Monday 20 May 2013

6mm Desert Terrain: Roads

A few weeks ago I picked up some sheets of Emery Paper and a set of Sanding Belts for an Electric Sander at my local discount store. I should point out that I don't plan on polishing any metal and don't own an electric sander and that my purchases were for gaming purposes only. I had a vague idea that I could use these materials to make some cheap and quick roads for my desert battlefields and over the last week or so I have put that idea to the test. 

The reason I bought two types was that I decided I needed to make two types of roads. The Sandpaper belts were quite course and once painted would represent dusty track ways in the desert. The dark grey Emery paper, which was much finer grained, would become metaled roads such as the one pictured here on the right.

I cut the emery/sandpaper to approximately 35mm wide which is about the same width as a FoW Small base. In total I have been able to make about 9ft of track way and 8ft of metaled road for less than £5. This will be more than enough for my needs at present but they were so easy to make I can easily add to my road network if needed later.
Quick and easy roads
A Tiger rolls down a sandy track way in the desert
A column of tigers on a metaled road
They aren't perfect - I would have preferred something with a bit more utility such as a flexible rubber material - but they will certainly suffice for now and are more than sufficient for smaller games.

13 comments:

  1. That is a neat idea! perhaps I should save the ones I burn up on my sander and truly recycle them. I bet a mounting them on card and some modest caulk or gesso would add berms and increase the lifespan of them too.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I have to agree with Tamsin. They are very effective. I like the fact that you have both types of road, metalled and tracks. I am sure I would only have made one type though as I can't see me using both types at the same time, and 'cos I'm a lazy git!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Many (actually many, many) years ago, I used to use budgie sandpaper - the sort that you use to line bird cages as roads on my early layouts. They were cheap, easy to cut and could be laid in different ways.

    I think the tanks look fantastic.

    Tony

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's a great idea...next time I'm out buying hamster food I'll take a wander down the bird aisle as well.

      Delete
  4. These are only meant to be a quick and cheep option for 'little' games. This was very much a working idea and could easily be improved upon and refined. I'll probably buy or make something a bit more substantial eventually, but in the meantime they will suffice.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Very nice. I've used a black non-woven material in much the same way for my 20mm WWII. Very easy to work with, and it can be seen in my battle reports.
    /Joakim

    ReplyDelete
  6. And you sand down your model bases while you play. Win-win situation, killing two tanks with one panzerfaust etc.

    ReplyDelete
  7. That's a cracking idea Big Lee. I'll need to nick that one. Think it would work as well in 15mm?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeh, just try a courser grained paper for a little more texture.

      Delete
    2. Thanks Big Lee
      -Lead Legion by another name.

      Delete
  8. Another great terrain idea, that I'll have to appropriate.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for leaving a comment. I always try to reply as soon as I can, so why not pop back later and continue the conversation. In the meantime, keep rolling high!