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In part two of making HO scale
trees from the dried flower top of Sedum will
share with you a couple of new tips. A problem we
wished to address before making to many new trees
was that not all trees look alike particularly in
color tone. We experimented some with different
materials from woodland scenic. Foliage clumps of
course and medium grade. What we found was that
the foam foliage did not adhere to the glue
soaked flower of the Sedum plant very well. Still
using the mixture of a 50-50 solution of 50%
white glue 50% water. We quickly resorted back to
using the fine ground turf blend. So how do we
solve the problem of color variation of foliage?
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It was decided after
applying the turf blend and the trees were dry to
resort to an old method model railroaders
detailing. After the trees are dry and placed in
the model railroad. We would then apply a light
coat of different tones of turf and grassy colors
to give a showy textured appearance to our new
trees. We did this using hairspray from a pump
bottle and the new color of turfs. Pretty simple
solution! I like applying a light spray of
hairspray first and then sprinkle to suite small
amounts of different turf blends over the trees.
After achieving the coloring effects I was
looking for then apply a second coat over that to
help seal and hold the new foliage in place.
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Another useful tip on
materials! We found that after dipping out Sedum
in glue and sprinkling the turf blend for our
base coating of green foliage. Some excess glue
and the turf blend in our catch basin. So we
could try and use it later again the excess turf.
Well glue dries and makes clumps of the turf. To
solve this is easy! Using a flower sifter like
used in a kitchen after the turf and glue drops
have dried. Simply pour it into the sifter and
regrind it back into small partials. Only takes
as few seconds and your excess you thought was
waist is ready for making new trees.
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How about a couple
helpful tips on fastening the trees to your
layout. We used two methods. One was for mounting
the trees to a surface which was plywood based.
We simply picked a drill size close or a bit
larger than the trees we were planting. Drilled a
hole into the plywood after it had a scenic base
on it. You want to do the base of the wooded area
floor first before placing the trees on your
layout. Using hot glue we then dabbed a small
amount in the hole we drilled and planted the
tree. Hold in place until the hot glue sets and
your ready for the next tree in short order.
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| Note! Drilling a hole
when placing trees in foam based material is not
necessary. The stock of the Sedum plant is pretty
strong and if cut at an angle like an old quill
pen you can punch a hole in the foam. Pull the
tree out and place glue in the hole put the tree
back in place. Hold till the glue sets and off to
the next tree. Special Note! When placing
trees in foam base material and using hot glue.
Be sure to use the hot glue stick for use with
foam material. I did discover there is a
difference.
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