Basing Trees

[Operator5]

Trees are one of the most annoying terrain features to store. In order to get them to stand, you have to have a decent base size for them. I've been trying different ways to be able to remove them from the base, but still keep them sturdy on the table. Simply pushing them into the base usually works fine for a while, but the edges of the hole wear out and then the trees start leaning this way and that. Using the bases they sometimes come with (like the train model trees that you can push into a tiny stump) is also not particularly sturdy and trees will still lean and fall over.

Last night I finalized my method. Using the plastic train model trees (as well as some home made ones), I drill out the center and insert a threaded 6/32 rod. Then, using a foam sculpting tool, I push a hole through the foam base. I widen the whole on the underside and then put a washer and nut on the threaded rod. I tighten it up with a socket attachment on a screwdriver and tighten until the tree is sturdy.

It takes a few more minutes to prepare for a game, but is well worth it. I probably would not want to do it with a score or more trees, but for the 2'x2' boards I use, it works perfectly.

[Aaron]

The FLGS guys had a neat solution. When they built their boards they embedded a lot of cut up chunks of thin sheet steel in the blue foam base. Once textured and painted you couldn't tel lthey were there at all. They then drilled out small cavities in the bases of their trees and glued in tiny rare earth magnets. It works suprisingly well.

[Skrapwelder]

I put mine on 2" metal washers. For forests I made a few base pieces out of magnetic sheet that I've made to look like a forest floor but left spaces for the tree bases on. When the trees aren't on it I've got some grassed over washers to cover the bare spots.

[PeteMurray]

Trees are why I made the carrying box for my convention boards.

Your solution is not as heavy.

[Operator5]

I had thought about doing magnets as well, but either A.) I would have had to work sheet metal into the scenery or B.) I would have been limited in placing trees only where magnets are. Both are excellent ideas and I have used rare earth magnets for other things (my lamp posts for my city board for example) but by holding the trees in place with screws and nuts, I can move the pieces anywhere.

[Backyardpatrol]

Remember those old AOL cd's? The made great tree bases!

[UncleRhino]

I noticed at Home Depot awhile back that you can buy sheets of metal that might just be available in 2x2, if you magnetized all of your trees...or whatever terrain, your entire playing surface would be magnet useable.  I normally use 2x2 sheets of 1/4" hardboard with the textured side up, and then go over the top of that with drywall compound to make sure it is not completely flat.  After that you throw on a good old layer of Elmer's Glue, apply the cat litter, then paint black, allow to dry, then do the patented UncleRhino three stage green paint treatment and you are done.

UncleRhino