Schutzenpanzerwagen Sd.kfz.250/9

Phil57 said:

Is this what you are referring to Pantherman???

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Pantherman said:

So I have started the weathering and some chipping, early stages yet with some rust streaks and work on the tracks and wheels still to be done but it's getting there. Got the washing to do and a bit more panel lining.
Have decided to build a little base as I got some offcuts of laminated MDF from the site skip while doing inspections earlier today. Bonus, love free stuff.
Pantherman

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Phil57 said:

Is this what you are referring to Pantherman???

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Pantherman said:

That's the one. Do you have any experience with this? Is it a case of applying several layers to build up the "dust" effect?
Pantherman

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Pantherman said:

Now started the base. Used wall filler mixed with vallejo dark yellow primer to get the sandy texture. Sprinkled on kiln dried sand while still wet (borrowed permanently from the driveway layers) then top coat of my own blend of yellows to get it looking almost the right colour. Need to add some grasses and matt varnish it ready for the halftrack and figure.
Pantherman

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Phil57 said:

Your desert sands look pretty good. A few items of interest to break it down such as the grass as you said and the figure will set it off for sure.
Square or rectangular bases are the most popular with model makers. They are simple to make and can easily be framed with inexpensive picture frames or if you are using styrene sheets for height, the square and true sides are easily covered by thin balsa wood or plastic card and then painted. If I were making a large diorama I would certainly do a square or rectangular base. However, for small vignette's such as you are making, I would do anything other than square. I think in this case such a shape designed to fit the model and figure would look more pleasing to the eye. I stress Pantherman, this is just my personal taste as others will no doubt disagree. Also, have you considered adding a few small items of interest such as a road sign or discarded equipment or even a few rocks to break up the empty spaces? Again, must my opinion.

Phil

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Pantherman said:

Thanks for the input, all suggestions I take on board as help and advice for future builds. Sometimes because the builder is so engrossed with their build and a finish they have created, the most obvious of thing's that would make a better job are just not thought of. It's one of the main reasons I joined this fabulous forum.
One of my first builds which I thought was perfect (admit it, we all do !) was transformed by adding some of Urumomo's suggestions. I will do a before and after pic if you want to see what I mean.
Anyway, I'm starting to ramble so thanks again for your suggestions.
Pantherman

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Pantherman said:

Now started the base. Used wall filler mixed with vallejo dark yellow primer to get the sandy texture. Sprinkled on kiln dried sand while still wet (borrowed permanently from the driveway layers) then top coat of my own blend of yellows to get it looking almost the right colour. Need to add some grasses and matt varnish it ready for the halftrack and figure.
Pantherman

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Phil57 said:

Layout is great. A small scattering of hardy grass tufts and a few rocks clumped together especially in that left hand corner section will really set it off. Great job mate.

Phil

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Pantherman said:

So I'm nearly there now. Just got to add some grass and a few rocks (Phil's suggestion, thanks). Just realised I forgot the ariel, so that as well. Final spray of matt varnish. I will take some better photos of the finished build.
Pantherman

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Phil57 said:

A cracker.....really good. Layout looks good and I am particularly impressed with the scratches and wear and tear. Perfect. Well done mate.

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