Dirt roads...another question.

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I’m having a real time with this dirt road!!! I have always looked at a model of a dirt road and though that is was made with plaster, and then painted a dirt color. OR…is sifting fine sand, and then painting that the better?

Please help…traffic is backing up, and the farmers are getting out of thier trucks and shouting real bad things at me!!!

Robert

2

Many people do use plaster or joint compound for dirt roads, though you can get away with just a stripe of earth color paint. Just remember, if you want ruts, put them in before it dries. After the base is dry, select a paint close to your earth color, paint the road, then sprinkle on some very fine dirt.

I have just brought the road up to my grade crossing with Sculptamold and wil finish the road with joint compound. More ruts on the farmers dirt road than on the town dirt road.

Have fun,

3

I’m kind of fond of Rustoleum Desert Bisque texture paint in a rattle can.

4

Here worthy read for paved and dirt roads

http://s145079212.onlinehome.us/rr/howto/roads/index.shtml

ratled

5

I’ve used artists texture paste, plaster and water putty for dirt roads, with a preference for the texture paste.

For the gravel look I get a hammer and pound up pebbles, keeping all the bits including the fine dust which is the best of all.

To me it’s important I don’t get too coarse a surface.

This one is texture paste - still wet in the first photo

Crushed shellgrit is useful too, and much easier to pound or grind into something finer. I used it on this one, along with water putty…

The shellgrit is quite yellow but no matter what I use I always paint it up to match the soil colour I want.

Good luck with yours!

Mike

P.S. Just remembered - I used some pastel dust over the last one. It really helps with the soily look.

6

I favor Sculptamold for dirt roads. After I apply it and it starts setting up, I run a car through it a few times to get the ruts. Make sure the wheels on the car you use turn. After it is dry I paint it. The color depends on the dirt color in the areas closes to it. (Not all dirt is the same color.)

7

Thank you all. I have some great idea’s now. Time to get to work!!

Robert