As well as looking out for the elusive Space Hopper, this summer I've also been taking a close look at trees wherever we've gone. I'm thinking this winter's layout projects are going to have some better looking trees than the store bought things I've always used - now that I've closely looked at lots of real trees, those hobby shop things seem rather crude.
I've also been reading about building tree structures from braided wire. That's my first attempt using my neighbour's maple as a model. No, my wire structure isn't an exact replica, but I feel using an actual tree as a guide has pushed even this first attempt to look more like an actual tree than if I had just used some stereotype dredged up from my memory.
I used 26 strands of 0.58mm diameter florist's wire to bend up the trunk. I shot lots of pictures of trees over the last few months, so I've got lots of material to practice with.
Notice how tall trees actually are. Many are 2-3 stories high. We often shorten them so as not to dominate the layout. Then we wonder why they look so squatty.
ReplyDeleteThat's one thing that did come across loud and clear while taking photos of trees in the wild. My wire armature is around 35 to 40 HO feet tall, and I think it is pretty close to the height of the real tree next door.
DeleteTwo things I'm finding as I make these armatures: I need to figure out how to estimate heights properly, and I'm working on a schematic system for making sure I've got enough strands in an armature to accurately replicate the basic branching structure as seen in the photos. 26 strands for the maple tree wasn't a guess, but output a schematic diagram, which I need to continue to refine.
Bravo. You are pursuing a very worth while project. You are right, the tree kits I have worked with leave (no pun intended) a lot to be desired. Please let us know how you make out.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I think this will be an on-and-off project over the winter, and hopefully I'll make a few posts along the way.
DeleteNow you've done it. See what studying the prototype will get you? Nothing but heartache until the vision is birthed and a miniature maple stands tall in the scene! I have yet to even touch the wire I'll need for the tall pines of Florida...but one day I will. It is an endeavor in replicating the real well worth your time. Looking good!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I ordered Gordon Gravett's books on tree modelling and they arrived in the mail today. So, hopefully I'll et some more education on this subject.
DeleteAnother thing I've learned about trees: they don't all grow to full height and width. I mean, if a tree is off by itself, it can grow perfectly symmetrical, all full and impressive. But there are many forested areas which are so tight together, they grow scrawny and thin. They actually support each other in a group.
ReplyDeleteI learned this when someone built a new house next to my parents' home. What was once a semi-thick wooded area next door all came down. I asked why couldn't they leave some trees? Because none were strong enough to stand on their own.
So you can build forested areas on your layout without perfect, stand-alone trees. I drill a bunch of holes and glue dried weeds (or cinnamon broom) into them. Put in some downed branches and light weeds at the base. Then stretch out some "foliage" netting across the top and bring it down amongst the trees with, like, a knitting needle. I put my eyes at scale eye level and stop when it looks right. No need for foliage glue; it holds in place because they're all bunched together.
So skinny "nothing" trees are as valuable as those beautiful stand-alone trees.
You're right. I took a lot of pictures of trees while I was stomping around the bush this summer. The ones in the backcountry woods are a lot different than those closer to 'civilization' - being crammed together reshapes them. I'm reading through Gravett's first book on deciduous trees, and I'm finding the construction techniques will be useful, but his forms, based on those found in the UK, don't conform to those found here. There'll be some interesting tree modelling this winter.
DeleteVariety is the key to successful scenery building. Different shapes, sizes, colors and textures. My wooded areas are often done in clumps and combine wire armature tress with thin weed armatures. Pines are combination of wire/hemp brush styles with bumpy chenille ones. Then in the distance, I just go to puff ball trees. I know yours will be great, being you're studying the prototypes.
DeleteI completely agree with your thoughts. I was reading an essay by Kevin Phare in the Aug '18 issue of British Railway Modelling that set me on this path. He notes that density and variety in trees and vegetation are what's missing from most layouts, and by focusing on those two things, overall realism will improve. I saw an ad for the most recent issue of MR and it said something about enhancing realism on the cover, with the cover photo showing some scattered trees, and I thought, that scene doesn't seem realistic after seeing Phare's photos and reading his essay. I've got to give more thought to 'prototype' trees and vegetation.
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