Help with mini trees

Jediguy · Post by **Jediguy** » Wed Mar 02, 2005 12:14 am

Hey guys, i've managed to create mini trees n stuff but can anyone explain how you can attach them to the diorama base and make them look real?

I used a real tree branch for the tree.

USSARCADIA · Post by **USSARCADIA** » Wed Mar 02, 2005 8:14 pm

I made a few 4'x 8' game boards for Micro Armor years ago and did the same thing with twigs and railroad foliage. I just drilled holes in the base and white glued them in. Touch up glue with acrylic paint. Wish I had some pics.

en'til Zog · Post by **en'til Zog** » Thu Mar 03, 2005 3:56 am

Shepard Paine has some good books on making Dioramas. Or you could go to your local Train Hobby shop and ask them.

TB2 · Post by **TB2** » Thu Mar 03, 2005 8:12 am

As mentioned, drilling and gluing is the easiest way. If you're going to paint the branch, adding roots at the base using Milliput or another putty beforehand will make it that much more realistic. Look at real trees to get an idea of how it should look.

Post by **TER-OR** » Thu Mar 03, 2005 8:24 am

En'til'Zog's suggestion about picking up Shep Paine's book is VERY GOOD. You should do this.

Small bushes or trees in the yard can be good sources of material. Dig them up and take their roots. Obviously, don't dig up a plant you want to keep. Dry the roots and incorporate into your product.

Epoxy putty can work well, too, but you will need something to model your work on. Go take pictures.

Jediguy · Post by **Jediguy** » Sat Mar 05, 2005 10:04 am

hmm thanks guy but the problem is i have tried using miliput to make roots and stuff but it just looks so fake when the branch is put in due to the colour dofferences n stuff

USSARCADIA · Post by **USSARCADIA** » Sat Mar 05, 2005 10:11 am

You'll probably have to paint the branch/putty and then drybrush all to make it look realistic. It make take a few tries to get it right, just experiment.

Jediguy · Post by **Jediguy** » Sat Mar 05, 2005 10:11 am

ok i will start practisin.thanks a lot.

Jonas Calhoun · Post by **Jonas Calhoun** » Sat Mar 05, 2005 12:07 pm

Woodland scenics now has a set of bendable plastic trees that foilage sticks to very well. A little drybrushing, and they look quite realistic. I saw them at a train show a week ago and was impressed.

Dan