Making trees

Discussion in 'Scenics' started by Andy_Sollis, Oct 9, 2018.

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  1. Andy_Sollis

    Andy_Sollis Staff Member Moderator

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    hmm, not quite an “I’m going to show you”, more of a “I’ve bought this sea moss”.... type thread.

    So, I want to make trees, but never really succeeded before. Any suggestions on the best way to go? Getting the flock to stick to the tree frame? Hair spray? Glue?

    What’s your thoughts before I make a start and screw it up.

    Thanks!

    Andy
     
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  2. York Paul

    York Paul Staff Member Moderator

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    Here you are Andy get a static applicator table. WW Scenics... it's a much quicker option and you have more control over the application.

    https://www.war-world.co.uk/product.php/wws_war_pro_grass_box_smooth_case/?k=:::6556496:0
     
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  3. gormo

    gormo Staff Member Administrator

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  4. Timbersurf

    Timbersurf

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    Tree's are one of my next projects to investigate, so I will join in. Given the large surface area of Gormo's string, hairspray may work, but I have always worried about the longevity of its hold!
    There are many video's on youtube of how to do this, search for Sea Foam or Sea Moss tree's
    Here are a couple I found and
    I like the fun of experimenting and like Gormo look for alternative DIY methods of creating scenic materials on the cheap, so really don't want to buy modelling off the shelf solutions, but occasionally it may simply be the easiest solution as specialist concoctions are required! I believe this is one! I think a sticky water based spray mist is the answer.
    Cheap spray mount does not mist, the £12 3M cans may do, but the best option may be to bite the bullet and buy the likes of WWW tree and bush spray adhesive.
    If you have a grass applicator, you don't need to buy a pro grass box (also used to make grass clumps), I can tell you how, I just have not got around to making a 'How to' yet!
     
  5. York Paul

    York Paul Staff Member Moderator

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    Of course you don't need to buy a Pro grass box if cash saving is the order of the day but the static grass applicator works to get a consistent 2D flat surface finish whereas the Pro box allows flexibility over a 3D structure, we have the both and each are designed with these specific functions in mind. With a Pro grass box one has far greater control over attaining evenness or direction of cover as the WW Scenic video will explain, it's also less messy too and at under £40 represents good value. I know which one SWMBO would choose but that doesn't detract from your method Timbersurf, as they say each to their own and of course good old Rule 1 applies... whichever you want its your layout is what I say. :thumbup:
     
  6. Andy_Sollis

    Andy_Sollis Staff Member Moderator

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  7. Timbersurf

    Timbersurf

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    I think you misunderstand me Paul, I am not knocking the grass box, far from it and I know it's really not a bad price for what it is, but without showing my idea (it's not theoretical, it's a proven gadget) it's hard to explain. You will all have to be patient till I write up a 'How to', but in essence, you can use the static HV generator of an existing/owned static grass applicator by attaching the live post with a crocodile clip and wire to an inverted metal box and achieve exactly the same 'up' movement as the box.
     
  8. York Paul

    York Paul Staff Member Moderator

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    great stuff Timbersurf... bring it on when you get the time :thumbup:
     
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  9. Andy_Sollis

    Andy_Sollis Staff Member Moderator

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    Is that a bit like a candifloss maker but with static?
     
  10. Gary

    Gary Wants more time for modelling.... Staff Member Administrator

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    When using hairspray, just try to keep the spray away from the trunk. Before you know it, the trunk will be leafier than the branches if you are not careful !

    I used sea moss on my Jay Dubyew North Yard thread and they look great. See here : http://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?threads/jay-dubyew-nth-yard.593/page-7#post-26988

    An alternative for larger trees is to make wire armatures and glue smaller branchlettes to the ends of the wire to create fine branches.

    Cheers, Gary.
     
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  11. Andy_Sollis

    Andy_Sollis Staff Member Moderator

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    Yes that’s something like what a I would like to achieve

    Andy
     
  12. Andy_Sollis

    Andy_Sollis Staff Member Moderator

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    Well ill be blown if I can actually find where I put them now.

    Will update when progress starts!
     
  13. Gary

    Gary Wants more time for modelling.... Staff Member Administrator

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    Just had a look back in the Scenics section of the forum and found my thread on making trees. This method, as you probably know is a tried and true method for making trees of any size and shape.

    http://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index...eucalyptus-trees-commonly-known-as-gums.2764/

    There is also Gormo's thread on making trees as well : http://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?threads/episode-67-17-make-your-own-trees.1710/

    and also low relief trees : http://platform1mrc.com/p1mrc/index.php?threads/episode-88-17-low-relief-trees.2289/

    Cheers, Gary.
     
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  14. York Paul

    York Paul Staff Member Moderator

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    That's great Gary and thanks for that thread reminder :thumbs: I've a few books here on growth habits of tree species so presumably it just becomes a matter of altering the wire frame to suit?
     
  15. Gary

    Gary Wants more time for modelling.... Staff Member Administrator

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    That is correct Paul. There is a massive variation in branch structure, crown shape and general size of trees than meets the eye. Having a decent reference book or online link of trees, can benefit the modeller to no end. :thumbs:

    Cheers, Gary.
     
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  16. York Paul

    York Paul Staff Member Moderator

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    Observational drawing skills spring to mind Gary :avatar:
     
  17. Timbersurf

    Timbersurf

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    I came across a video today that I have seen before, that I wanted to share earlier, but could not find again!
    It is available in the US, but the principles can be used and similar materials are available worldwide, to create your own. It is not absolutely necessary (but would be a godsend if you need hundreds), as a simple nail at the end of a plank of wood and secure the wire tails in the chuck would still work (there is another video I cant find demonstrating that too)

    The Super Tree Machine
     
  18. Gary

    Gary Wants more time for modelling.... Staff Member Administrator

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  19. Len Thompson

    Len Thompson Full Member

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    Luke Towans video, brilliant trees, never done it before here's my stage 1 I feel confident enought to improve on these first ones 20191022_162404.jpg 20191022_162404.jpg
     
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