So let’s continue the rally diorama with the paint and spackle phase...not necessarily in that order. Here, you’ll see the diorama really coming to life.
Spackle is real simple to use, and it helps create a flat, paintable surface. As always I used it for the road. I also used it to create a more even surface on the incline ramps, and also to fill in some obvious gaps. Basically, I’m creating a smooth surface to drive on.
Here I am painting the iconic hill. Since there are a lot of grooves, I applied the paint thickly. I still missed some spots, but I can always go back with a smaller brush (which I did).
MrsZtp pointed out that the cars will be driving up the hill, so I had to go back and apply more spackle. She’s so smart and pretty!
Done with the Burnt Umber brown, but it’s pretty dark. I’ll have to lighten it up with some Drybrushing.
Before....
And after. It may not look too different, but notice that a lot of white spots have disappeared, and now there’s a lighter brown hue in it. The lighter hue gives it character essentially, and it makes certain feature ‘pop out’. It’s subtle, but if you keep applying it, the difference will be one more obvious.
I drybrushed the same for the rest of the hill.
Previously, there were some gaps between the foam layers. I was too lazy to take a small brush and paint inside it, so I just laid ground foam over it instead. It came out pretty nice. You’ll see that a lot here, gaps or unpainted areas just get covered up with ground foam, lol.
This is where it really takes shape, the green really makes everything seem more believable.
The ground foam on the hill was a happy accident. It actually inspired me to make it look like vines went across it.
Here, towards the middle of the pic, you can see the gap between the foam. Above it, a gap that is covered. It’s more creativity if anything.
Because dirt roads tend to be lighter if traveled a lot, I repeatedly dry brushed more light brown onto the hill trail. This is a prime example of creating a contrast in the browns.
Here I added a mixture of light brown and granite, to make an even lighter brown. Dirt roads tend to have random splotches of light brown, probably because when they regrade the road, they apply a new layer on top. Regardless, it’s a unique contrast that makes it really come to life.
I feel it’s important to add layers of ground foam, to really flesh out a natural look. In the pic, you can see the difference between fine and coarse ground foam.
Well that’s it for now. I’ve added some more character to it, but I don’t want to ruin everything! Any questions, ask away!
Happy diecasting!