it pretty obvious where the alluvial soils are concentrated.

Vegetation