I know this is probably old hat for most here, but I'm just getting into this, and would appreciate some advice. I'm going to place a PAK 75 AT gun on a wooden base. I've seen some ground cover I could use in the railroad section of a hobby store...you just sprinkle it out of a plastic jar. I figure you have to use some kind of adhesive to keep it there, and was wondering if a watered down mix of Elmers type glue would work. Is that a good idea, or is there another way? I'd appreciate any advice. Thanks.

Mike

Sounds perfectly good to me MJ. So long as you're not trying to glue plastics and other various materials together. Best of all it's very inexpensive.
You can also use a small spray bottle if you thin it about 60%water, 40%Elmers. Nice for large areas instead of brushing it on.

You can also head on over to the arts and craft, where they have all sorts of adhesives for you...of course they all cost a bit more.

Thanks, Kencelot, I appreciate it very much...especially that spray bottle tip. That ought to make it a lot easier. My wife wasn't excited about my setting my finished projects up on a bookshelf. I showed her how I was going to make this one a little more lifelike, and she was thrilled. Who knows, if I can get good at this, it could mean a lot more kits...I mean Diorama accessories...in my stash. Thanks again.

Mike

Hi Mike,

Be sure not to forget to first lay in a groundwork base, such as aputty. This can range from Milliput textured with a rough stone to Pollyfilla, spackling compound, Porion, or wood putty. The important thing is to have something to attach your static grass to. Dilute your white glue but don't make it too thin. Make the application irregular, and don't forget the foot and tyre prints. A few stones and twigs and you'll start to believe it's the real Mc Coy. Be sure to paint all ground work so that it doesn't clash with the finish on the piece being displayed. Hope this helps, (HTH) a little

Kind Regards,

James

Mike and James,

First of all Hola James...another HMForumer!! Welcome to Armorama!

Mike,
What kind of ground are you trying to depict? James gave you really good tips, thats what I usually do. So try it and see what you think!

:-) Hello Anders ,

Great to see many of the old HMforum, enlisting here. We are somewhat of a foreign Legion, but then again the Legion brought forth many a good element. I'm having great fun, and it looks like there is even more potential to express our ideas and opinions here in a free, **** four star atmosphere. this is a super site, I think you'll agree.

Hiya again,

Capn' Jack (James)

Thanks guys, I do appreciate the great advice, especially about the Milliput. I didn't think about that, but I can see how it would improve things a lot.

Anders, this dio is my first, so it's kind of simple, due to my limited knowledge of how to put a good one together. I've read a few FAQ's and looked at a few pic's, but it sure is different when you're getting your hands dirty. I'm attempting a flat, simple gun position, flat grassy terrain with the gun behind some shrubs. I picked up the shrubbery from the model train section of the local Hobby Lobby, and then I have the figures which came with the kit, and a few pieces of equipment rummaged from my spares box.

Mike,

Be sure to strive for a balanced composition. try to keep in mind the following: Even a small vignette should tell some kind of story. It can be as simple as 3 guys loading a gun, or chewing the fat. Try not to leave an empty spaces. Use a random approach in the application of accessories, i.e. strew a few spent shells in a random pattern, but don't, above all else overload with bags, packs, dishes and everything else. Some modellers go overkill on the accessory thing. Better a few well calcualted, strategically places items, well painted than a random mish-mash of unrelated personal gear. It all becomes a knack after a while. Don't skimp on the scenic presentation. A lot of guys spend hours on painting and detailling a kit and when the time comes to set in the groundwork , they use a slap bang approach which detracts from the over-all appearance. You have, wisely, chosen a small piece to begin, many opt for the entire Battle of the Bulge as an appetizer. Better a well executed small piece than a huge ........ Well you get the picture. If I can be of any help, just ring.

Cheers

Jack

Mike,
This is how I would do the grass:
First mask of the base corners with paper tape so you dont get any putty on the frame of the base, then cover the whole diorama (dio) area with milliput, make sure it is flat enough for your piece to go on it, but not flat like paved road, that is unrealistic. Then I would let it set and you can make some adjustments on the ground when its dry if nessessary. Then mix Elmers glue with water, make sure its pretty thick, and cover the whole milliput area, or where ever you want grass at, then sprinkle a heavy layer of static grass on there, then over a box lid or something gently shake it so that all the excess grass thats not stuck to the glue can be used again. Let it dry for a few minutes, then gently blow from the side on the grass, that way it will stand up more realisticly, and let dry!! and Voila! You have grass, just airbrush it now and you are in business.
Let us know your progress!! and if there is anything else just post it here and James, someone else or myself will try to help you, thats what this forum is all about and I love it!!! Thanks to the guys here Im acctually doing a modern subject :-)
Anyways, Good Luck and let us know!!!!!

Great Anders,
Thanks I forgot to mention, about breaking up the level of the ground to create interest. Good coverage on the application of static grass as well. Mike you should be off to a good start with these various little bits. I'd sure like to see the end result once you finish good luck!

Jack

Mike - Good luck with your dio.
You got some real great reference from the guy's to go by.
I'd like to add, for your ground base you can also use "Sculptamold"
It 's only $4 - $5 for a good size bag. This will take care of more than a few
small to medium ground base's for diorama's.
It's like or is a paper mache dry material that you just mix with
water and you can shape it to your specification's of landscape
features. It adheres itself to the diorama base, and dries
hard as a rock.
After it dries, apply earth tone washes and drybrush.
After 24hrs apply your static grass, like Anders thoroughly explained.
The sculptamold comes with instructions - It's very easy to use
- ralph

Hi bud!,
Use a sive when using static grass to get a better and more even coverage otherwise it'll be clumped and wasted!

Welcome to the world of dioramas!

My wife is always more impressed with them than a kit by itself!
She is the best critic of what looks right too (IMHO), because over-shading, zombie eyes and the rest never get past her!

You've gotten lots of excellent advice already, here's my contribution:
For a simple ground surface, I've found Elmer's Water Soluble Wood Putty is a great product. It's non-toxic, and water soluble! Once it dries, you can paint it, sand it or whatever.

I also use mixes of white glue, dirt, water, celluclay, tea leaves and stuff for ground. You can make lots of different types of dirt that way.

Cheers
Andy