HELP - Basing for the Sudan/Ayton

[Jamanicus]

I'm storming on forward with preparation for Ayton, as I'm sure you all are but I've reached an impass....what colour tone of basing do I use??!!!

I love using the Vallejo Earth Textures, which can give some fantastic basing options. I want to use the 'Desert Sand' version, but am really stuck on how to shade it.

What are your thoughts on the below sample 'wash' options and which would you choose?

Baring in mind, the texture is pre-coloured very similar to Vallejo Model colour Dark Sand



Top left: GW Skeleton Horde Contrast Paint
Top Middle: Army Painter Soft Tone & Water 50:50
Top Right: AP Soft Tone

Bottom Left: vallejo Game Wash Dipping Formula Brown
Bottom Middle: GW Agrax Earthshade
Bottom Right: AP Strong Tone

[Willz the Wargamer]

I like the left hand one as a lighter base colour always makes the figures look better.
It draws the light and eye to the figure and brightens them up.

Willz.

[Paul]

When doing desert, in smaller scales, I use a light sand base coat with a wash of skeleton Horde diluted maybe 60:40 with Contrast medium (or water will do just fine). It stops the Contrast from staining the high areas too much I think?
If you're aiming for a "real" Sudan like finish, much of the desert is very rocky so a few bits of a grey model railway ballast washed with Nuln Oil would probably work best.
Alternatively get one of the GG base ready mixes and skip all the painting etc... which is my normal go to for 28mm

[valleyboy]

Vallejo Flat earth, dry brush Iraqui sand, then really light brush of Vallejo Pale sand

[BaronVonWreckedoften]

I'd go with the Doc from Dannundah - he is Mr Basing. In fact, I think his home is actually called Basing House.

(I may have made up the last bit.....)

[Penda]

Unable to find a closer picture than this. Sand Basetex, a scattering of small stones, a few dark green tufts. Quick and easy for a consistent finish.

[goat major]

I very much like the rich yellowish tone you got in the bottom left base. That would look great and offer contrast with bits of scrub etc.

[Penda]

I very much like the rich yellowish tone you got in the bottom left base. That would look great and offer contrast with bits of scrub etc.

Must be the light as they are all just Sand Basetex straight from the pot.

[goat major]

ah sorry... i was answering Jamie's question

[Paul]

I like the light sand and "in scale" texture on the bases of Penda's Sudan boys