Graham T

So I've been told, but I've never watched the films so I can neither confirm nor deny!

There are some fantastic ready to plant trees available now. I like MBR, and they are good value I think (an 18-22 cm oak for €24). The trees from Primo Models also look very good, although I've never tried them, and they are quite a bit more expensive at £40 for a 14-17 cm oak. I would also get stung for import charges on the latter, so I think that if I go for ready-made trees on CR Mk II then they will be from MBR. That being said, I'm keen to try making some more of my own. I've got Gordon Gravett's book on deciduous trees on the way, so will keep experimenting. I added a little bit of horsehair to "the oak of death" this morning, using small, teased out clumps fixed on with 5-minute wood glue. Still more to add, obviously, and then some static grass fibres to represent the smaller twigs and branches - hopefully!

Of course! They’ll be there, you just won’t be able to see them because of the leaves…

I've now finished the talc and PVA coat, which seems to have adhered fairly well. It's had a shot of primer too, which should seal it. Next step will be to add some horsehair.

Now there's a good example of looking after your customers!

Trigger's broom, Caesar's dagger, etc etc...

Yes I know. At least they didn't change it much though...

Thanks Clive, always good to gather some different methods!

Looks nicely done Clive. What were the techniques you used?

Should have used an MG! Ah, hang on, they're Chinese now aren't they? A Mini then! Would could be more British...

TAWA is hard at it, I see... A dog's life!

Yes indeed, never say never. Nice idea to use natural materials. I have occasionally browsed the local park for stuff, but some of the Viennese give you a rather strange look! I also like the idea of using washers and magnets.

Compared to my "workbench" that's already tidy, and ready for rounds!

All I've managed to get done since my last post is a few of those fiddly little jobs that feel as if they should only take five minutes - but don't! The figures have now all been touched up (ooer), and I've also finished making the flower planters for the platform. 3D printed half barrels, blob of blu-tack inside (other colours are available), a bit of mixed green scatter, and then some flower tufts, that I'm sure I would never have used anywhere else. I also wanted to sort out the bark finish on the alien oak tree. I tried carving it, but the plastic is too smooth really. Much as I like the sound of the Treemendus bark powder, I could quite possibly grow an oak tree by the time it would get here from the sunny shores of the UK, so instead I tried out a mix of PVA and talc. I'm quite pleased with the look so far, although it's something of a pain to apply, and I still have quite a lot of the trunk to do. Obviously I'm not sure yet how well it will all stick! Let's see in the morning. I'm hoping that a gentle spray of primer will seal everything in nicely...

Thanks Clive, I’ll take a look at them. I’m keen to try making some more for myself though. I agree with you about the heights. An oak can grow to well over 100 ft tall - that takes a lot of space on a layout! Much as with the railway itself, most of us will need to apply some compression…

I’ve always liked the Calvin and Hobbes strip, and see exactly what you mean!

I’m a big fan of MBR trees, but think I might well make my own for the next layout. As Jay says, practice makes perfect!

I've never watched any of the films actually Clive - not really my cup of tea.

That's a shame.

Thanks Paul. I think that I'll glue them together then and stack them somewhere in the goods yard.

That looks interesting Robin, thanks.

I've got his book on grassland and landscape detailing, which I think is superb. Need to get the one on trees as well.

I see what you did there!

Perhaps a touch optimistic trying for a particular species on the first tree I've made from wire 🙂

Just a tad gnarly, yes! I've abandoned the plan of trying to make it into an elm, I think a twisted old oak is more appropriate maybe?