Slave 1 - AMT Model - The Base [Part 7]

Finally, here it is, the last post for Slave 1.  This model has been everything from a disappointment to an experiment with a bit of extra expenditure to make it something that I like and am proud to have done.

The original thought for this model was just to do it up, paint it, and weather it a little as though it were in outer space.  I was a bit unhappy with the quality and accuracy of the model kit so my concept changed.  For more on this, there are 6 other posts about this model kit.

For this base I went with 3/4" bamboo plywood with the edging up.  The sides were built up so that they formed about 3/4" deep hollow with a 3/4" piece of plywood in the bottom to pin the model to.  I started with a piece of sand coated paper in the very bottom and then pinned the model in place.  A fine sand was then layered repeatedly with a 50/50 mix of isopropyl alcohol and water sprayed on the sand as a wetting medium and then a 50/50 white glue and water mix (with a little dish soap to break the tension) dribbled over the sand and allowed to dry.  This was done in repeated layers with some vegetation added at the later layers.

The extra panels were added around the model to add interest and some sand and vegetation was added in strategic spots where stuff may have gotten caught over the year.

I added a bit of streaking rust medium around the edge of the skirt to show where rust has washed down over time around the ship.