Magic Red Gravel is a loose product made from a washed, multi-milled mixture of various gravels, earth, clays, and quartz. It is matched to a modeling scale of 1:35. Its striking red color, found in hot, tropical, or desert climates, can be further enhanced. The product can be painted after drying and tinted with pigments, allowing it to adapt its color to any theater of operations.
The soil-like texture of Magic Red Gravel, with fractions resembling dust, fluffy sand, clods, and gravel, ensures a natural and non-monotonous appearance. This natural look, preserving the effect of scale, makes the diorama resemble actual terrain in real life. The product does not require additional treatment after fixing but can be mixed with pigments or painted if desired.
Magic Red Dirt: Create roads and landscapes of unprecedented realism in scale.
Magic Red Dirt is a versatile tool that can be applied in various ways, each leading to unique effects. Whether you choose to use water, ‘Solution for sands and pigments’, or ‘Pigment Fixer’ to fix it, the results will always be intriguing and inspiring.
- Heavily compacted soil, dirt roads
Smashed and heavily compacted roads are best made by mixing earth and medium into a thick paste. For this purpose, “Solution” will work best. Apply the paste to the base (Styrofoam, board, or XPS) and smooth it with a spatula. On the sides and through the middle of the road, it is worth dusting with a loose layer of soil and leaving it to absorb the glue from underneath.
- Compacted and dry sandy soil, fields, roadsides, with the effect of cracks and bumps
Magic Red Dirt will also harden when it comes into contact with water, showing interesting properties different from the ratio of water to soil. Mixed into a thick paste, applied especially with a fluffy brush or sponge, after drying, it reveals beautifully its texture and graininess. It will create strong cracks and lumps, just like in the real world. Once dry, Red Dirt should be enhanced with “Invisible Pigment Fixer” or “Sand and Pigment Solution” mixed with “Surface Tension Destructor” (Solution recommended).
- Ditched, loose soil, slopes, fluffy heaps of soil
For the effect of loose soil, such as in trenches, vehicle-torn fields, or pits, the method mentioned above at the end works best – we glue from underneath. We form larger uneven areas and mounds of soil with “Modeling Clay” or “Universal Mud&Ground paste.” We lubricate the surfaces with “Solution” and pour loose soil from our fingers. It is advisable to do this for a minimum of 2 layers; after soaking, we reapply the Solution and pour the soil in such an amount that its top layer is almost semi-dry at the time of application. Let it soak in a few minutes and leave it to set. For the effect of the gravel’s very loose appearance, it is worthwhile to pour even more and spray with “Surface Tension Destructor” the whole thing from afar with an atomizer or soak it with a pipette.
We can also, instead of Solution, use “Invisible Pigment Fixer”, which, unlike other Fixatives, does not change the shade and dullness of pigments or sands. However, it’s important to note that the choice of fixative should be based on the material of the base. Ordinary Styrofoam can melt, especially if it is hot. XPS-polystyrene, wood or plastic do not show this tendency. We do not recommend other fixers from competing companies, because they strongly affect the appearance of the earth and pigments, creating a glaze or even mud effect, which, however, can be used…. The use of Fixer, however, is not advisable if we will transport the diorama. Red Dirt has a higher granularity and weight of single particles than Magic Earth and requires stronger bonding.
- Additive to other products
As mentioned, Magic Red Dirt is a natural addition to other products. Its compatibility with any medium, whether acrylic, enamel, or alkyd, ensures that it will seamlessly enhance earth pastes, mud pastes, snow pastes, or paints. This natural compatibility should give you the confidence to experiment and create.
- It can be painted and pigmented.
If you prefer to paint everything yourself despite the gravel’s realistic appearance or simply want to change its shade, nothing prevents you from painting it. Here, we especially recommend our Weathering Paints series, as very matte and grainy paints are great for ground painting. To paint Magic Red Dirt, simply apply the paint evenly over the surface. You can also mix the ground with pigments before using the techniques described above, which will enrich its tonal variety. Or simply lighten here and there with an airbrush.
Photos that may inspire you on how to use this product
Complementary products to this product
- Modellers’ Invisible Pigment Fixer5.99 €
- Modellers’ Surface Tension Destructor6.50 €
- Modellers’ Diorama Modeling Clay 500 g10.99 €
- Modellers’ Modelling sand: Dirt and gravel7.49 €
- Modellers’ Solution fluid for sands and pigments 2509.99 €
- Modellers’ Solution fluid for sands and pigments 1006.49 €
- Modellers’ Diorama Modeling Clay 330 g7.49 €
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