Let's Make - Cheap & Easy Dirt Roads, Tracks & Paths

[@Moseth7606]

Mel even 7 years down the line you are still my go to for learning a new thing😊

[@ColonelSandersLite]

Just a general tip for anybody that happens to stumble on this - On dirt roads, the grass track down the middle is an artifact of mechanization. If you're doing a fantasy or historical setting where there is a substantial amount of horse based traffic, it shouldn't be there.

[@damuses1452]

Ancient roads also had very deep ruts from wheeled conveyance traffic.

[@jmmartin7766]

@@damuses1452 Agreed-- two and four-wheeled carts, wagons, and chariots made similar tracks to 'modern mechanized vehicles' Matter of fact, few people realize that the chassy-size of modern vehicles (cars and smaller trucks, mostly) are based on two Roman chariots striding abreast... Look it up...

[@SPQR7117]

@@jmmartin7766 I believe the width of train tracks are based upon that as well.

[@byalexnd200]

@@jmmartin7766 Well, its a lot late, but the diference are the horses that pull the wagons, usualy were just one horse or bull, so the middle line was carved out too by the pulling animal.

[@connorjensen9699]

@@jmmartin7766 true, but there still would likely not be a grass stripe running down the middle since all the carts that would make the wheel tracks would be pulled by something, and there'd be plenty more traffic bearing no wheels at all

[@raquelvillegas7811]

Love these tutorials... Love that you don't sell useless items , that all materials are mentioned , no step jumping and thanks to this I've tried my own terrain nothing worth showing but this has helped me improve all together

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Hope they help you bud

[@aerendil9143]

Hello Mel! I recently came upon a new type of material that eliminates the thickness and the fear of warping of road and river sections! I was shopping for felt at the local department store as I wanted to have a go at attempting to create said roads and rivers out of silicone glued to felt for durability... I came upon a totally ignored material to date but often used by crafters . Coloured, 2mm thick foam rubber sheets. (They come in a vast assortment of colours black , brown, red, purple, lilac, yellow dark royal blue , turquoise, lime green, forest green and grey). I bought a few of the blue, forest and lime green, and black to see what I could accomplish with them. Lo and behold the easiest, most fllexible, lightweight and thin road and river sections I could find. Since I game in 6mm scale these were the closest to perfect other than actually painting roads and rivers on a modular board, and much more versatile. to offer a variety of terrain layouts. I simply cut the roads into 25mm sections straight, 1/4 and 1/2 curved, y forks, T junctions, cross roads and winding, coat them with mat Mod Podge, sprinkle on some very fine white sand from War Paint terrain and when dry apply a thin bead of white PVA Tacky glue to the edges to which I add a green coloured static grass and the odd clump of foam clump foliage. That dry I then paint the road an earthy broms and dry brush on lighter brown and tan to give a 3D relief effect. When all is dry apply a coat of spray fixative. For the rivers, I use the already royal blue cloured foam sheets, paint in a few lighter or darker areas if deep or shallow water , cover the entire section with Gloss Mod Podge a couple of coats gives best result and 3D ripples. I then use a bead of Tacky white glue to the river edges on which I sprinkle regular sand and the odd fine crushed stones. When dry you can add tufts of small Tall Static Grass or foam Flock and Clump foliage. Treat with the fixative as the roads above. The results are awesome looking on the tabletop and can be secured on the underside by means of a 15mm x 25mm piece of duct tape easily peeled off when done using and stored away. They do not warp, and can be used to go uphills and down as well.

[@screamsofthedead]

That quip about the Grey Knights was great!

[@TheTerrainTutor]

I did like my grey knight army, well, except against plasma heavy smurfs!

[@billd.iniowa2263]

Parcel tape... Brilliant! Mel, you threw more tips out there in half an hour than I've heard in the last year. Wonderful video and I'll be watching this again... With a notepad handy. Loved the ending, lol! "Happy landings!"

[@TheTerrainTutor]

You know me mate, that's how we roll here!

[@bethanygraham427]

Perfect! I was just making a diorama and was wondering how to do the dirt roads. Now I know! Thank you, Sir.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Hope it helps bud

[@Fox01313]

Looks good! I saw on video recently with Marco on bases working with das/air dry clay mixed with PVA glue that might work better and not shrink as much.

[@merrick3627]

You remind me of Neil Buchanan with your enthusiasm and you simple, concise directions. well done! You don't have to be a good at art to be a terrain maker!

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Gotta love a bit of art attack buddy

[@bugmarkcreations]

I am so happy I found your channel. So helpful for villaging and D&D. Just awesome. Thanks.

[@ahutchins3405]

Very great instructional video. Thank you. I like to use some oil stain dark walnut and put it in my ruts and tire tracks. Gives it a wet puddle look

[@michaelmanning5379]

A friend of mine used brown caulking spread on brown felt to make roads. They look great EXCEPT that they did warp a bit on the edges. I love the idea of brown packing tape to prevent warping. It should leave it flexible enough to conform to hills. You could probably use the same techniques to make streams and rivers.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

It's certainly worth exploring ;-)

[@ChrisBennettGameDesign]

You really are the Bob Ross of the West Midlands. 🎨 🙌

[@andrewgould7002]

I have to say Mel, your tips and tutorials are simply stunning and a huge help. Keep up the great work and i will be chipping in ££, cheers duck

[@EdJames-tb9oz]

Stumbled across this channel when looking to upgrade my Necromunda Ash Wastes (games workshop) terrain. Really good and instructive tutorials. I used this particular one for some road sections for the Ash wastes, with the foam board and filler method, and they turned out awesome. 😁 Me and my nerd syndicate thank you muchly 👍👍

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Welcome aboard!

[@clashofthedice]

I really like the muddy road; going to have to have a go at that. I might make some slightly deeper ruts and add some epoxy for puddles. Great stuff Mel.

[@AndyJohnson3leftturns]

Mod podging down some sand paper works pretty good too, if you’re looking for a uniform look.

[@FreakinfreakInfreaki]

You are an absolute master! Hopefully one day I'll quit being lazy and apply your techniques and make a small vignette or diorama.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Do it!!!!!

[@joshjohnston7388]

Do it, man! I'm on my 3rd dio using these techniques and they've come out great! It's so rewarding! You won't be sorry!

[@Sang1957]

For the road with the horse hoof prints, you could make it cart wheel tracks (as opposed to tire tracks) using either a thick washer or a wooden disk (from a Arts Supply store). Have you ever though of making CD's of some of your tutorials to sell?

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Nice tip. I prefer just to put them out for everyone for free bud

[@bobbymack555]

have you thought about making roads, even rivers from roof felt? I found some in my shed and the idea came to me. It is flexible, lies flat, is grit textured and is thin so doesn't lie above your terrain mat. It can also be cut to any size with scissers. Come to think of it, it can also be used for terrain pieces

[@trainjam6596]

Your vids are addicting. You are a wizard.Thank you again.

[@georgetaylor5482]

Mel, timing is everything, this will go perfect on my farm diorama, oh ya great vid.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Awesome sauce buddy

[@jmmartin7766]

I find that cork strips (about the size of yard/meter sticks) work pretty well-- once touched up with paint, flocking, and "gravel"... Especially for smaller scale

[@sadieals]

You must really love what you do...it shows!

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Oh I really do mate!

[@SupernovaJBombastic]

Great Job as always Mel. i like to chop up some old wagon wheels from my old Warhammer Kits to embed in roads. not often but here or there gives it some character

[@TheTerrainTutor]

I couldn't find any of those, hence the tank lol

[@TheEmeraldElf]

Brilliant! Easy and cheap solutions for us newcomers to the hobby. I will be trying the popsicle stick method today and if successful I will combine the technique with TP water effects to make river tiles!

[@maxking97]

i used your models as base for paths in my game. thank you

[@ollywood6942]

Brilliant tutorial. Used some of the techniques to give texture to my scalextric track to turn it into a rally stage! So much better than boring black!

[@MKalavera111]

Wow. 3200 thumbs up. NONE DOWN!!! Impressive. Love it.

[@davegentzler7286]

KZbin changed it so that you don't see downvotes anymore. They're still there, you just don't see them. So to the casual viewer, everything is wonderful and nothing is bad It's not misleading at all. Why would you think that?

[@MKalavera111]

@@davegentzler7286 for a moment I really thought it would be simply like an all thumbs up situation. Thanks for putting it into the right light. Still, I think we a cannot thank Mel and other terrain builders on KZbin enough. They are a highlight and source of inspiration. So @Mel please continue the great work.

[@MikeThomasRailRoadOverhaul]

Fantastic video as always now I know how to make a dirt road and path

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Cracking on time ;-)

[@julianverde3727]

Really enjoyed watching . Built models,weathered and chipped,now having seen your tutorial will try using the road as a start to do diaramas. would like to see how you next link models built with teh roads and pathways . Quality half hour. Thanks again

[@PaladinDragoon]

if you want a broken grass effect just dab the brush on the areas where you want flock but not alot and it will look like patchy grass.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Yep, strippling works well, especially with feathering

[@bartklip7795]

i found a cheaper version of that diall that you use its sand , babypowder (the stuff that you put on their bums) and glue mixed and its like cemend ! (sorry for my bad english i am not that good)

[@itscrazystuff6588]

Can you make a video of it

[@jmmartin7766]

@ Bart-- your English is good enough. Thanks for the tip!

[@manusharte1160]

Great tutorial! The Stirland Mud alternative on the Luke's APS tutorial could help you speed up the muddy texture

[@jacke7949]

This is the one I've been waiting for! Perfect tutorial for what I needed, cheers for the hard work.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Awesome sauce matey

[@braddavidson9526]

Filler and ice cream sticks takes the cake in this one, boss!

[@TheTerrainTutor]

It's amazing how ingenius you become when you're skint mate lol

[@xFiebsi]

some ppl say "ah" or "ehm" and TTT says "what should i call it" lol love it

[@Hobbyrepubliken]

Watchacallit!

[@TheTerrainTutor]

whatchmacallit ;-)

[@TheTerrainTutor]

***** Win!

[@pantherace1000]

Having worked four years in hardware retail (i was a plumbing and electrical salesmen for four years) Watchacallit, watchamicallit, thingy, and thingamajig are terms that i understand well and in with enough context they work very well.

[@jjab99]

Another great video Mel, you are a terrain Maniac!!!! Well done mate, I shall be borrowing some of these tips in a diorama that I have in my head and want to build. Many thanks as always for great videos and great advice and top tips. Have fun mate, Joe

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Hope the help buddy, more roads on tuesday just incase you're starting that project soon!

[@maskedgamer1013]

That’s great be nice as a rainy set where there could be puddles not sure how hard that would be

[@purecuIt]

These are great for model railroading!

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Modellings modelling mate ;-)

[@AzraelThanatos]

Just as a major note, if you're planning on using them for any period where horses are a major part of it, skip the middle track of green, that's something that only really comes about without animal power and cars (And other vehicles that won't be munching on the greenery that's right there).

[@TheTerrainTutor]

That what I said in the vid isn't it?

[@AzraelThanatos]

missed it if you did.

[@leetaylor6694]

Great tutorial by the way. But where in the UK did you get this PVC board from, I'm looking to make some roads for WW2 terrain. Thanks and keep up the good work.

[@billmiller4550]

Really like the horse shoe tip!

[@e-4airman124]

Wow no worping . Great Job!

[@TheTerrainTutor]

It's the little tricks ;-)

[@karlfloyd999]

Looks ace Mel

[@tinablack9510]

I truly learn a lot from your videos

[@johntaylor-tz6td]

Super really enjoyed watching how it's done

[@arathaemaxus5250]

There’s a sign shop in the same building I live in and sure as punch they had some scrap 3mm ePVC! Although they didn’t know what it was called lol...actually I believe it’s more like 2mm maybe...

[@TheTerrainTutor]

You get various thicknesses mate and don't forget, you can superglue sheets together ;-)

[@Hellhamster]

If it's available in the U.K you can also use KNAUF's gold band, it's really fine plaster that costs 25kg for 8 euros

[@elessar_grettir]

It looks really nice!!!

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Cheers

[@AndrewFishman]

Not half as much fun as watching the making of... Good work again Mel.

[@SWIFTO_SCYTHE]

Andrew Fishman i know huh i have all the materials he uses i do this every now and then but it is more fun to watch him do the project haha.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Thanks buddy!

[@AndrewFishman]

No, thank you mate. See you Sunday night :)

[@Andrew-se4tg]

Absolutely amazing tutorial!👍🍻

[@HurdygurdyJoe]

Could you make a tutorial about deserts? like, sort of a Small Canyon or something similar?

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Got a whole series on them coming up mate

[@armoredsaint53]

Great vid. Can you explain a technique to make marks from tank chains on a muddy road?

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Same technique as the tyre mate, just press a tank model into the wet filler ;-)

[@gandalfmcgrey2673]

So cool to see that your so passionate

[@w.rustylane5650]

As always, another great video. Keep 'em comin'. --Rusty

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Cheers

[@dago4sho]

Do you have any videos showing how you make bends or curves to go along with the straights?

[@Rusty_Gold85]

www.supremelittleness.co.uk/sld-bases/terrain-lengths-25mm.htm

[@CptTucker]

Hey Mel. Have you thought of starting an Amazon store? If I'm not mistaken you will get a small commission from everything sold. I'm not 100% sure how it works though.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

That's worth looking into mate

[@kirkkatana]

Interesting point to keep in mind, fellow Terrainiacs..... (If doing fantasy/historical roads.) The grass patch that runs the center of the road is a modern thing. Historical roads didn't have those, as they are made by continual use of car tyres. Though in older times carts were used, the wheels were much thinner and the amount of people walking or riding horse back far outweighed those travelling by cart or wagon, and these people tended to walk or ride in the middle of the road, So that centerline patch of grass would never grow. Not exactly breaking news, but its a fact that many movies and tv shows overlook. Only because I'm aware of it, it really throws me out of the moment when I see it.

[@ournovascotiaadventure1619]

thanks for the great tips, thumbs up

[@humanman]

I thought this was about actual roads lol I guess the t shirt should have raised some bells

[@greggsadler4387]

Loved the video. The roads you made seemed like they were made for bigger scales. Do you think this technique will work for 10mm? If not, any suggestions? I think I lean toward the third one you did (the 2").

[@SgtOddballz]

excellent video 😃.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Cheers buddy

[@daveclark7924]

Great looking work again Mel, really like the hoof prints. Was wondering though, with things like these roads, the hedges and the obstacles, do they need a thinned pva sealing coat on the flocks/foliage to make them sturdy for gaming or are they good to go as is?

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Seal them mate, just a light coat ;-)

[@MsFred58]

A great video again.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Thanks buddy!

[@irinas9721]

awesome channel I wonder if there is any video on DIY grass?

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Check the foliage playlist

[@willolek4205]

Awesome stuff as always.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Thanks buddy!

[@philliphealey7573]

great job hope to get it 1/2 as good as yours

[@Eduardoalbaladejomendez]

good work,mate

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Cheers bud

[@johnsavage7507]

Those are awesome but I'm not familiar with the material. Maybe 1/8 mdf? Foam core isn't rigid enough.

[@dancarson1479]

Love this channel

[@WAYNEMODELBUILDER]

Great videos, very helpful nice one. But has anyone ever tried to count how often he says "yeah" 😂 just teasing mate lol enjoyed the video

[@IDICBeer]

Great stuff as always mate

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Cheers bud

[@jfkif69]

@TheTerrainTutor man please tell me how do you call those white pieces you're showing in the video because I'm new in modelling? Oh and you've got some really great videos,keep it up! 😉

[@TheTerrainTutor]

It's expanded pvc foamboard, forex mate

[@jfkif69]

TheTerrainTutor Thank you!

[@epone3488]

I do the same as the lolly sticks yet I use opened up paperclips end to end.

[@isaacplamondon702]

Are you going to do more on the BAPT Show off your Chindits and Gurkhas.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Probably not on that channel but definitely on this one mate

[@terrain-hardy]

Can I use adhesivespray or perhaps matt lacquerspray to seal off the turf and sand instead of 1/6 water diluted PVA glue, or will it destroy the colors and more ? Thank you for ones again a very instructive and inspiring video, there are always a joy to watch ...;-))) Many thanks for showing Mel and keep up the good work ... ;-)

[@TheTerrainTutor]

a matt varnish will be fine mate

[@JohnDoe-yr4wc]

Brilliant!

[@rickhudson7929]

superb video, as usual. Great help to a terrain novice like me :-)

[@Hobbyrepubliken]

Would you recommend using the tape under your regular terrain pieces to counter warping?

[@TheTerrainTutor]

only in pieces where you know the base design is going to make it liable to wrapping mate

[@chriscurr4593]

patron: hi do you have any vids or plans for building bridges? possibly stone ones.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

In the new year bud

[@MrPaulmilk]

Thks for some great ideas

[@kirbyreeves5684]

good work !! another awesome vid!! Sniper joe would be proud ;)

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Cheers buddy!

[@miikkalehtonen3389]

Hmm, I used this method on 3mm foam core, reinforcing the long edges with ice cream sticks. I used some generic wood filler to coat them with. I still have some warping on the long side, and considerable warping on the short side. Basically looking at my road pieces head on they look like shallow parentheses :) Should I be using specific types of filler on the road, or what could be causing this?

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Foam core you will struggle with, try epvc or mdf mate

[@soralapio]

Cheers! I thought you were also using foam board instead of epvc in your video, so I was a bit surprised when my results were so different :) Any tips for bracing it?

[@james-and-his-stuff]

grate vid. would the anti warping ideas work with hard board? thanks

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Milliput would probably be best mate

[@james-and-his-stuff]

thank you

[@ectheleon11]

This was a good tutorial "ya" i really liked it and learned alot "Yah" and wanna thank you for putting in the effort "yah"

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Hell yeah!

[@gregbradfield1686]

Great work once again Mel. Just one question how would you store these roads without damaging the foliage?

[@TheTerrainTutor]

layer them in bubble wrap mate, storew them on their side

[@gregbradfield1686]

TheTerrainTutor Thanks Mel will do so!

[@TheTerrainTutor]

no worries mate

[@scott6731]

Hey @TheTerrainTutor - Great looking stuff! Looking to make my own out of double corrugated cardboard. I made dungeon tiles out of them using DMG method with slight changes. They hold up pretty well but just have paint, no PVA. Do you think I should move to styrofoam (I've seen that vid)? I want to make square tiles with plain green flock. Then make foliage, trees, rocks, etc that can be put on the plain green tiles. Any recommendations for making my outdoor terrain out of double corrugated cardboard or should I make the switch? This is for D&D encounters, not anything big like warhammer. In my head, the pva and cardboard will not last.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

If you want durability then you need to move up from cardboard mate

[@johnsavage7507]

Definitely foam.

[@crossbones8956]

What is the base material you are using? The white sheets? I didn't hear you say anywhere what those are. Thanks!

[@bigeddie1231]

very nice thank you

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Hope it helps you mate

[@epicforger12345]

What type of paint where you using when dry brushing great video btw

[@TheTerrainTutor]

wall paint

[@dannietuggle8954]

Awesome vid. Hope these techniques will work on cardboard

[@nevynlanglinais954]

Okay, I'll google expanded PVA foam (forex) to make some straight bits but what do I do about curves? As most country paths, roads and rivers which I presume is much the same process, I'd like to know if there's this PVA card in wide enough bits to cut a curved bit or do you use something else like MDF with more anti-warp techniques. These videos are such a hoot! Thanks so much and hope you have a happy and prosperous holiday season.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

You can get pvc boards the size of houses mate, just get a big board, cut your curves and use the same techniques

[@nickilundsgaard1697]

hi there! it would be amazing if you could make some sort of 1:32 scale "stuff"? sorry for my enlish, coming from denmark

[@nickilundsgaard1697]

when i say 1:32 i mean country sides stuff ;-)

[@TheTerrainTutor]

No reason the techniques wouldn't work at that scale mate

[@nickilundsgaard1697]

TheTerrainTutor Yeah, you're right, but you're still a good builder ;-)

[@fmf6667doc]

Where does one find the cream colours paint jars? I wasn't able to make out the name on the jars from the video.

[@BearGrisham]

Do you think Masonite wood would work well for making terrain ?

[@TheTerrainTutor]

I've heard it used

[@stevenault6836]

I might have missed the video but do you ever use the GW Static Grass(or anything like it)? I use it as accent but find it hard to get to stand up without fussing over it.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

I do, regularly but it needs a applicator for good effect and I like to keep these vids as simple as possible material/tools wise mate.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

I like them both, but I use flock as ground cover, and static grass for long grass mate, I don't like static grass as a ground covering as a general rule

[@stevenault6836]

Completely understandable thanks for all the great content!

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Steven Ault no worries matey

[@joshjohnston7388]

Like the man says, you need an applicator to do static grass properly. To me, the best thing about modeling in N scale is that i don't worry about it. At that scale, flock is big enough.

[@KREATIFTUJUH]

great

[@adrianbyrd7]

what should i do for my country side road like what vehicles should i place on

[@leewhite2039]

What we did was everytime he said "yeah" we did a shot of vodka... By the 3rd minute we was paralettic drunk but was a great laugh.. I swear he's saying c**t follsge towards the end lol... But it might of been the alcohol talking