how do you go about making tank trackmarks on the dio landscaping?

I believe, I may be wrong, that when the ground is drying, you press your model down where you want the tracks to be.

yep. Before whatever you are using for your groundwork dries, press the model into your ground.

jinithith2;

The above two posts are correct. I have also used the extra track or a spare track picked up at a hobby show. I superglue a length around a spare road wheel or piece of round stock and attach it to a coat hanger armature. It is basically like making a miniature paint roller.

With the "track wheel" in place on the armature I give it a light dusting with talcum or use some DRY mixture that you're using for creating the groundwork i.e. celluclay, plaster etc. This keeps the "trackwheel" from becoming clogged and leaves clear imprints in the groundwork. Then I just simply roll into the fresh laid ground work before applying the static grass and colour etc. Two important things to remember are spacing the track ruts to match the width of the vehicle and second is you are replicating a heavy object traversing over soft ground. Even hard sun-baked desert will result in some impression made as the tank rolls across the landscape that's why I roll first before applying colour or static grass etc. you have to think about the force being applied by the weight of the vehicle. It will compress the top of the surface into the track rut. That is why I lay in the colour afterwards and then the static grass etc. it creates groundwork similar to the real thing. I hope this is clear enough.

Your second question was what do you use for dirt. Well again a straight forward answer is use real dirt. However, don't just go to the garden and dig up a chunk and try and glue it down. There are a number of books totally dedicated to the subject that I have found invaluable for creating realistic terrain. Here's a short list.

1. Terrain Modelling Masterclass - Osprey Books
2. How to Build Dioramas Vol.'s 1 or 2 Sheperd Paine - Kalmbach Publishing
3. Landscape Manual - Model Railroader- Scenic....(Forgot the rest) Sorry

Each has really easy instructions to make any type of terrain and how to improve your already existing skills. If you need anything further reply here, or feel free to use my email address.

Cheers;

Gregory

when a tank rolls, over as ground, does it simply depress the grass? or does it dig up some dirt?

QUOTE: Originally posted by jinithith2 when a tank rolls, over as ground, does it simply depress the grass? or does it dig up some dirt?

The correct answer is, it depends on the ground. For example, extremely hard packed clay like that found in some deserts is almost like concrete and would support the tank almost completely. On the other hand, plain old-fashioned top soil and grass, like that found all over the world will either depress or be dug up depending on when it rained last, the speed of the tank, the incline, whether the tank makes any turning movements, etc.

Jin;

To actually "see" the reactions of a tank on various surfaces check the web for video of tanks in action. There are also numerous videos that were put out on VHS and DVD that can be picked up for a few dollars. These are not the most detailed documentaries, however some of the World War II and Post War video clips show a representative view of what a tank can do to a nice patch of earth. Sometimes, as Foster has pointed out a tank will leave little or no indication or indentation, and on the other end of the scale a tank can be found tearing up the earth until it looks like someone tried to put out a forest fire with a screwdriver. It all depends on the terrain, the climate (rain, snow, soft soil, etc etc) the weight of the tank, the speed of the tracks, the direction and so on.

So, locate a few videos that show tanks in action in various areas of the globe and you will see what is left behind after one passes by.

Cheers;

Gregory

thanks all!

fro dirt I use celluclay, works great.

Did older tanks rip apart the cobblestone and brick streets? Tigers and panzers were pretty heavy.

Nah.. I don't think so. Cases of cracks might happen though. That's why I think.

QUOTE: Originally posted by gburdon Your second question was what do you use for dirt. Well again a straight forward answer is use real dirt. However, don't just go to the garden and dig up a chunk and try and glue it down.

From my model railroader days I agree that you don't want to just drop a clod of dirt on a board and expect to be pleased. However, it's also not too complicated to get basic results as follows:

• After digging up the dirt you spread it out on a pan, cookie sheet, etc. to let it dry for a day or two
• Run it through a screen to get rid of the rocks, twigs, etc, and to break up clumps
• Put the screened dirt back in the pan and bake it at 250 for 30 minutes or so to dry it out.

The best way to glue it down is to make diluted white glue (1/3 glue, 2/3 water, 1-2 drops of dish soap) and either spray or drip it onto the dirt once you have it in place.

Hope this helps.

Ralph

I like to keep a spare peice of track from a tank that got destroyed or from a kit that didnt work out and use those for making track marks. I also have a few wheels that i use to do the same. I wet it just a little and then push fermly down and hold it there for about 10-15 seconds and that usualy works. hope this helps
seakinght.