Making hard 'dirt' surfaces

[Galman]

Question, how would you do this?  Is it a combo of detailed plasters and painted over? or what?  Im trying really hard to figure this one out, but all i can find on the net is pictures like this. http://www.essexminiatures.co.uk/emsdirtroad3.html
Any help will be appreciated.

Galman

[Wirelizard]

That Essex Miniatures photo looks like it was fine ballast originally, similar to one of the fine grades from Woodland Scenics: http://woodlandscenics.woodlandscenics.com/items.cfm/BallastAndCoal#B72

I used fine, medium and a bit of coarse ballast on the road on this CD-based piece:

Flickr page for larger image & notes.

[Captain Blood]

You need to mix up some sand / grit / PVA / paint...

See one of my previous terrain projects here http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=7778.0

[Galman]

Thanks Wire and Cpt Blood, I do appreciate it.

[elysium64]

Other option is to purchase basetex, a pre-made sand and paint mix.