I recently wanted to do a fair-sized desert diorama to feature Afrika Korps models. To make the sand, I mixed some Tetrion powder (a plaster filler in Europe) with a little sawdust and then mixed that with diluted white glue. Next, I spread it all on my base with a large spatula. Once satisfied with how it looked, I used a small, round-edged spatula and made track and tire marks in the concoction. Once it hardened, I sprayed the groundwork with thinned white glue to seal it. After the second layer of glue dried, a variety of sand-colored paints finished the job.
Tip submitted by:
Bernard Falla
St. Andrews, Guernsey, Channel Islands