Creating My First Miniature Tree For A Diorama

My friends, tonight is yet another "first" for me. Because not once in my modeling life have I attempted to make a tree from scratch. Even as a smol lad trying to do all sorts of things I'd rather buy one of those pre-fabricated trees made for railroad dioramas. And I kept successfully avoiding this task for years until I made an "empty" corner in my upcoming diorama which had to be "filled" with something... something like a tree!
Patreon: / nightshiftmodeller
Instagram: / nightshiftscalemodeller
Enjoying this type of content? Well, if you're new here, then don't be shy to subscribe and maybe even turn on notifications because I keep posting stuff like this every week!
Disclaimer: Most of the weathering products I use in my videos such as Ammo by Mig Jimenez, AK-Interactive, Wilder and VMS were sent to me for free, but with no obligations to promote them. I received a lot of them a long time ago, even before I started this channel. VMS is also one of my Patreon supporters. Being independent from big and exclusive sponsorship deals and showing you a wide variety of different brands and products was one of the founding ideas of this channel and I will always stand by this.
Music: Quincas Moreira - Scratch the Itch - KZbin Audio Library

[@ironspike171]

Dear Martin - a biologist here: Since this wont be your last tree forever i would like you to give a few hints to make these look more natural - with the same! amount of effort: All trees (and most old buildings too) have. „weather side“. Only on this side can be found moss and stains. So next time: just moss on one side. Second tip: You had lighter green leaves and mde some darker green. Fresh leaves are always on the outside of the tree. So have next time darker leaves and paint the outer ones lighter. Tipp 3: Same goes for height. Higher leaves are fresher and therefore lighter green and bottom leaves. Thank you for your great modelling series!

[@caoxiaoxiao8491]

What an lovely comments :)

[@tomrowe4546]

👍👍

[@dominicpizzey1515]

Glad I wasn't the only one thinking this when watching... 😅

[@garyowens7454]

This is exactly the comment I was looking for - not specifically for this video, but trees in general in a diorama setting. I am pretty skillful at making things that mimic trees very well, but they never looked "real". Your comment told me why. Thank you.

[@ironspike171]

Thank you guys 😀 Im just an observer of nature - aka biologist. And thats what our uncle is usually doing amazingly well: Worn tank paint only on the top, because only there are people walking on it. Mud and all the nasty stuff Martin is so famous for only on the tracks and mudguards. Same goes for trees and even the old brickwall hes building. These things have a side, a top and a bottom. They are facing „north“ for a decade. Im sure he and any other modeller can now „weather“ the heck out of it - but you know what? „weather“ comes from a side…😉 Oh, and btw, if you follow and Bob Ross video (the joy of paining) youll see the same. Bright and more saturated colors on the top and outside of any tree - only on canvas not on tiny plastic tanks.

[@perochialjoe]

Recreating nature always makes you appreciate how difficult it is to make something look random.

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

It's one of the most frustrating (and rewarding) disciplines in scale modeling :D

[@ocalicreek]

Nature isn't actually "random", but grows following patterns and influences depending on the type of tree, location, and how the elements of wind, snow, rain, etc. all take their toll on the tree. Branches are either opposite or alternate, and this pattern holds true for the entire plant, usually, all the way down to the leaf veins (but who is going to model that?). Anyway, look for the patterns and once you see them they become hard to un-see! Happy modeling.

[@shiroumxm2052]

INDEED!

[@burntbybrighteyes]

On this episode: Uncle Nightshift becomes a Bonsai enthusiast!

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

Fun fact: I was as a kid, but gave up after all my store-bought bonsais dried :D

[@burntbybrighteyes]

@@NightShiftScaleModels haha same here! I pestered my parents to buy me a bonsai after I saw karate kid.

[@steffenrosmus9177]

@@NightShiftScaleModels you should have kept them, nice stuff for model trees.

[@brianreddeman951]

"I've never made a tree before" and proceeds to rival anything I've done on his first try. So basically if you say "I've never played poker before, I will not play against you" 😁

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

I always take the opposite route lol. Doing something for the first time? I'll give it my best. Been doing something for years (mountain biking)? Nah, I'll just shatter my leg on a perfectly mellow trail.

[@brianreddeman951]

@@NightShiftScaleModels Things can be worse, be glad you don't live in an area with cactus and poison ivy. I've seen a few people tumble into both at the same time. Usually both grow next to each other in steep slopes; Nature is metal.

[@MasterShake9000]

For the first water project, I kinda want Uncle Night Shift to do a Panzer Tank of the Lake diorama from the meme.

[@Executioner9000]

Yes!

[@Brave_Sir_Robin]

Please

[@davidkilby1043]

Agreed

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

Lol, it would actually be a simple enough project and a good practice piece for the water! :D

[@Brave_Sir_Robin]

@@NightShiftScaleModels please tell me that’s a yes I’ll do it

[@qingyunwang3802]

I still remember decades ago when I saw a diorama foliage made of real twigs, the modeller mentioned he sterilized the twig first in ethanol so that mushrooms won't grow out from it later XD.

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

Baking in an oven does the same thing and as a small bonus all moisture evaporates from them, so they're perfectly dry and ready to use almost immediately :)

[@poorboysadventures4636]

I use a microwave i got for free cause someone threw it away for some reason. Works fine and its my dedicated hobby microwave. haha

[@xILLxChronic]

"Yeah this branch doesn't look enough like a branch for me, better retexture and paint it" This guy's dedication is insane.

[@Panzermeister36]

It's Friday!

[@hanssmidt12]

Yeah again

[@MiniatureMasterClass]

"I've never made a miniature tree before" - proceeds to make one of the best miniature trees I have ever seen.

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

I always give it my best when I'm trying something new :D It's all downhill afterwards.

[@RichardDenRooyen1973]

that was my thought too!... its one of the best trees ive ever seen on YT sofar

[@twobyfour]

I really like it when Uncle leaves his comfort zone. That tree is superb too.

[@Vlka_Fenryka]

I didn't realise how much work goes into scenery for a diorama. Thank you for the video and I hope you're healing well.

[@Misitheus]

Sometimes I think it's more difficult then building the kits.....

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

Individual elements of a diorama are small models on their own. I was never able to appreciate how much time and work goes into some of those wonderful dioramas we see in magazines or on model shows until I gave them a try.

[@Misitheus]

@@NightShiftScaleModels The vegetation is the hard part. Plenty of products for terrain and ground. Your plants can make or break the scene. Mr.Shift's tree looks outstanding.!

[@chrislogston6072]

This has to be one of the best scratch build video's that I've seen for tree's

[@laurentpaille659]

This tree is legend... wait for it ... dary. Another outstanding work !!!! As we say in France : Bravo !!!!

[@crapphone7744]

Love that this is for your ugly duck French tank. Provides a good place for it to lay its eggs.

[@jameshogge]

I used to go to a model railway show and had a go making model trees there. We had a very different method which was something like this: - Start with a large bundle of copper wires and twist them together as you go down until they join into one large bunch (the trunk) - Bend the wires as you see fit to create the actual shape of the tree - Use textured paint all over to create a bark-like surface - Paint the surface - Apply foliage as you have done in your video The copper wires were quite a nice material because they let you shape & position the tree as you pleased

[@rrl4245]

Don't forget to add steel wool to add volume as smaller branches...

[@jameshogge]

@@rrl4245 Ah yes definitely! I don't actually remember doing that at the demo but it was a long time back

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

The twisted wire bundle method is sometimes used in 1/35 dioramas as well. Especially when you need a very specific shape for your tree, let's say you need to fit it into a very tight diorama. It seems rather time consuming but I want to try it some day!

[@ryanbruner8928]

I started making trees from roots in the '80's when I bought one of Shepard Payne's books.I recently found punches for real leaves and have been using this for the leaves. Uncle Nightshift,thank you for doing everything "the complicated way",I've learned a ton from you!

[@LPlFan81]

Baking soda can be used to accelerate superglue. Basically you can bridge two pieces with baking soda and drop super glue on it, it will cure itself for seconds, creating a very tough bond (actually stronger than the glue alone).

[@francisthecooldownroad342]

woohoo yes.Sir Night Shift. I can even see A woodpecker hole

[@januszmanczak161]

I am the Lorax, I speak for the trees. A ship/submarine model with sea/coast vignette will combine both things some of us want to see from You!

[@monsternside1509]

Mother Nature's going to see this tree and hire you man.

[@JerryP7a]

Tree

[@nathanhamilton3857]

Tree

[@Panzermeister36]

Tree

[@kirovskiecrab1365]

Tree

[@docnoc1868]

Patience is the key to make this beautiful tree.... thanks for sharing this procedures..🥰

[@sixandup939]

Bravo, Mr. Shift. Bravo 👏👏

[@grihko-medovskai.8221]

I respect you for the work done and thank you very much for another option on how to make trees. Greetings from Russia)

[@cynthiafletcher2063]

This is incredible! So realistic!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

An awesome tree, really well done!

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

Thanks! Artificial bonsai next? :)))

[@mr.e1944]

Wow, that is a great tree! Thanks for sharing.

[@shiroumxm2052]

it looks AMAZING!! so much detail and realistic.

[@Cainite]

No oil streaks and rust effects?

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

Instead there's moss and bark texture :D

[@msee383]

Second time of watching… this is a great tree.

[@geronimosrifle2913]

Wow that is amazing!! I've been scalemodeling for 20 years and never been able make a tree look that realistic on any scale. 😱😱 Thank you for sharing,.Model Meastro👍👍.

[@maxcorey8144]

I am a model railroader in On30. Trees are time consuming at best. Now and then I spend days on one tree like you are doing here. For a special spot on the layout where it stands out above from the rest, for a scene, for a vignette, for a diorama of course. Fun stuff you are a great model builder and I learn from you. Thanks for showing us how. Oh, the tops and undersides of leaves are often a different color so I like to airbrush up from the bottom and down from the top not only to emphasize light and shadow but also this difference in leaf color.

[@georgesnyder7586]

Amazing, beautiful, thank you for sharing this!

[@syrmalcolm]

Excellently done. Very clever adaptation of materials.. thanks for sharing.

[@marcosaugustosoares]

One of the prettiest trees I've ever seen!

[@stephenbridges2791]

Nice result. I'm always on the lookout for twigs or whatever. Spices grown in a pot work well.

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

I'm gonna collect roots from every plant in my garden when autumn hits :D

[@dogforeyals]

this is invaluable, thank you Mr. Night Shift!!!

[@roadweary5252]

Looks amazing, Martin! Well done

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

WOW, Beautiful work.................... 👍👍👍

[@thechurchofdave]

Excellent tutorial. Loved it. Thank you for making this.

[@damirmejric3441]

Uncle Martin of Downhill: I'm going to do something I've never done before. Me: Oooooh, boy, here comes another masterpiece!

[@FlokisModels]

This is a great looking tree and as always learned something new to try on the next build, thank you!

[@XxBloggs]

Hey it looks good. I use woodland scenic leaves of different shades and spray diluted white glue then sprinkle them on.

[@tomtruesdale6901]

Very nice job on the tree. Now you will not feel so uneasy the next time you need a treee.

[@larsschneider8157]

fantastic job you take model making to a new level 🤗👍

[@ruebenglab4939]

Always liked your videos /builds. This one was great from start to finish. Hope you do more like this!

[@Rohnon]

This looks amazing! I'm really enjoying your Diorama content as of late

[@bonniehollingsworth1996]

Good tutorial. I learned a lot. Thank you!

[@joaquimsommaferrari7298]

wow amazing tree i also love to create my own trees and this, this is amazing uncle !!!! Lovely !!!

[@humphet]

had to share this with my mom. You did some great shots with the parts that look different after they dry; the effect was clear

[@mestapho2011]

This was perfect.. as in we live in the Matrix perfect. I too am building my first tree cause I typically don't need them. This video couldn't have come at a better time. That's one of the best looking trees I've seen. You gotta be a figment of my imagination.

[@olafb.2929]

Wonderful tree and as always great commentary!

[@pauvillalonga4471]

Hllo Martin. I just have to make a comment ... a very good job, very simple and well explained,... EXCELLENT

[@OkayOkcomics]

wow, the putty really gave a great bark texture- looks amazing!

[@davidmooney4866]

Cracking tree! Well done Mr

[@karras6239]

The shadow work is trully what grants you the mastery of all this... if you showed me the "tree" alone i wouldnt know that is a scale that was crafted. Amazing job mister.

[@peezebeuponyou3774]

This is brilliant modelling my friend. Trees are easy to model; good trees are notoriously difficult. Well done.

[@Buksevann72]

Beautiful!!!

[@ratled1]

BRILLIANT!

[@aledwards8775]

75% happy! Looks damn good dude, and you made it look easy 👍

[@tando6266]

"Vallejo darkens when it dries" I hear this myth getting around a lot, and the simple fact is that ALL paints darken when they dry. Literally all of them, the physics of light dispersion in a pigment filled medium vs a grained surface are inescapable. You just notice it because its not your common tool so you are looking for "differences" and are instead being hyper observant when normally you wouldn't.

[@lukmigindnuforhelved]

All acrylic paints darken when drying. The acrylic medium itself is milky white when wet and totally transparent when dry. Thus the acrylic paint becomes darker when drying. This is not the case for eg. oil paints.

[@onemansjunk01]

@@lukmigindnuforhelved and emulsion lightens 👍🏼

[@garyowens7454]

Okay, here's an old house painter's trick that works with enamels, oil, watercolors, and acrylics. Buy a bunch of microscope slides, and when you need to see what color any paint will be when dry, paint a patch on the slide, then flip it over - what you see will be the color when it is dried.

[@-jk-2580]

Best tree tutorial!

[@Mentosineenbakkie]

Well made, realy awesomee its like you litarly turn waste into something. Realy awesomme

[@BRAD-ROTT]

REALLY COOL AND REALITIC! 😜

[@geroschorch1365]

you continue to amaze me. that tree looks in cre di ble!

[@msee383]

Great tree and good showing of pack contents. Like the comment regarding one sided moss from one of your followers.

[@staquu]

Your inventions is amazing 😲, nice episode 👌

[@schadowolf]

Very well done!

[@majsmith66]

Beautiful work!

[@foreverplastickits138]

*Beautiful tree, and with the help of Iron Spike and another it'll be the best realistic next time! Good job NS!*

[@Nemodelist]

Вы большой мастер!!!! Спасибо за бесценный опыт!!

[@m.m.6110]

Love it!!! 👍🏻

[@RichardThompsonCA]

The best miniature tree I've seen on youtube!

[@markw5779]

Pretty impressive 👍 nice job

[@nickbutler7935]

For a first attempt martin, you have achieved a great result.

[@MSPaints]

Absolutely unreaaaaaaaal!

[@worpo177]

i like ur vids i have made 1 panzer IV model and i love the hobby, you got me into it :)

[@MADMAX3722]

First time wow so awesome. I think it's one of the best tree I have seen great job

[@cristianci00]

Very nice result

[@Vamp2D-x-Z]

This so awesome😮😮😮😮

[@lmmodellismomilitare]

Wow! So interesting!!

[@hanssmidt12]

Thx i really like vids like that normally we see the same stuff on tanks but i love stuff like that

[@andredoin8357]

Perfeita ! Muito realista!!!

[@tonysillett3044]

Great job again bud. Looking forward to see which fiqures you use and how you place them.

[@thegoosegaming4337]

Ship modellers know water really well. Something that works is tinfoil that is crinkled then painted. The waves can be dry brushed with light sea colours.

[@opalprestonshirley1700]

Great job.

[@jacobakana5649]

Well, in typical Uncle Night Shift fashion, you do something for the first time and create something fantastic! Keep at it, I can’t wait for the diorama!

[@rons5438]

Looks great! One thing from the railroader's tool box that may have made your life easier is hob-e-tac glue from woodland scenics. It is a thick glue that you apply to the seafoam or foliage, let it dry for a few minutes until it becomes mostly clear, at which time it is VERY tacky, then apply the foliage and it will stick pretty much immediately. But it looks great, and your next one will be much faster, even if done the same way.

[@MrSpriken]

I have been wondering about how to make trees for some time now, especially today. I would like to make some in 1/12 scale, and this video certainly helps. Thanks for another great video!

[@mattockmodels]

This is just the best part of my week

[@rogerthat4286]

you are such a legend man, you really deserve so many more subs..!

[@sixfootfourflips9777]

The trunk is easily the best I’ve ever seen!!

[@TeaPoweredModels]

Ma Friend! Putty over the branch is an awesome idea! If you are struggling to glue the smaller branches, you can pin them by drilling a small hole and either using a paper clip or florist wire then use your putty trick to keep it together. It's a common method used for miniature models particularly resin models. Awesome job as usual!

[@FredWilbury]

Ah a journey into tree making good start sir many more we hope 😎👌 such a long process 😉

[@nerdwideweb8760]

Great Work😁👍, I Love your Videos and watch them all.

[@richardclowes6123]

Just awesome tree. Thanks for the extra fine modelling tips. I do railroading and you seem to think that we want everything in a hurry . . . . . wrong about me . . . I have all the patience in the world and my hobby shows it. Thanks again, Rick the Bulldog

[@craftoloco1383]

I have done a very similar tutorial my self. Love to use proper branches instead of wire.🤘

[@OtterCreek]

Not speaking for all Model Railroaders, but I did not cringe! I'm always looking for new techniques that will take my modeling to another level. Great Video and a beautiful tree.

[@Brinkly1000]

Really amazing model. I model oo gauge but I’ve taken so many tips from this build. Thanks a lot. Keep up the good work!

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

You usually need lots of tiny trees then, right? Luke Towan makes dioramas in this (or TT? or H0?) scale :) I'd lose my mind if I had to do two trees for a single diorama using these methods. One was more than enough :D

[@calessel3139]

For a first try, I have to say you really knocked it out of the park! Great Job!!! PS: For gluing wood pieces together, I'd suggest Weld Bond. It's a very strong white glue quite similar to wood glue. Once dried, the glued parts are almost impossible to break apart.