Ho Scale CP Layout Build, A Continuous Thread


Those are nice looking trees. I purchased some conifers made by Grand Central Gems, (got them from Walthers) they are called pines but look more like Spruce to me:

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This tree is 7" tall . My opinion is the trees do not have to be scale height to give the impression of mature trees.

I had lots of trees on my old layout and put the tallest ones out of the way where I would not snag them. I tried using some trees that would be like 70-80' tall but those would be 9"+ tall in HO scale and that did not look right to my eyes, maybe because buildings, roads, etc. are somewhat compressed.

I know there are lots of trees over 70' tall in Northern Wisconsin, even up to 115' tall.

Dave LASM
 
Hi all! Another plan change is in the works. As I am starting to buy material for the layout, I am starting to finalize the design. Reasons for this is the operating experience and overall price!
Screenshot 2023-02-03 6.37.35 PM.png
Here is another design I have done. The width of the layout has been taken from 1.5 ft wide to 1 ft wide, simply for cost saving measures. I can now use 1 piece of foam and 1 piece of plywood as opposed to 2 of each. The general top left area is pine forests with some nice grassy areas, and the bottom right area is a large plain/marsh with the Peshtigo River flowing through it. There are also 3 control points along the layout. I have a fascination for abandoned railroads so I had to include one because there actually is one in Oconto, WI, that used to go west to Ocono Falls (Hence the control point FALLS).
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Here is a satellite photo of the area in Wisconsin I am modeling. The red is the active CN Mainline and the blue is the abandoned railroad, which connects to the Escanaba and Lake Superior Railroad near Lena.
 
I read something about "trees"...:)
May be making them yourself?
You "only" need an electrostatic grasmaster .
Also a piece of a floristic wire ,some long - 12 mm, and shorter , 4 mm ,fibres and some fine turf from Woodland you can make some quite

202011971924_N scale trees JOS sm.jpgPhilipeSchyns.jpg

realistic pine/fir/spruce tree. 4-5 inches. I was inspired by pictures on the net:
phillipe Vanvouver pines large green.jpg


Also small ones from about 2 inches/5 cm these small trees don't have a large long trunk but is is easier to work with a long "groundpin" .
When ready just cut off most of the wire 1/2 an inch is enough as a groundpin....
vezelsparretjes  5 cm nov 2019 mbbgroveden 2019.jpg

You can easily make 20 trees /evening! So in one week 140 trees! ...still not many trees comparing the real nature! But still far more faster than in real.
Jos
 
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The trees are too 4- 5 inches tall( 10 - 13 cm)
Taler is no problem. I made some of 8 inches( 20 cm)
They " got" 3 layers of the 12 mm fibres.
Before adding the fine turf the shape of the tree needs a litlle bit of correction= with sharp scissor cutting the base a litlle bit smaller.
I am from Europe, Netherlands, so I realy do not know where to buy these wires. Important is that it should be strong enough and not to thick!

Jos
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These are small ones, scale N. The largest. is about 4 inches.

Jos
 



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