Making Model Railroad Pine Trees

You rarely see a model railroad layout that doesn't have trees in the mix. Even an industrial type setting can have some plant life that fits in with the buildings. For a lot of beginner railroaders, the vision of an HO happily flowing through tunnels and interweaving between tall pines is an ideal picture, but just how exactly do you make trees if you don't want to buy all of them. This is how!

You can certainly buy model train trees and shrubs at many hobby stores or even online, and they aren't expensive, but many people who share this passion like to hand craft as many of the details as possible, so here are some ideas on how you can achieve this look.

1. Start with a base or "trunk" for your tree. There are many options for this, but a small wooden dowel cut to the length that you see fit is a good place to start. Additionally you could use a wire coat hanger stretched out and cut to the desired length if you wanted to create a tree that has a bending appearance.

2. Next, you will need a tall container of some sort. You can cut off the top of a milk jug, carton or use a coffee can.

3. You will need to fill this container with Elmer's glue that has been slightly diluted with water. An alternative is to use spray adhesive, which comes in a spray can and is pretty sticky.

4. Dip your dowel or trunk into your vat of glue, or spray with adhesive.

5. Using loose turf that you can buy at any hobby shop, sprinkle this onto your sticky dowel.

6. Shake off any excess

7. Voila! You now should have a sharp looking pine tree.