“Fire in the hole!” - time to kick some ass!

[Ultravanillasmurf]

Nice work on the trees.

[Digits]

Thanks for the encouragement chaps.

Well the large bugger is shaped and ready for the first covering.

I have drilled little holes into the base and twisted wire through to hold the roots down and give some stability.  It will help whilst I fiddle about with the base and the roots and add strength later on.  I have decided that as trees like this are so big (see Joker at its base), I will mount them on their own base and spread them about rather than do two on the same base.   I may get sick of making them (my fingers hurt now!) but they will look imposing in the “jungle” I hope.

[Digits]

So first layer of liquid latex mould making stuff.  I’m using Woodland Scenic and I will be doing the big guy and one small.  Making the wire armatures is not a quick process, so I will sit and knock those out whilst I’m watching telly over the next week or two.

The stuff just paints on, and I am making great pains to hide the twisted wire, especially on the larger tree.

It will need at least two layers, maybe three.  The side of the jar says each layer will dry in about thirty minutes, I’m not so sure...

The added benefit of using this, is that with the wire at its core, you still have the ability to repose branches once it’s finished.

[Ultravanillasmurf]

Neat.

[vodkafan]

Outstanding work for a first try! 

[gamer Mac]

Very nice work for a first attempt

[Digits]

Long way to go yet guys but thanks.

So I ended up waiting all night for it to dry, and I’ve just put a second layer on.  If I wanted to wrap it and hide the twist of wire completely, I could put a piece of gauze between layers I think, but I’m not too worried about a little twist in the trunk.  I’ve seen trees in west Africa with a bit of twist in and take a look at gum tree trunks for example.  As for the upper branches, well they will eventually end up in the foliage.

The smaller one takes the latex well and the thinner wires are not so difficult to mask.

[has.been]

Nice to see you branching out. Excellent work. Are you taking orders for
Teutoburger forest yet?

[Digits]

Surely you need mostly pines for that?  And the answer is a firm NO.  These are not quick turnaround.  I have always bought my trees over the years, and they have been pretty nice, but there is something pleasing about doing my own.  Everyone should buy a little pack of florist wire and have a go.....

[von Lucky]

Nice to see you branching out.

I seed what you did there.

Tree looking very promising.

[Digits]

Ta.  Yup so two coats of latex was sufficient and I’ve just sprayed them ahead of painting.

I actually need to sort the base and sand it first.



I’ve also decided on my aircraft, in the end I decided against a helicopter (as there will be a few on the battlefield in time anyway) and most jets would be almost as long as the tree high.  I’ve ordered an A-37 Dragonfly.

[vodkafan]

I’ve also decided on my aircraft, in the end I decided against a helicopter (as there will be a few on the battlefield in time anyway) and most jets would be almost as long as the tree high.  I’ve ordered an A-37 Dragonfly.

Good choice, I can see it in my mind's eye, can't wait to see your rendition of it!

[Digits]

Yup....not painted a model aircraft since I was a kid mind!  Saying that, it’s going to be so battered I doubt the paintwork will be the issue!

Trying out a few ideas for climbers and lianas.  I think a light wool soaked in a mix of pva and grey/brown paint, with the odd dab of green foliage is going to work the best.  I also bought a Christmas bauble from a local garden centre because it was covered in fake moss strands that may trade off and be useful....

I’m going to paint the tree next and add foliage.....the trickiest bit to get right I think.

[Digits]

The basic tree trunk is done.  Quite happy with the colouring.



Next up, foliage.

I was trawling the net for a few inspirational....this first being my favourite.

[Digits]

First stretch on a little polyfibre



Then simply add the clump foliage using a fixative spray



Lianas, and low level jungle shrub will finish it eventually, a maybe a painted parrot!  Need to wait for the plane now....