Making Model Train Scenery Trees

In part seven of the 9-part Kanawha & Western Allegheny series, C.J. Riley offers a step-by-step tutorial on making trees. He demonstrates how to make them on one of his sheet foam ridges on his layout. In this video, he is in the middle of adding the trees to the particular section so he walks us through how he accomplishes filling in the section. The area in the foreground is already prepared with trees in place so you can get an idea of what the final outcome will look like.

Making Trees

C.J. explains from start to finish how to create trees for your scenery. He starts by spray painting the foam of the ridge brown to give the appearance of soil. Then, places toothpicks into the foam. The next step is to puff up some Woodland Scenics foam or a similar material and set them in place. He sprays the trees different colors to represent fall foliage. He fills in the foreground with more detailed trees to help with the edge of the forest.

C.J. explains that he tries every technique he has ever seen. He uses many of the techniques at the same time because he feels as if one technique can’t provide all the different textures and colors that are necessary to portray nature.