If I were to make a hardstand for a Marianas based b-29, what would be useful in the process of making one for my model.

Thanks tons,

~Chip

The hardstand was crushed coral - compacted (thanks to the USN SeaBees). The runways were asphalt (reference - Volume 5 Victory at Sea "The Turkey Shoot" which shows crushed coral hardstands and asphalt runways for the B-29s based on Tinian after the invasion of the Mariana Group). I would use Woodland Scenics medium buff ballast B80 for the crushed coral hardstand. I used this stuff to make a crushed coral hardstand for a 1/48 scale diorama of a 5th USAAF B-25C/D. I diluted white glue with water, put it in a spray bottle, sprayed it evenly over the base of the diorama, spread the ballast evenly, and then used a rolling pin to level everything out. A level, slightly coarse grained hardstand is the result, and it looks OK to me. You can get the ballast at any reputable railroad hobby shop. You may find a smaller grain size, but not to small because you want to see the grain texture in the hardstan. Maybe mix in a little plaster of paris. I hope this helps you out