Making model trees Part 2 at Chadwick Model Railway | 49.

[@kevindevine7597]

To me, the Woodland Scenics armature with sea foam was head and shoulders above the two wire armatures. Excellent video.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Yes, Kevin, but they are well under scale for 00 . Regards, Charlie.

[@oceanfroggie]

Thank you Charlie. Excellent as ever. I'm right in the middle of trees and this was so helpful (in the middle of making trees not standing in the middle of trees) :)

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

They can be quite a challenge, but the result invariably, is quite rewarding. Regards Charlie

[@agrigaz5399]

Absolutely brilliant mate cheers 👍👍👍

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks 5399, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Regards, Charlie.

[@jeffreysutcliffe1139]

Excellent presentation and the end result looks brilliant. Good project for the winter months.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Jeffrey, I’m so pleased that you found it an interesting video. Regards Charlie

[@jeffreysutcliffe1139]

@@ChadwickModelRailway what make is the wire cutter you used?

[@pim1234]

The last one is more than good enough for me !

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased you liked it

[@davidsheriff8989]

Very easy to follow...you make everything look so darned simple but it works....

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

David, I'm so pleased that you found the video useful. Regards Charlie

[@BSNFabricating]

About twelve years ago I bought two bags of poly fiber from Wal-Mart (about $2.50 each, not sure what that translates to in pounds, but again this was around 2008). It comes in white, but I usually spray paint it flat black and then green after teasing it out, and before sprinkling the leaf material on it, while the paint is still wet. I've made I-don't-know-how-many hundreds of trees and I'm still on the first bag of poly fiber. Haven't even opened the second bag yet. (Of course as I've developed my modeling skills, and from watching videos like yours, I have redone some trees --especially the ones in the foreground -- to make them more realistic, but that poly fiber is dirt cheap and a little bit goes a long way.).

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

What a great comment.Yes that poly fibre certainly stands the test of time and in great quantities too. Regards Charlie

[@BillySugger1965]

Man that’s a good looking tree Charlie! I’ve been out and about this Spring looking at and photographing different kinds of trees to model, and have been thinking about construction methods. I think what I’ve taken from your videos, and the comments below, is the very best deciduous trees will be made from crafted wire armatures and built out with sea foam which has been revived by soaking and fixed with a watered down PVA. Simply stunning work Charlie, and very inspiring. Thank you!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

That’s very kind of you to say so, Mark. Regards, Charlie

[@hoffersmusic815]

Excellent tutorial Charlie, thanks for taking the time and effort to show us how it's done.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks HM815, it’s very kind of you to say so. Regards, Charlie

[@kelvinVAUGHAN]

made my first tree using woodland scenics armatures and horsehair. Very pleased with the results. So thanks Charlie. Also have a box of seafoam to practice with as well

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Kelvin, I’m so pleased that you found the video useful. Regards Charlie

[@davidmathie8360]

Another good video .I always feel many modellers make there trees to small. They are massive in real life. Look forward to the next video .

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Hi David, I can only agree and I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it . Have a great Christmas, regards Charlie.

[@davidmathie8360]

Thanks Charlie .A Happy Christmas and peaceful new year to you and your family. We have heavy snow up here in Inverness at present very festive

[@danmasters1568]

Very nice tutorial, Charlie. Those are some very realistic looking trees. Model railroading scenery technology certainly has come a long way. We learn by trial and error, don't we? Thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas and blessings from across the pond.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Dan. Best wishes for 2023, regards, Charlie

[@flyboy2610]

You have three very nice trees there, Charlie. It's going to be some time before I get to the tree stage, but I enjoy learning new methods. Super glued your fingers together? I can relate to that. It's rather embarrassing to have to go to the 24 hour convenience store at 2 o'clock in the morning to buy nail polish remover. The clerk looked at the nail polish remover (basically colored and scented acetone), looked at me trying to get the money out of my wallet one handed, chuckled and said "I know what YOU did!" I just said "Yeah." As Wendy Bagwell used to say "And that's a fact with my hand up if I had to die right now!" Search for him on KZbin. His stories are hilarious! Until next time!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Hi Flyboy, yes superglue is both a remarkable and dreadful commodity. Have a great Christmas. Regards Charlie

[@MyChaz2]

Great videos both first and second. Your detail instructions are better than the manufacturer's . Thanks again !! Great regards charlie

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so very pleased that you enjoyed them Chaz

[@MrSteen12]

Have you considered making your own leaves? I use sawdust - fine grained and a little more rough - and colouer it with food coloring. You can make your own grass the same way. It's sometimes more fun to make stof yourself and its cheaper.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I take your point Steen but sadly I just don’t have the time.

[@valleyfield60]

very nice Charlie , going to have a go at making tree's the instructions for making the tree frame was excellent.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it VF

[@jimsmoter4510]

Fantastic looking trees . I wasn’t sure about the woodland scenics one but wow it looked great .

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Hi Jim, the WS tree even surprised me.

[@edoc2]

Hi Charlie Really nice trees those, they also look fun to make I will have to have a go at making some. Thanks for posting Dave.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video Dave.

[@gardenman3]

All three trees are great.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the videos. I’m now on the hunt for natural armatures when I’m out and about. Have a great Christmas. Regards Charlie

[@ModelTrainOutsider]

The old debate of time vs. money. I also think, as others have written, the trees got better as you went along. I do like the WS fiber mesh. It is an upgrade or the clumpier tree cover Woodland Scenics used to put out. In the end, I tend to favor the plastic armatures (which I paint before adhering the meshes and leaf structure) with a mix of the fiber and leaf cover or the seafoam. Great work and education for all of us, as usual!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Hi Antony, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the videos. I’m now on the hunt for natural armatures when I’m out and about. Have a great Christmas. Regards Charlie

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

That's quite good for a first attempt at all 3 types!! They look brilliant. 👍👍 With the Seafoam, or any other natural products for tree making... A dip in Glycerin does well to preserve them and make them far less brittle. 😉 Carmine ✈🚂🚙

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

An interesting point RC, I have also heard that castor oil does the same.

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

I haven't heard that. It's likely cheaper and easier to obtain. 😉

[@colinbusby4117]

Your trees are growing on me Charlie, nice set of trees.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video Colin.

[@tonyslight826]

Great work Charlie I think tips you have given are outstanding also. You have showed your mistakes and rectify them so will avoid hobby craft spray glue like the plague thanks again Charlie.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you found it useful Tony

[@richardswallow1967]

I use old cushion filling, teasing the foam out as you did. Starting to pick up twigs on my walks with the dogs. I'm happy with twigs as tree trunks are natural finish. Is a messy job, so still practicing.....

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I must try natural armatures myself. Regards Charlie

[@barryuk676]

Great couple of videos Charlie very comprehensive covering the do's and don'ts saving us all from making mistakes, I have to say that at first looks the woodland scenics tree armature looked quite a basic toy shape for a tree but when tweaked into shape and with the gaugemaster sea foam added it came to life, I reckon that the woodland scenics armature with gaugemaster sea foam and treeemendus leaf mix was the best realistic tree shape, thanks for sharing.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Barry.

[@ainsleyperry5192]

Charlie, Nothing to onerous this week, I know it's personal preferance but I prefer this weeks trees. I've gone deeper into the forest as it were when it comes to making my own trees for my layout. It's one of those hobby things once you startyou get the bug and keep trying to make a better one. Mad I know. Cheers, Chris Perry.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Hi Chris, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed both of the videos. I too think that the later trees were better. Good luck with your layout. Regards Charlie

[@ainsleyperry5192]

@@ChadwickModelRailway Thanks, Charlie. The biggest problem with trees they are just so big. Even when someone who does'nt know a tree from a bush say's " Your trees are too big. " You start to judge your own measurments. No one ever say's the height of that signal box isn't correct. Unless they are a P. 4 or Scale 7 modeller, They know the true height of a signal box! Cheers, Chris Perry.

[@LJRLowevilleJunctionRailroad]

Great looking trees! I like the one with the armature that you made the best and also the last little one, thanks for the great video! Really must try this at some point...linda 🚂🙂👍🏻🌲

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Linda, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video.

[@jamescrab4110]

Its a pleasure watching your videos.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks, I do appreciate your loyalty.

[@Kettenhund31]

Thanks, Charlie, I've downloaded both parts for future reference and have learned a lot from your detailed demonstrations.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you have found them useful.

[@longnaughton]

Charlie only just got around to watching these videos very helpful one comment however is that the leaves should only be applied on top of the branches not from below. Leaves will face the light and will always be on the upper side, this would help make the trees more transparent

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Sorry mate but here in the UK many deciduous trees have a much more general appearance. Oaks are a good example.

[@longnaughton]

@@ChadwickModelRailway I live in the uk

[@longnaughton]

Charlie my comment related to the section of the video where you sprinkled the leaves on from underneath the branches.

[@waldenhouse]

Didn’t hear you mention it Charlie, but there’s either a magazine article or video clip about Seafoam which, in its delivered state, is then soaked for a short time in warm water. It is then hung on the washing line (or substitute) and, magically, the “trunk” straightens. It (the trunk) can then be safely reinforced with glue/paint/plaster method. Having dipped it in water rejuvenates it and, supposedly, it easily accepts working on it. Thought I’d mention it as I, too, have a box of seafoam awaiting treatment. Happy Christmas and here’s to continued success in 2019

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Hi Bobby, I think that you’re right and that you can hang a weight to help it straighten up. Seasonal greetings to you and yours. Regards Charlie

[@ledgersfarmjunction6077]

Hi Charlie thanks for this. It came at the right time for me because this is my next big projectand and this is very good tips. Regards Jaco

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Hi Jaco , I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. Regards Charlie

[@SD1922]

Many thanks again Charlie for another extremely informative video.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Hi Peter, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.

[@bionicgeekgrrl]

Both trees look good. Perhaps one option is to mix a combination of the 3 shades and sieve them onto the glue. Hairspray works well for fixing things as even with the glue, the foliage materials will fall off a bit. The type of tree depends on where you are Modelling of course, as trees in Scotland will be different to what you might find in London. The layout I'm working on at present doesn't really need much in the way of trees due to the industrial nature, but the other layout to be worked on will definitely need some so I'll keep these videos in mind.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you found it useful Kelly.

[@jazzman1626]

I think the trees got progressively better with the last tree being my favourite. Those packets of leaves look great or tree-mendous 😁 When the summer comes back, I’ve had an idea that I’ll photograph some trees to copy the canopy forms of them. I also like Scots pines, so maybe try one or two of those.I like their tall reddish bark and dark green foliage. Merry Christmas and a happy new year!❄️❄️❄️🎄🎄🎄

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Hi Jazzman, I’m so pleased that you too have grown an interest in modelling trees. Good luck with your layout. Regards Charlie

[@onnomulder9775]

Interesting video again!! Very natural trees! Thanks Charlie. Regards Onno.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it Onno.

[@kimsemyan7991]

Gonna give this a try! LOVE YOUR TUTORIALS!! Wish me luck! 🤞

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Kim, I do hope that you have subscribed too.

[@johncarvil498]

You'll soon have a forest there Charlie, number 3 looked the best one. Cheers John.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Hi John, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the videos. I’m now on the hunt for natural armatures when I’m out and about. Have a great Christmas. Regards Charlie

[@oscarwylder]

Spectacular effect - Kudos.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Oscar.

[@lent7614]

Hi Charlie Particularly like the horsehair and seafoam. I have done a trees with horsehair and polyfibre and prefer the Horsehair for the looks, but must admit the seafoam does look great, think I will be re-doing the polyfibre ones. I have used Copydex in the past which is much cheaper than WS hob-e-tac but has the same setting qualities. As a final job I spray the trees via an old CIF spray with a mix of 50/50 PVA and water, which makes them with virtually no chance of leaf loss. May see you at Frome. Great video as always. Have a great Xmas and all the best for the New Year.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Hi Len, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video, these trees can be an interesting challenge. Hope to see you in Frome. Regards Charlie

[@greghale9972]

Hi Charlie, My preference is the last tree you did, I think it is a little beauty. Cheers GregPS: I use these armatures as well as natural tree branches/twigs from my local park.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Hi Greg, I’m pleased that you the video. I must try natural armatures myself.

[@kinkong1961]

If it was me I would sprinkle the leaf granules from a decent height to stop clumping it will also give it a natural look as well I sprinkle from a height of about ten inches and that stops clumping and looks even more lifelike but well done and please try hair lacquer you will find it does work very well in deed. And to build up the armature I use art masking fluid which is basicly latex smells horrible but works brilliant and it builds up quickly and looks great and it's blummin cheap and you can also use it to stick the leaves on as well but I prefer hair lacquer.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks John some interesting points. That particular day I just couldn’t get the hair spray to stick.

[@jasons.mini.adventures]

Fantastic workmanship Charlie. So cost effective with your scratch build. As you know Im N scale so maybe a route I go down as I find pre made higher price which may not be in my budget.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

It’s certainly much more rewarding when you make your own. Regards Charlie

[@frankwhittle4364]

Apparently you can grow your own seafoam it's "Teloxys Aristata" and you can buy it from Dobbies, I thought they were all good but prefered the second one as it seemed easier to get together. Thanks for another superb video. Frank

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Frank, I’m off to Dobbies in the morning for a sausage bap and some Christmas shopping. But now I can look out for something for ME!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’ve been to Dobbies but apparently you have to order it online.

[@frankwhittle4364]

@@ChadwickModelRailway I didn't realise that, people that have bought it never gave that impression

[@anthonyshipman3611]

Thanks for that, I was going to buy some hobbycraft spray glue, won't bother now! The woodland scenics mess string stuff works well on the armatures.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Hi Anthony, it’s been mentioned in an earlier post that they’re now using a different manufacturer. My can is going back!

[@TheCrazyhorse1876]

I would have to vote for number 3 also,enjoyable 2 videos Charlie have a nice Christmas

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Hi Robert, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the videos. I’m now on the hunt for natural armatures when I’m out and about. Have a great Christmas. Regards Charlie

[@alanhutchins4233]

Another very informative video. Many thanks

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Alan.

[@brucewoods9377]

Simply brilliant

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Bruce.

[@hdcrow]

have you tried the hemp rope/thin CA and accelerator method? great fun and a nice armature for heavy trees. learned a lot. Thank you

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks HD, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. I will be returning to trees in the future so I will give hemp a go.

[@nigelcarter9503]

Another good video, Charlie

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks Nigel.

[@davidcutts2650]

Good follow on & agree “very tree like” I also work with N gauge so use a smaller scale which is a little more tricky.. I take this opportunity to wish you a great Christmas holiday & all the very best for 2019.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

David, you’re too kind. Have a great Christmas. Regards Charlie

[@s1mon1983]

Nice video, very useful. I think the foliage method from tree 1 would look good on the woodland scenics armatures too.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it

[@RM-io7qo]

My favourite tree of the three is the small lighter green one as it has the typical deciduous tree shape. Of course having a copy of Collins Complete British Trees by Paul Sterry would help to create Tree shapes, bark and leaf colours for the modeller. Thanks for sharing your hints and tips on this and other subjects through your great videos. Take care...

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Hi John, I’m so pleased that you enjoy my videos. I think that you’re right in picking a tree by species and trying to model it more closely. Of course choosing it’s size will match it to its location. Smaller in the distance larger close in. Have a great Christmas. Regards Charlie

[@RM-io7qo]

@@ChadwickModelRailway Hi Charlie, I think it would pay anyone who is making a country scene to think about the location. A Scottish scene may need a sandy soil with small groups of Scots Pine, whereas a site in the English Midlands could ideally suit Deciduous trees like Oaks, Ash or Elm, each have a particular overall shape. Railway books with good colour photographs will help the modeller decide which trees will suit their own model layout. Indeed, some Midland scenes have Orchards with uniform rows of small fruit trees. The use of perspective is a must as you point out and is something that I intend to put to good use for my N gauge layout of the Millers Dale station during the LMS era. Have a great Christmas. Regards John...

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks John ... and the same greetings to you and yours.

[@nesr8786]

Great follow up Charlie ,trees look real, hope you are well ,you looked a bit peely wally today ??? take care cause we care ,RGDS John

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Hi John, I had to look up, peely wally. Rest assured I’m fine. I’m pleased that you enjoyed the video. Regards Charlie

[@nesr8786]

sometimes my Doric jumps in sorry,as long as you are fine Buddy thats all that counts,until next time ,take care John

[@CAPNMAC82]

A teeny-tiny, really miniscule, amout of yellow and/or red (or one of the "leaf litter" products) will pop a tree's appearance. This is a "cheat" I learned in landscape painting, as the bottoms of leaves are very pale and reflect glints back to the eye, which we humans interpret as yellows and reds.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Great tip, many thanks.

[@briandunning2974]

Another excellent video. I particularly like the “failures” so I know not what to buy. One question... the sea foam is brittle and may not last, you say, but I think after that stage you’d got a brilliant winter looking tree, which was the best of the 3. Is there any other product that gives that very fine mesh, before adding leaves. Brian.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Hi Brian, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the video. I don’t know of another mesh product but I’m always on the lookout.

[@BulldogGaz]

Definely don't look like Toilet brushes 🤣 nice job

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Once you know that they can look like toilet brushes, it’s a view you can’t get out of your head. Regards, Charlie

[@GalgormHall]

Two very interesting videos with three very different results on your trees. All have their merits but if I had to chose one, the sea foam material produced the most desirable results. It would be interesting seeing that product used on the wire formed armatures. Top stuff. Paul

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Hi Paul, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it.

[@briansims2865]

what hight would say for N GAUGE layout to make it look right.....Brian

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Trees are almost always modelled under scale. Three times the height of a loco might be a good start.

[@briansims2865]

@@ChadwickModelRailway ok thank you,thats a start.....also when does you club have a open day would be able to get down from Bristol thanks again, Brian

[@rhysb80]

Charlie, I think you may want to be aware that the Hobbycraft glue you have bought in this video has been changed. Hobbycraft have moved to a better supplier and the quality of their own brand glue has dramatically increased. The new cans now have white bottoms as opposed to silver in your video.

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Thanks for that point. I wonder if I can get it exchanged. Worth a try perhaps.

[@brianstewart3594]

if you the time you can grow your own sea fome

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

I have never thought of that. Have you tried it?

[@brianstewart3594]

@@ChadwickModelRailway yes i can send you the link to buy the seed

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

That would be great Brian. Can you post it here?

[@brianstewart3594]

@@ChadwickModelRailway Teloxys aristata, 'Sea Foam'

[@brianstewart3594]

@@ChadwickModelRailway www.chilternseeds.co.uk/item_1235A_teloxys_aristata_sea_foam