Large tree trunks

[OSHIROmodels]

Here's a quick tutorial on how I made/will make the trees for my Endor games. I'm not very good at doing tutorials so any questions just ask 

First off is getting a suitable base and tube. The base is hardboard and the tube is cardboard about 55mm in diameter. The tube is stuck on the base with wood glue and left to go off.


The 'roots' for the tree are cut from thick card and are then stuck around the base of the trunk.



Cafe napkins are then used to blend the roots into the tree and to add an unevenness to the trunk itself. They are stuck on with watered down wood glue (about 50/50 although that's not a definite, whatever works for brushing on easily wold suffice).



Once this has dried a gloop mixture is applied to the whole trunk. The gloop is a mix of ready mixed filler, wood glue, fine sand and paint (to help give it some colour). This gloop is what I use on the bases of my terrain.


Once the gloop is applied a fine toothpick is lightly dragged over the surface to create the bark texture. One thing I did learn was that in doing the whole 400mm length some areas were already drying and getting the bark texture wasn't easy. I think for the rest I'll probably do them half and half.



Once the bark had dried an the ground texture had been applied (same gloop, different texture) the whole lot was given a watered down wash of brown ink. It didn't really matter if the ink coat was even as that will help to make it look a little less static in colour. It was then drybrushed lightly in several shades of tan and reddy brown in various patches and areas.



The base was given a quick drybrush of a slightly greyer brown and the first type of flock was added. It's Japanese tea and smells rather nice 


The green flock was applied next and suitable plants were chosen to be added. They are tiny etched palm trees with the trunks removed. I've also added some etched creepers and a fallen log (a lavender bush I think).




Here are the two I've done so far insitu (my money is on the bloke in camouflage). I'll also be doing fallen trunks and general bases of denser undergrowth/trees etc.



cheers

James

[Silent Invader]

A most useful tute, thank you 

[Dr DeAth]

Nice tutorial, looking forward to some Endor games soon 

[gamer Mac]

Great work
Your basing brings it alive

[Elk101]

They really do look good. The little fern type bushes set the base off nicely. Would a weight in the base help with preventing the odd toppling moment during play?

[OSHIROmodels]

Cheers fellas 

Would a weight in the base help with preventing the odd toppling moment during play?

Well, the tops are still open so there's always an option. Some stones out of the garden would probably do.

[Elk101]

Only if you think they'd need it. They're going to look great on the table.

[huesped]

Awesome work, Jim.
Again, Congrats for such work.  outstanding forest blend on the bases!!

[OSHIROmodels]

Cheers fellas 

[Peithetairos]

These turned out really well. The vegetation at the trees' base really sells it, as other have remarked.

[Michi]

Such a nice idea and well done tutorial! That is exactly what I need to build a congo jungle on a budget! Thanks a lot!

[beefcake]

You've made me collect toilet paper rolls. Very upset that I gave one away to a random stranger that knocked on my door a couple of nights ago.

[orc]

  Great Tutorial!! thanks very much!!

[OSHIROmodels]

Thanks all 

[Hammers]

That's a very useful tutorial, Jim.