Post and Rail Fence for Old West Dioramas and Miniature Wargames

Post and Rail Fence for Old West Dioramas and Miniature Wargames.

The photo shows western style post and rail fence suitable for corrals, enclosed fields and pastures used in 1:60 scale skirmish wargames of the American Revolution, American Civil War and American Indian Wars. The fence was built from 3 × 3 mm balsa posts and 1 mm planking. In 1:60 scale, four fence posts per 6″ fence section are glued to a thin cardboard base, using a hot glue gun. Five fence posts per 6″ section should be used in 1:72 scale. Fence posts the same height as a standing infantryman look about right. The edges of the cardboard base are rounded so that fence sections may be joined at any angle to create rectangular, trapezoidal, or polygonal enclosures. Some of the 6″ fence sections have open or closed gates in the center to allow farm animals and wagons to be driven through.

Tools & Materials

  • 6 × 6 mm Posts and 1.5 mm Rails of Balsa Wood (1:32 Scale)
  • 3 × 3 mm Posts and 1 mm Rails of Balsa Wood (1:60 Scale)
  • 2 × 2 mm Posts and 0.5 mm Rails of Balsa Wood (1:72 Scale)
  • 1.5 mm Cardboard
  • Hot Glue Gun
  • PVA Glue
  • Acrylic Paint
  • Size 5 Flat Brush

The balsa rails glued to the posts are 40 to 50 mm long, depending on the figure scale which determines the actual spacing of fence posts. Three rails would be better than the two shown here. The fence may be stained dark grey and drybrushed light sand to simulate the effect of weathering which will turn unpainted wood a light grey colour eventually. The fence sections may be painted or drybrushed white to give them a painted or whitewashed look. The cardboard base can be covered with white glue and sprinkled with sand and kitty litter stones to texture it. It’s interesting to note that this type of fence is strong enough to keep the cardboard base from warping.

The standardized 6″ fence sections are fun and easy to make. This simple type of post and rail fence is generic enough to be used in Europe and America.

Buildings and Scenery for Wargames and Dioramas