Need ideas for basing a 100mm figure

[hypertex]

I just finished a 100mm scale Tuskegee Airman from Thunderbird miniatures. I have no idea what kind of groundwork to do on the base. I am looking for something simple (This is only my 4th figure). I was thinking of just standing him on some grass, but I don't know how to do grass. The 'turf' they make for war-gaming or railroading is not realistic for 100mm figures. Is static grass the way to go here? I'd hate to invest in a static grass applicator for just 3 or 4 square inches of grass. Is there another option?

 

[Alex]

Buy grass tufts from Mininatur or Noch. You don't need an applicator for static grass especially if you are not doing a huge base

 

[tonydawe]

Make sure that whatever products you use to replicate grass, that you paint it. Nothing looks so unrealistic as unpainted static grass.

 

[Ron Tamburrini]

"Nothing looks so unrealistic as unpainted static grass." Good point!! same goes for rocks roots and twigs etc , you gotta keep it all cohesive .
Probably the reason real feathers and fibre for horse tails don't really work

 

[chailey]

I have always found sisal string cut into irregular lengths works well in larger scales, just soak it, straighten it and plant it...and as the others have pointed out, make sure you paint it!

 

[hypertex]

I have always found sisal string cut into irregular lengths works well in larger scales, just soak it, straighten it and plant it...and as the others have pointed out, make sure you paint it!

Interesting idea, Chailey. I'm kind of a noob at groundwork, do you mind if I ask what you would soak it in? Water, PVA glue? And how would you paint it, with a brush or airbrush? Thanks.

 

[chailey]

I cut a few lengths of around 6", then soak for ten minutes in tepid water, straighten and allow to dry. by making small holes in the groundwork the "grass" can be cut to the required length (don't make it all the same, grass doesn't grow like that) and planted using a small dab of white glue to secure.
Before I ventured into the world of the airbrush I used different Humbrol aerosol greens and browns to add colour, this can be accentuated using thin washes and dry brushing in order to vary the tone.
Check out a few model railway sites, they quite often come up with some ingenious methods for landscape modelling.

 

[itsonlyakit]

I suggest looking at model railroad sites for info and /or the military vehicle people for groundwork how to ideas. They have been at it a long time. Cheers.

 

[Mark S.]

If you want to keep it simple forget the grass and just do a piece of airstrip.......perhaps with a simple T shaped expansion joint or white stripe or with some surface water as in pic.
Ultra fine sandpaper dry brushed would suffice as a concrete surface.