Creating a desert wasteland....square?

[kwalsh0000]

I am stepping into new areas here now

I have a display in the works for a prop (all 1:1 scale) with the intention of having it based on a post apocalyptic desert wasteland. Its going to be based on MDF at about 15 x 13inches. The usual broken and rusting metal pieces will be there to add to it.

Before I start just wondering has anyone ever done one of these lil sections or have any tips? Ive been thinking about using foam and wood pieces to create different heights then use fillers to smooth it all over. Use some scale sand sprinkled over PVA glue to get a base (i know its too small but just to fill the gaps) then go to work on the bigger parts. I have been thinking of the cracked wasteland effect and of any ways to make it but help is appreciated before i dive head first into it and mess it up

 

[IEDBOUNTYHUNTER]

The Pink or blue insulation foam works good for a base, you can carve it with a Card file, or 36 grit paper. seal it with wood glue then apply your sand.

Al

 

[Ramirez]

I've done a couple of diorama bases like this, using ply or mdf for the base ( whatever i had around at the time ) and used cardboard to make up the different heights then either used filler or paper mache on top.

For a sandy desert effect i mixed some pva with water and mixed in some sand then spread it on the base to dry.

For a dry river bed or salt flat sort of effect, instead of sand i spread polyfilla over some polystyrene and used a cocktail stick to create the cracks.