While day dreaming about my desert terrain I had a vision, or perhaps a mirage, of an oasis on my future table. As my palm groves came together I strategically left the largest of my bases in reserve for such a project. With the first batch of my palm groves completed I felt confident in trying to put together a desert oasis. This oasis will add a splash of color to a dreary desert table as well as could double as a fun objective for the two sides to fight over.
I started by priming the selected MDF base black.
Next I test fit different size pools using scratch paper.
I traced the pool template onto the base for future reference and then drilled holes for the palm trees with a 1/8″ drill bit.
I traced the selected size pool onto a piece of cardboard and then taped a flattened piece of plastic table cover on to the cardboard.
The three paints I used to paint the pool. I started by flicking some Vallejo Silver Grey onto the plastic then began layering mixes of Trail Tan and Olive Green on successive layers.
The first ring was a 1:1 mix of Trail Tan and Olive Green. The outline of the pool on the cardboard served as a guide as I sponged on the first layer of paint. The second layer was a 1:2 mix of Trail Tan and Olive Green and the third layer was Olive Green. I then added a few layers of Olive Green then Black to fully cover the bottom of the pool.
Once the paint dried I applied a layer of brown spray paint to the bottom. The photo here is after all the paint is dried and I removed the plastic from the cardboard and flipped it right side up.
I then traced the original pool template over the top of the pool to cut it to the desired size and shape with scissors.
I overlooked the fact that the pool was mirrored as the original template was at the bottom of the plastic. To fix this I flipped my base over to fit the two together as desired. I applied a 1:1 mix of PVA glue and hobby paint to the bottom of the pool and weighed it down under a stack of books to ensure it glued on flat.
Next I added 1:1 mix of PVA glue and craft paint before sprinkling on a layer of sand.
I painted the sand with a base coat of Black, then drybrushed a layer of Nutmeg Brown, then a layer of Trail Tan.
I then added a variety of tufts to the base. I chose to use the more lively, green tufts around the pool with the more brown tufts closer to the edge.
Insert the palms trees into the holes and the oasis is ready for the table.
Like my desert palm groves, the palm trees with this oasis can be removed to facilitate models moving through the terrain and to store and transport easier.
After completing my North African Italians I committed to building a set of desert terrain for them to fight in. In addition to the standard dwellings and walls I wanted to build palm groves to add some soft cover and greenery to the table. While wandering around a Michaels store I came across bags of palm trees on sale and decided the time to start the palm groves was now.
It has taken me quite some time to get around to playing Fantasy Flight’s licensed star wars ground combat offering, Star Wars Legion. Being pitched as a small scale skirmish game centering around a few fire teams, a commander and a vehicle or two, Legion sells itself as a light miniatures game that uses the Star Wars license to create your own small scale battles. Originally starting with units and vehicles from the original Star Wars set of films, the game has expanded more recently with the inclusion of two new armies from the Clone Wars era. All of these armies are fully compatible and can be fielded against each other.
