How To Make Removable Trees - Model Railway Tutorial

A tutorial on how to make removable trees for your model railway.
"Removable trees... what's the point of that?" I hear you ask. Well not all of us have the luxury of having a layout that can be setup permanently and tall things (like trees for example) can cause a bit of a problem when it comes to storing the layout.
Ok, I realise this is most likely the solution to a problem only I have stick with me here...
On my model railway the majority of the trees are up on hills and embankments too which makes them even taller but I've come up with a handy little solution that allows me to cut down on storage space and also protect the trees from getting damaged when moving the layout.
This technique is pretty simple and uses the Woodlands Scenics Tree Armatures, so I know it won't be to everyone's taste. That said I'll also show you the basic process I use for making my trees with Woodlands Scenics Fine Leaf Foliage, so hopefully there's something here for everyone.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:52 - Preparing the tree.
03:41 - Making the base & scenics.
06:23 - Making a tree.
08:22 - Installing the finished tree
Thanks for watching!

[@laszlokaestner5766]

Saw you today at SVR and we spoke about trees and you directed me to this video. I have no idea how I missed it first time around but it is excellent and I will be trying this on my layout for sure.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Fantastic! So glad you found the video ok and best of luck giving it go. I hope it works on your layout! Thanks for watching 😃

[@seagraverailwaysandmodels2408]

Something I'd not thought of in this way. My related challenge will be getting modules in and out through the attic hatch when I want to work on them - some interesting like this will certainly help.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks Matthew. Yeah that could be a bit of a challenge. The straight modules are ok for me but the larger corner ones are a bit bulky which is why I altered the design slightly. Thanks for watching 😃

[@KeanesCove]

Great idea. Allows you to change the seasons too. I’m just changing mine for autumn 🍂

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks Debbie and that's a brilliant idea on changing the seasons. I hadn't thought of that but it seems so obvious! Nice one 👍 Thanks for watching 😃

[@tagsdm]

Very clever there, That Model Railway Guy. When I think of all the years I lived in apartments how well this would've worked. I must say the static grass looks just right, as well.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks, it’s a handy way of doing it isn’t it. I can’t imagine how many trees I would have destroyed otherwise! Glad you like the static grass too, I actually did a more in depth video on that a while back. Thanks for watching 😃

[@HemelDownModelRailway]

A great tutorial, a great idea and I like the look you achieved with the trees great job think that it’s an idea I will definitely use so I can change out tree types keeping the scenery more interesting 🙂👍🏻

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks Mark, yeah it’s definitely helped me when moving the modules around. I’d hate to think how many trees I would have destroyed by now if they weren’t removable 😂 I quite like the look of them too, the fine leaf foliage is good so it’s one of the things I’m willing to pay for. Thanks for watching 😃

[@willbreckinridge8010]

This is really smart! I also want to see a more in depth look at how the modules are stored as well. Nice video!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

It's definitely handy for cutting down the height needed to store the modules and yes you're right, I do need to do a video on how I store the layout when not in use. Thanks for watching 😃

[@paulnicoll1791]

I have worked in many scales over the years . The largest being in N gauge, I used hiderangers (sorry about the spelling) , using the stalks of the flowers gives you many different shapes and sizes to play with. Once dried and painted I bought a few packs of woodland scenics foulige and gave everything to my 8 year old goddaughter .2 hours later I had over 200 trees ready to be planted. because the stalk/trunk is so small I just drilled a small hole and stuck them in

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Awesome technique Paul! Sounds like a great way of getting a lot of trees in a short amount of time, especially if you have some child labour... errr I mean willing assistants to help out! Thanks for watching 😃

[@thomasmcelroy3637]

yes a very good idea. well thought out. though my layout is static this can be useful . cheers tom.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Great to hear that'll it'll also be useful on your static layout Tom. It certainly makes repairing trees much easier in my experience. Thanks for watching 😃

[@NicholassTrainChannel]

Great video mate. This is a great idea for removable trees. I notice quite alot of exhibion layouts do the same thing. great looking tree too.- Nicholas.

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks Nicholas, yeah I noticed exactly the same thing with some exhibition layouts and the Woodlands Scenics armatures are perfect for this. Thanks for watching 😃

[@adam_fordham]

I liked that tutorial on trees. It's very hard to get trees right on layouts and yours do look really affective, well done

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks, I do like using the Woodlands Scenics fine leaf foliage. Makes it very difficult to get a tree wrong even if it does cost a bit more. Thanks for watching 😃

[@ajknaup3530]

Lovely, useful video -- TYSM!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

My pleasure, glad you found it helpful. Thanks for watching 😃

[@dibsyardshuntinglayout]

Brilliant idea, I may have to try them once I love to the more country-wide modules of my layout. For now I have embedded a drinking straw in to the embankment, ready for the tiny little wire armature tree, when I finally make it!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks, yeah it works pretty well and makes the trees quite easy to make too. That's a brilliant idea using a drinking straw though - great for those who like their trees to all be unique! Thanks for watching 😃

[@dibsyardshuntinglayout]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy cool thank you. No need to thank me for watching your vids, as they are always a pleasure to watch!

[@andrewross3293]

Excellent idea and video. I will use this for my layout so I can remove the trees for maintenance and cleaning. Superglue is great but be careful not to get your fingers stuck and remember it dissolves polystyrene!

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks Andrew, yeah it's definitely a great idea for being able to get to corners of the layout without worry about accidentally felling a few trees. You also don't have to use superglue - tacky wax or even just PVA will work too as long as you don't mind waiting a bit... I'm just impatient 😂 Thanks for watching 👍

[@bonzomcdrumcat4989]

I have no idea how you only have 5k subscribers

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Meanwhile, I’m surprised that I’ve made it to 5k Subscribers! 😂 Thanks for watching 👍

[@OlivierGabin]

Simple and efficient, I love it ! I cannot have a permanent layout due to the size of my apartment (two rooms and 50 sq meters overall only !).Woodland scenics tree armatures seems a nice product, not too expensive, and I have found some at Hattons. I just need to find one for a maritime pine (Pinus Pinaster), I have an italian layout to decorate... I'm looking at it !

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Thanks Olivier, glad you enjoyed it! I'm not massively knowledgable about real trees but Woodlands Scenics do sell a set of Pine Tree specific armatures so perhaps they would be a better starting point for the trees on your Italian layout. Thanks for watching 😃

[@lewiscartwright3609]

Some people might think that it's weird but I Love Trees especially Oak trees although I hate it when a Pine tree Leaves poke me in the top of my head it's like having a knitting needle hammered into your head it really hurts

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

I suspect the world would be a much better place if we all loved trees as much as you do... although I can understand you aversion to pine needles 😂 Thanks for watching 👍

[@lewiscartwright3609]

@@ThatModelRailwayGuy No worries and I agree 👍 Cheers.Lewis.