In this class, you’ll learn to model a wide range of different trees – creating diverse, realistic, and colorful elements for your layout.
Led by your instructor Martin Tarnrot, we’ll model Western white pine trees, Canadian Black Spruce, Aspen trees and many more. We also cover alternative materials for the different seasons, what products to use, and what colors to choose for each season.
You’ll learn about materials you can harvest in the forest to make a short-cut to very realistic trees. We’ll work with materials such as blue berry bushes, Meadow Sweet flowers and Maple twigs. With the methods presented, you can produce many realistic trees using Meadow sweet in less than an hour.
You will also learn how to craft realistic trees using the plastic armatures provided by various manufacturers. This is made possible by the addition of a few extra materials.
Another important aspect of model tree making is how you can arrange them to enhance the appearance of your layout. This is possible by using forced perspective, planting the trees so they act as soft dividers between different scenes on your layout, and how to arrange trees to obtain a realistic impression.
In addition to your video instruction, you’ll get an extensive 23-page Class Guide PDF that you can print out and refer to as you work through the creation of various types of trees you’ll see in the class. PLUS, you’ll get a PDF Supplement that shows you a quick ”cookbook” summary of a wide variety of trees you can make for your layout.
Class Sessions
Session 1: Trees and Forced Perspective
12:55
In this first session we´re giving an introduction to how the trees can be used in your composition, not only to make forests, but also to create additional height and depth or divide it into different scenes or areas. We´re also explaining why and how foreground trees should differ in detail level and color compared to the background trees and how the view of angle effects how the different trees should be made in a cost- and time efficient way.
Session 2: Mass Production Tress
18:56
This second session we´re modelling the type of trees you will need a lot of, the mass production trees. Therefore, they need to be fast to make, be based on low cost materials and only provide a necessary level of detail and color variance to fit in the position they are intended for.
Session 3: Medium Production Trees
22:59
This third session we´re modelling the trees which are found mainly behind other trees, or make up groups of trees on the layout. They have a general tree-realistic appearance, but are easy to make, low cost and anyway provides that extra detail for the intended position on the layout.
Session 4: Crafted Trees
27:16
In this final session, you’ll learn to model the trees which are found up-front, closest to the viewer. These trees are customized in shape, color and size to exactly fit the place we intend on the layout. They give the viewer that feeling of genuinely handcrafted trees and an ultra-realistic appearance. There is never any doubt what type of tree it is and it enhances the forced perspective on your layout.
Your Instructor
Martin Tärnrot
Martin Tärnrot is a lifelong model railroader born with a model railroad on his bedroom carpet. Model railroading has always been an important part of his life and he has, over the years, built numerous layouts on different themes, both U.S. and European style. Since 2016, Martin has been working full-time within the model railroad industry, as a content producer of how-to videos, both for publishers and manufacturers.
Bonus Material
Class Guide PDF
Download and print this detailed guide that reviews the process and steps in making realistic trees
Class Supplement PDF
This supplemental PDF provides you with a quick reference to the various types of trees you can make
Video: Meet Your Instructor
Download this short video to meet your class instructor, Martin Tärnrot
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.
FAQs
How do I know what the Class covers?
Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills or project that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.
Do I have to be a Member of Model Railroad Academy to purchase a Class?
No you don’t. While Premium Members will receive regular offers for special deals on Model Railroad Academy content, Classes are not reserved exclusively for Members. If you buy a Class as a non-member, we’re sure you’d also enjoy having access to our full library of great railroading videos and articles as a Member, so give it a try.
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First you should decide that the Class is what you want. Review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content. When you’re ready to purchase and gain access to the Class, simply click the “Add to Cart” button, and proceed through the Checkout process.
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Is there a limit on the times I can view my Class?
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Once you purchase any Class, within the Class viewing page, you’ll have access to post a question, comment or tip in the Class Discussions. This is not a “live chat,” but your Class Instructor and MRA contributors will answer posted questions and provide tips regularly. You can also view other Class participants’ questions and input to take part in this virtual dialogue among others who have taken the Class and are willing to share tips, answers, or ideas.
Can I print out Class details?
For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want, and print with your local printer.
What are PDF downloads?
These are simply documents, plans, or written materials that are formatted in a way to print out and retain for reference. By simply clicking on the icon/link for any PDF Download that is included with a Class, you can print that document on your own printer or simply view the contents on your computer/mobile device.
Are there any system requirements to view the Class video content?
Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.
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Can I get a refund if I don’t like the Class?
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If your question is about the Class content, please use the Contact Us Link – and you'll receive feedback from the Class Instructor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at modelrailroadacademy@program-director.net or call us toll-free, at 1-855-208-7399. Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.
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