Kurt

Add small amount, about a table spoon for an area this size to a small mixing container. Slowly add water and stir until you get a good workable paste. There is no formula for this mix, you will get a feel for what works. You want something that will spread nice and even without clumping and without being to watery.

I use a product made by Hudson and Allen Studio for the "dirt" layer. They sell a few different shades of this dirt, choose one to your liking.

After the tarmac is fully secured and dry, the fun part begins! Use a low-tack masking tape, such as Tamiya, and mask off the area where you want to add scenery.

Once both the base and tarmac is dry it is time to secure the two together. Use a spray adhesive such as Elmer's Extra Strength. DO NOT USE WHITE GLUE! The tarmac is printed cardboard material and will soak up the moisture from the white glue and cause bubbles on the finished side. Use spray and cover the whole backside and place carefully into position. Use your finger or a small roller to work out any bubbles. Let dry for at least 1-2 hours before next step.

Use your favorite wood stain and stain the base. Let this dry completely. While you are waiting for the base to dry, spray the tarmac piece with a matte finish. I use Citadel Color Matte Varnish for this step. However Testers Dullcote will work or Polyscale if you want to airbrush it. Let dry fully before next step.

Position it.

The tarmac is made by Verlinden Productions, airfield tarmac #1632. They come in 1/72 and 1/48 scale. Position the tarmac on the base to your taste. It is better to not place it at a right angle to the base. Turn it on an angle, it will be more interesting to the viewer. Trim tarmac to fit along edges of base.

Ok, there are a few of you interested in this subject. I will try to go into detail, but not make it boring. I am sure I will leave out something, so please don't hesitate to ask questions.

This particular base is 9"x12". I purchase these at a local Michaels craft store. They come in a variety of different sizes and shapes. Just be sure to pick through them and find the ones that are the most level.

Hello! I have posted a few pictures in the past of some models that I have built and sold. I was asked by a member of this forum if I could do a how-to to making an attractive display for built models. There are of course an infinite number of possiblities to making a base or diorama, this is just one that I tend to do alot because it is easy and looks great. The image is of a valk that I have just completed and is currently on Ebay. If everyone is interested, I will go through the steps on how I created the base for this. I don't want to take up everyone's time in there is no interest, so let know. Thanks.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...gory=16514&rd=1