Creating Realistic Tree Trunks for the Discerning Modeler | River Road - Vlog #90

[@johnbunten3543]

Looks awsome, however with this method you put in much time and this type of scenery is going to get dust clogged and nasty is the deal. SORRY to be honest . There are fast ways to do thing equal to this and when they get dirty you can just pull them up and chuck the stale dusty trees, sure !

[@boomerdiorama]

Sorry to be honest . . . these trees are bullet proof and no need to ever throw away. I can stick them inside a vacuum cleaner hose and they hold fast forever. They look awesome and hold their own indefinitely. How do I know? Thirty years of experience in film and museum work. 😁

[@lancedavis3612]

Always impressed with your modeling expertise. Very inspiring. Thank you for sharing.

[@boomerdiorama]

You are welcome!

[@qwincyq6412]

Woah! Yo Yo Mah! Finally a youtuber who doesn’t equate model railways with country music. Excellent video. Realistic model trees are the bane of making scenery. Your technique may be expensive but the results are worth it.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks a ton!

[@boomerdiorama]

One well modeled tree can make a scene explode with drama! Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@silkcustoms520]

Incredible Work Boomer !!!

[@boomerdiorama]

@@silkcustoms520 Thank you!😁

[@DisVietVetUSA]

Never new this existed untill now good show

[@boomerdiorama]

The beauty of model railroading is no shortage of subject matter to model. ;-) Cheers.

[@rafaelvoncina6036]

Hey Boomer. So far I've built three feature trees using your technique and I'm very happy with it. However instead of long static grass fibers I used a piece of combed out old hemp rope. Naturally the black pine looked too dense in the end and I had to comb out those nests. And I used static grass applicator for the final 2mm fibers as they had to stand up. Raked it out again and that's it. Best tree ever. Golden's fiber paste works great as well on wood and wire armatures, offering a flexible, reposable model that one isn't afraid to handle. Thanks teacher. And sorry for being away from school. People die, one mourns, then gets on with Life in the end. Have a nice evening.

[@boomerdiorama]

Sorry for your loss. Good to hear from you. Your tree method sounds great! Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@rafaelvoncina6036]

@@boomerdiorama Thank you.

[@shaunhuckstepp7531]

Once again your timing is impeccable, a friend an I where just discussing we are going to make the trees for an area we are working on the layout . Easy and simple thanks Boomer .

[@boomerdiorama]

Sounds great!

[@nomo69ss25]

Excellent technique and results! Enjoyed the Yo Yo Ma accompaniment! I love cello music! Two Cellos- Thunderstruck stirs me up too! Haha! Peace!✌️

[@boomerdiorama]

Rock on!

[@nomo69ss25]

Esteban Ramirez, New England ✌️

[@MRR_Shadowolf]

I have watched most of your videos and took copious notes. It just occurred to me going to have to re-watch all of them when I begin the scenery portion of my layout! At present, have the plan dialed in (which will change during construction a bit), all of the track, switches, switch motors, etc in a dedicated room that is calling my name whenever I am home next (I travel a lot). Your videos and sage advice/words of wisdom are like taking a PhD in modeling. I have learned so much watching your videos and know I have missed some points so going to have to go back and take remedial lessons :) I can only speak for myself, but I'm sure many would agree, extremely grateful for you taking the time to share your knowledge and passion to assist many others in the hobby. Blessings to you!

[@boomerdiorama]

You are welcome and the channel is there for you! Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts as well. Blessings to you too! Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@MyFingerLakesRailwayLayout]

Good info. The gallery was a nice touch :)

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks! 😊

[@stevenstorey1945]

So nice to have these little videos to refer back to for future projects! And your right, seeing root systems on trees on most model railroads really is rare. And that's to bad because nature is full of imperfection. The imperfection you instill on River Road, though time consuming, are what makes the Diarama come alive! Cheers Boomer

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank You Steven. I always appreciate your insights on River Road and how you support the channel. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@FunWithHOScaleStuff]

Hi. Great presentation. The roots look very realistic. I noticed "The Loft Studios" appearing on your warehouse. Any artist should appreciate that. ;-)

[@boomerdiorama]

My wife's idea. She has a studio (Same Name). ;-) Cheers.

[@chrislogston6072]

Great video

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for the visit

[@Tom-xe9iq]

This is perfect timing: I've got about 40 trees to make for a six-pack of log flats that I just finished!!!

[@boomerdiorama]

Various sizes of wooden dowels covered with Fiber Paste does wonders for logs as well. Cheers.

[@Tom-xe9iq]

@@boomerdiorama I saw your amazing logging truck video and immediately thought I'd put those methods to work!!

[@debbiemilka2251]

Nice music choice. Until the other chap mentioned it I scarcely noticed it. That's the way it should be. Great tutorial. I am learning heaps. Beats buying retail miniature trees.

[@boomerdiorama]

They take some work and practice but produce stunning results at times.

[@ozarkmidlandsouthernrailway]

Beautiful work, Boomer! I do love your trees and I'm going to give your techniques a try in the near future. Thank you for the tutorials. They're very inspiring. Bill B.

[@boomerdiorama]

Have fun!

[@ozarkmidlandsouthernrailway]

​@@boomerdiorama Absolutely, Boomer. Prior to my current railroad, the OM&S, I had a much larger railroad that filled half of our basement. I loved that railroad, but like you I am now retired and after my wife also retired we downsized and relocated to a new home. Honestly, I am now even having more fun with the OM&S, as it is much smaller and as well more manageable. Although, I am just getting started with this railroad, I am finding that its smaller size and the fact that I am now retired that I can take more time and focus on the railroad various facets. It also is allowing me to try different techniques. I thought my trees that I made for the last railroad were pretty good but, they pale in comparison to what you have done. I suspect I will use a combination of both commercial and home-made trees on this railroad. I am definitely going to try your technique as there are a couple of locations where an especially well made tree or two will really help make the scene. I really enjoy your channel even though I do not always comment. Bill B.

[@boomerdiorama]

@@ozarkmidlandsouthernrailway You pretty much summed up my sentiments about the smaller model railroad. I get the large pike . . . been there. However, now I love River Road @ 26' long by 2' deep. Actually, it feels huge to me, but not unmanageable. I can still run six axle locomotives or even a "Big" Boy because my curves are at 42." It covers all the railroad moments I cherish locally as well. Furthermore, the modeling opportunities are endless when it comes to details as you so eloquently mentioned. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@ozarkmidlandsouthernrailway]

@@boomerdiorama Cheers to you! Bill B.

[@herricmountain]

Your trees are so realistic, I sure hope when I get around to it that I will be as successful as with using your painting techniques. «Layers and thin wash » see I have learned my lesson well. Thanks again for such an amazing channel.

[@boomerdiorama]

They just take a little practice until muscle memory takes over and the trees start to come into shape. I think trees are the most challenging to build, but most rewarding as well. Plus, they really make the layout pop. Cheers.

[@bobharris5872]

Thank you very much for sharing this information. I will try and use some of your techniques as I continue the scenery on my layout because they are very effective. My next section will the area around a 2' trestle over an estuary fronted with a Douglas Fir forest. you've got me ready for the trees now I have to learn to paint a backdrop. Thank again Bob

[@boomerdiorama]

Your layout and signature scene sounds awesome! Have fun with it and remember how much joy it gives you. Cheers ~ Boomer,

[@OtterCreek]

Still stuck in electronics/benchwork mode... Your videos are so inspiring, I can't wait to get started on something artistic again!

[@boomerdiorama]

I admire your devotion to electronics. It appears to be your strength among others. Not my favorite. I run a bus and a few feeders (on DCC) and everything is good to go. I love the scenery and paint part too much. ;-) Cheers and thanks for dropping by. ~ Boomer.

[@OtterCreek]

@@boomerdiorama Well, I certainly don't consider it a strength! LOL. I view it as a means to an end, and my least favorite thing to do as well. I'm hoping to get started on the next town on the railroad before the end of the year. *crosses fingers* Love your work and channel! ~Dennis

[@boomerdiorama]

@@OtterCreek Your wiring is a work of art Dennis . . . jeesh. It looks like the back panel of a 747 . . . lol.

[@garylaker4335]

Simply amazing Boomer 👍 Sadly Golden products are not easy to come by in Oz but I’ve found an alternative in Liquitex but I wish they were the price you mentioned! I’m modelling a creek that will have a number of eucalyptus trees, some alive, some dead along it’s banks and the eroded bank and root systems are something I’m looking forward to modelling….. now someone has shown me how to do it ! 🙏

[@boomerdiorama]

That sounds fantastic Gary. I hope you have lot's of challenges, fun, and satisfaction building it! Cheers.

[@Geordiecrafts]

This is great! I've been using Das air dry clay for my root structures, but it's not flexible so it's not ideal. If I'm making a wire tree I can use hot glue on the wires and carve it with my wood burner, but when I'm doing dowel trees I don't have that option. I just ordered some of that fiber paste. Thanks for the tips!

[@boomerdiorama]

Sounds great. You are going to love Fiber Paste by the look of the beautiful work you do with trees! I like the look of your channel as well. Very cool indeed. ;-) Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@Geordiecrafts]

@@boomerdiorama oh thank you so much! I really appreciate it :) And I think I will get a lot of use out of that paste!

[@boomerdiorama]

@@Geordiecrafts You are welcome. Keep doing what you are doing. It only gets better . . . and better. ;-)

[@FredWilbury]

So effective! 👌😎 regards fred

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes indeed! Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@Talltreejunction]

Hi, I’ve watched your videos over and over, I love your techniques and admire your skill. May I please send you a picture of what I made ?

[@boomerdiorama]

Go ahead!

[@Talltreejunction]

@@boomerdiorama I’ve posted some pictures on my channel if you’re interested. Kind regards Jonathan

[@bretts7029]

Fiber Paste it is! On order...

[@boomerdiorama]

Golden Fiber Paste does not disappoint the ambitious modeler. ;-)

[@roydrink]

I see you have a new resident. I hope the eagle doesn’t spot him. 🐿

[@boomerdiorama]

Lol . . . ;-) Thank you Roy! Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@danielfantino1714]

An entire surprising world can hide into trees and deserve observations: Birch: white and "silver" species trunks. Mostly thin tree, big hidden roots system. Often at death of "mother", roots are still alive and bouquet of younger will emerge. They can break under severe winds or heavy snow coat or icy rain, but can also bend and stay horizontal for ever. After sometimes, upper branchs will go vertically and come the new head trunk. Pines can get pretty high. Their roots stay close to ground surface. They can break or uproot. Don´t forget in that case the big thin blob of roots stuck with ground. It can be impressive and very seldom modeled. On large ones sometimes a big branch broke up close 8 to 10 feet above ground and tree trunk rot. After many years that rotten wood will fall making a big vertical hole. Why not cteate a mini scene behind your house with kids playing hide and seek with one in it ? Poplar too act the same way with surface roots. They usually suffer from a disease (or mushroom i forgot) that can start from an upper branch or top of head. Your tree can look healthy full of leaves except on that sick part. Dead parts can have no foliage or rusty orange leaves if the disease have kill the branch or head in the actual growing season. In 3 to 5 years the tree poplar will die. You can model a large one with leafless head, a few CLOSE together branches with dead rusty leaves and healthy on rest of the tree. Ash trees. Emerald ash borer is killing in few years. Your tree must have just a little leaves with some branches without them. It usually start from top without nourishing sap. Depending worm location on tree height, bottom branches can be ok. Trying to survive the tree will grow along its trunk new branches. Ash leaves are quite a challenge but a looking dead tree with foliage growing from trunk can be impressive. Don´t forget their curling branches going down and up. Not the easiest tree to do that can be time consuming. Conifers don´t like to loose their head. When they survive the two upper branches will come new ones and grow vertically but avoid new branches toward each other. Deciduous have no problem with multi head that will grow from trunk tip. Walnut can grew pretty big and very aesthetic but antisocial with toxic poison for other trees. In doing so they keep sunlight and rich soil for them. If you plant neighbor trees, they´ll die. Make variety in your forest. A big wind storm broke a bunch of them or lie them in all directions on the ground ? Those 2 brothers grew from single stump forming a big "V" with vertical branches ? An other one grew horizontally with a big one on him then went vertically ? Why not a kid tree house or kid swing with rope and old tire ? May be above river or lake ? What about a huge eagle nest on top ? On damp location green moss and lichen along the trunk usually on north face. What to do with those round styrofoam white pesky pearl ? Just the right size and color of giant puffball mushroom on your forest ground. In bigger scale, mushrooms on dead standing or grounded trees... Trees, forest...an entire world to do. Hope those tips can be helpful. Cheers and thanks Boomer for emphising those forgotten details.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for sharing your impressive knowledge of trees! Cheers!

[@danielfantino1714]

​@@boomerdioramawell...that´s the good bad point of having acreage. Everything said above is from home. Sad ash shory, at least 8 to cut with some close to house...well they´ll do plenty of 1" 1/2 and HO scale ties...for the rest last april icy rain storm with victims still there...hope they won´t fall on my neighbor mainline... Oh one more detail. Your tree can be uproot and lying on the ground and still be alive. Depending on deciduous specie, they´ll die or "live for ever" that way. Branches transform in new heads. Willow trees are good for that. Oh about cedars, they´re dumb enough to grow on worst locations like on a big rock with roots that will follow its shape and go in the soil. Trees can grow on vertical mountain slope if they find a crack with tiny amount of dirt and moss. Usually a tree is always vertical but some defy gravity and grow horizontal. Really bad that they need so much work in foreground. Those in back or among backdrop can be very approximate and fuzzy. But well seing in front...if it take years for them to grow, we can´t mimic them in 5 minutes. Glad you like it.

[@hondachopper6978]

Nice

[@boomerdiorama]

One well modeled tree can make a scene explode with drama! Cheers Karl! ~ Boomer.

[@jamesolsen1150]

when we model we build something to represent [say a tree] or we model a tree.

[@boomerdiorama]

All the fun stuff which makes the layout [for me] more immersive. ;-)