Editor in Chief Bill | 21 Sep 2021 11:16 p.m. PST |
I have a scenario that calls for four 'large' trees, in winter (snow on the ground). I don't have them, so I'll have to make or acquire them. I'm interested in your thoughts. Just how big should a 'large' tree in 28mm be? Thinking both in terms of reality, scale, and playability. A tree with no leaves (bare branches) or a pine tree? A bare tree would be easy to make, it seems (famous last words). Or I might find a large pine tree in the Christmas decor that's out in the stores already. (Or do I have something around here that might do…) If you have pics of your large winter trees, feel free to share and inspire me! |
Artilleryman | 22 Sep 2021 1:11 a.m. PST |
The type of tree you are looking for will depend on where your scenario is set. If it is set in the Alps, for instance, then a snow covered fir tree would be suitable. If you are in the Netherlands then a stark bare tree would be appropriate. Once that is decided then there are lots of sources of large trees including the railway scenery companies and 'specialists' such as K&M. |
Decebalus | 22 Sep 2021 1:32 a.m. PST |
IMO a "large" tree in 28mm should be around 25cm. A tree with bare branches is more difficult to make, because you need to show all small branches (that are hidden in green usually). But it will look very interesting and good. (Dead Bonsai trees make good large trees. Visit your local garden center.) |
Greylegion | 22 Sep 2021 3:31 a.m. PST |
Bill, I was at Michaels this weekend. In their Halloween decorations they had trees, no foliage on them that staid 10 or 12" high. I almost bought some. If you have a store close, you might consider them. I don't remember the price on them though. |
cloudcaptain | 22 Sep 2021 5:51 a.m. PST |
Greylegion has it right. Halloween trees. Lemax Birches if on sale would be handy too. |
79thPA | 22 Sep 2021 7:46 a.m. PST |
They will be at Michaels and Walmart soon enough. |
Thresher01 | 22 Sep 2021 7:52 a.m. PST |
Large evergreens should be in the stores shortly, if they aren't already. If you can delay your game, Walmart sells them for 50% off the day after Christmas. Others probably do too, and some might discount them even a few days before. You can make leafless deciduous trees from multiple strands of thin copper, or other wire. I've heard copper prices are way up, so that may no longer be affordable. Some tree, bush, or plant roots can also be used for dead tree structure. Woodland scenics also sells tree kits that you apply foliage to, but frequently these don't have enough fine branch structures to really look convincing, so they may or may not work for you. See the other options above in that case. |
Simo Hayha | 22 Sep 2021 9:10 a.m. PST |
if you cant wait till after christmas. they will be cheap |
etotheipi | 22 Sep 2021 9:53 a.m. PST |
Yeah, X-mas and Halloween trees. If you already have ebnough trees … and nobody does; you need more … you could get some cotton stuffing (also sold as snow blanket for X-mas) and "winterize" your extant pines and nekkid trees. Like this:
Except on the trees instead of the ground. This is what I have for out of the box (well, little bag) winter evergreens:
So .. yeah, as above … how big is big? |
Sgt Slag | 23 Sep 2021 9:40 a.m. PST |
Keep in mind playability… What looks amazing, may not be easy to game with. Pick your compromise level, and run with it. Take a look at DM Scotty's 28mm large trees crafting video, jump to 26:48 for a quick view of the finished results, to get an idea if this is something you would be interested in. Proceed from there. His trees are designed to be more functional, rather than aesthetically pleasing. They can be custom-built to whatever size you need. Redwood Trees are make-able, if desired. Cheers! |
Anton Ryzbak | 23 Sep 2021 2:40 p.m. PST |
Real trees easily get to sixty feet (20m) if we assume our figures represent a strapping lad of six feet in height the trees should stand ten times as high. As a modern "28mm" figures often tops out over 30mm tale a tree would then be 300mm tall. I've tried gaming with trees that are in-scale with the minis; I can't say I recommend it at all. Three to four times the height of the minis works for my eyes and storage space. If you are planning on using copper wire do as I did and go to a metal-recycling center and buy the old wiring from the guys bringing it in for scrap, offer a slightly higher price than the scrapyard and you will very soon have all you need! |
CeruLucifus | 26 Sep 2021 8:03 p.m. PST |
I think the DM Scotty approach of removing the top part of the tree is probably right for playing with miniatures. I think his topless trunks are 6" or 8" tall. Except I have no faith in my players – they would still knock those over. So when I make the same thing, I will use 2" tall segments. |
QUATERMASS | 09 Oct 2021 10:58 a.m. PST |
Dug out me collins pocket guide Alpine fir grows to about 16m In the real world |