Here's my attempt at making a tree.  Like Brian, it's my first ever attempt and it shows !!!

I used similar wire to everyone else - mostly stripped from electric cable - the thickest from 2.5mm mains down through 1.5mm single core, some alarm cable and finally, stranded wire from 1mm lighting cable.  I did find it a pain to get the insulation off some of the cable and must find an alternative method !!!




As soon as I started twisting them together, I realised that I hadn't anything like enough of the finer wires.  I ought to have stripped some more out but, once I'm moving, I'm quite difficult to stop so just carried on with what I had.



I'm so pleased real trees don't look like this……………..:oops:



I left some "framework" at the bnottom to act as the root formation.  I hoped it wouldn't look too bad once it was covered in hot-melt glue.



It's a long time since I'd used my hot glue gun - I'd also forgotten how hot the glue is…………..:twisted:



The glue looks a bit "glossy" - I wonder how well it will take paint when the time comes :roll:




One problem I've found with using hot glue is that you can't "smooth" out the glue over the framework (well, actually you can but it hurts !!)  so there will be a fair bit of "tidying" to do but that's for another day…………………..

Those roots are going to look very good!
Can branches still be bent about once the glue has set?

Mike

I'm not sure Mike. :hmm

I hope so otherwise it's going to be a pretty odd tree.  If the glue does come away, it's not too big a job to re-coat.

Instead of hot glue try a water soluble gap filler. Like Selleys gap filler or a cheaper version.

Put some out into a suitable container, add few drops of water, mix up then apply to tree armature with old knife or some type of spatula.
Don't add to much water as it does not take much to thin it down.

 Lot easier to work than hot glue. Doesn't burn the fingers either.

 Ian

So far, so good.  But where do the screws come in?

For a first tree that's looking pretty good Peter. Once you get the bark painted and the foliage on I think you will have something you are happy to screw down on to the layout.

Looking good :thumbs

I have found that having a winter picture (leaves off) of an actual tree  helps with the structure and shape of the branches.

Another excellent start.
I've found that the structure of a species specific tree is not so important if it's dense foliage.
However, where lightly covered it's pretty essential.

[user=324]Ianbo[/user] wrote:

Looking good :thumbs

I have found that having a winter picture (leaves off) of an actual tree  helps with the structure and shape of the branches.

I rather like the subtle way you've said "that doesn't look like any tree I've ever seen" 

Actually, I agree with you Ian but there's always a prototype somewhere - it's just that neither you nor I have ever seen it………:roll::roll:

[user=394]ddolfelin[/user] wrote:

Another excellent start.
I've found that the structure of a species specific tree is not so important if it's dense foliage.
However, where lightly covered it's pretty essential.

Don't worry DD - it will be well and truly hidden by extremely dense foliage………..:thumbs

Sorry if I sounded critical :oops: I was just pointing out that it helps me to have a picture.

No problem at all Ian.  If we all post pictures expecting nothing but praise, then what's the point ?  Constructive critisism is just about the best teaching tool available to mankind. :thumbs

You gave me a very good tip and one that I shall follow for my 2nd (Das clad) tree……….:cheers

Don't do yourself down,Peter.For a first ever tree,I think you've excelled yourself.The roots in particular add to the realism.I think once you've painted it and added your choice of foliage,you might just even suprise yourself.
:pathead

Cheers,John.B.:thumbs

I think you are being too harsh on yourself Peter. Although not taking part in the project I tried this method and found it quite difficult, finishing up with a tree that's not nearly as lifelike as yours. I'm sticking to the plant twigs I find on the mountainside. Great roots.:thumbs

Les