I added a screen that I think came from the front of a computer speaker, directly under where the tank should sit, its mend to catch the dripping oils. And 5/8th dowel was cut down to make feet for the tanks cradle. Then I glued in the platform for the fuel pump.
Then I covered most of the base with watered down wood glue, and sprinkled sand on it. The yellowish strip in front of the pump platform is colored differently because it’s very fine white sand. I’ll try to give the effect that it’s been worn down from countless tires and tracks.
I chipped up the cradle and added different struts to it, and then started adding rivets to the cradle and tank both with white glue, dabbing it with blots. I need to go over them to make them more pronounced. I used this as my guide:
santa cruz warhammer: How to Make Simple Rivets With PVA Glue 
I’ve kept the parts modular so I can remove them for easy painting, which I will try not to rush this time around. I think its coming together well and will be a nice addition to my set.