Using real soil for my terrain

Kiwi · May 1, 2022

Hi everyone. I want to use real soil as a substrate for my World War II miniature wargaming tiles. I have just been near a farm and took a few samples of agricultural soil. I have break and put a part of it in my oven for one hour and a half at 170 Farenheit.

Here is a part of what I got.

I am following the advice of a guy who does awesome and very realistic World War II terrain. He told me to go search for soil on a farm, to break it down, dry it, break it down again until it becomes likes a powder. That's what I want to do.

Here is a photo of his terrain.

Here is a video of another technique with tile grout I have just discovered and want to try.

Have you tried any of those two techniques (real soil and tile grout)?

Kiwi · May 1, 2022

Finally, I have bought polyfilla, a sieve and something to crush clay into dust. It will be a long work.

For me, I like when a wargaming terrain looks realistic. I have played only two games in the past but I must say that building terrain is also a lot of fun.

Laurie · May 2, 2022

Stéphan said:
Hi everyone. I want to use real soil as a substrate for my World War II miniature wargaming tiles. I have just been near a farm and took a few samples of agricultural soil. I have break and put a part of it in my oven for one hour and a half at 170 Farenheit.

Here is a part of what I got.

View attachment 91161

I am following the advice of a guy who does awesome and very realistic World War II terrain. He told me to go search for soil on a farm, to break it down, dry it, break it down again until it becomes likes a powder. That's what I want to do.

Here is a photo of his terrain.

View attachment 91162

Here is a video of another technique with tile grout I have just discovered and want to try.

Have you tried any of those two techniques (real soil and tile grout)?

Do not wish to be pessimistic but. Soil contains many things which do not like humans.

Dermatology problems & many other minerals which can circulate. Perhaps some sort of spray to seal would reduce the above possibilities.

Not used tile grout but have used Polyfilla with good results. Produced great undulations. Also cheaper than tile grout tut miserable being.

Kiwi · May 2, 2022

Laurie said:
Do not wish to be pessimistic but. Soil contains many things which do not like humans.

Dermatology problems & many other minerals which can circulate. Perhaps some sort of spray to seal would reduce the above possibilities.

Not used tile grout but have used Polyfilla with good results. Produced great undulations. Also cheaper than tile grout tut miserable being.

To solve the problem of insects ... in the soil, I have baked everything for about 1h30 at 170 Celcius. The man who told me to use this technique never had any problem. But I must say that the powder that results from crushing that clay should really give a realistic look.

I also can't wait to try polyfilla (tile grout). But one thing at a time

blakeh1 · May 2, 2022

A great board really adds to the gaming experience

Looking forward to what you come up with

the Baron · May 3, 2022

Yeah, baking it, or even nuking it in a microwave, should kill just about anything living in the soil. You can definitely get a nice effect with it.

Laurie · May 3, 2022

the Baron said:
Yeah, baking it, or even nuking it in a microwave, should kill just about anything living in the soil. You can definitely get a nice effect with it.

Mmm may kill the insects but not the chemicals.

Marktastrophe · May 5, 2022

The biggest complaint I've seen for using organics is in fact allergens/chemical reactions. If it's no bother to you awesome, but I can see it being show stopper for some.
The other consideration (probably not much of an issue with dirt) is organic materials in Dios can continue changing over time.

I do hate buying fake dirt, as expensive as it is, but my sinuses also regularly try to strangle me. lol.

Using real soil for my terrain

Kiwi

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Kiwi

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Laurie

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Kiwi

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blakeh1

Well-Known Member

the Baron

Ich bin ja, Herr, in Deiner Macht

Laurie

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Marktastrophe

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