Info on bases...[?]

A good cheap source for wood bases of all sizes is picture frames, you can fill them with plaster of paris then texture the mix before it goes off it also adds weight to the whole thing. Also, try mixing fine sand and acrylic paint with PVA and brush on to the base. For tarmac (runways & roads etc ) I have had good results with fine 'wet n dry' paper. For rubble, try crumbling up some 'drywall' or 'plasterboard' as it's known here in the UK. When you're happy with the scale of rubble just sprinkle on to PVA and paint with well thinned acrylics.
I think for all bases of this kind, a bit of research for reference and experimentation with different materials is the best way to go.

Hope this helps

Try looking at www.digitaldioramas.com. It's a good site with quite a bit of information on all types of ground work.

Enjoy, and good luck!

I built a base to depict a desert scene and it was simple as using the "glitter technique" from kindergarden/gradeschool in attaching sand to a wooden base.

-Sand base and clean
-Spread white glue (I used Elmers) on base
-Add sand (from local play area; was living in Yuma, AZ at the time)
-Shake off excess
-Repeat as necessary

I'm guessing this should work with regular dirt was well, since white glue dries clear. It's just one option out there. Let your imagination be your guide.

Have fun!

Carl