How to Model Concrete Pavements (Sidewalks)

How to Model Concrete Pavements

Continuing the series on how to model a tarmac road, we’re adding the pavements or sidewalks. One side is slabbed and the other poured concrete. In the UK, poured concrete pavements or sidewalks are relatively rare but they are much more common in other countries. Thankfully, poured concrete sidewalks are much easier than slabs.

The key ingredient is a thin layer of plaster over foam. This allows you to easily crack the concrete in a really prototypical manner. I tend to stain rather than thickly paint the plaster.

The Real World

View from the High Line — View from the New York High Line

Materials

Craft Foam – 2mm from Hobbycraft or a similar shop – in the kids’ section
Plaster – I used Woodland Scenics Shaper Sheet Plaster as I had it lying around but any plaster of paris will do
Paint – I used Woodland Scenics Concrete because I had it but Natural artists’ acrylic is a close match
Scribing tool – I used a dental pick but the back of an X-acto knife can work
Matt varnish – I used a mix of an acrylic floor polish and Tamiya Flat Base to ensure it was matt
Pigments and other weathering powders.