These are all good ideas, but what's the best way to make the structure look like it is actually embedded in the earth rather than simply resting on top of the layout?
One method I have read about but not yet tried is to slightly "excavate" the layout below the structure so that it sits slightly below the surface. Then wrap the structure in plastic wrap ( such as Saran Wrap), set it into the excavation, and add scenic materials around the structure. The scenic adhesive won't stick to the plastic wrap, so you'll be able to remove the structure after the adhesive dries. You are left with a depression closely surrounded by scenery material. The structure can be set into the depression which both keeps it from moving around and makes it look like the structure is growing out of the ground. Yet the structure can be easily removed.
To make the effect even better, fashion some sort of foundation that runs around the perimeter of the excavation. After all, real structures always sit on a foundation.
The object of all this work is to hide the bottom edge of the structure walls so the structure does not appear to be "perched" on top of the layout. Somewhere, on some forum, there is a "how-to" with step by step photos, but I can't find it!
- Jeff