OK everyone, here is the way that I make trees on my layout! So many people have asked for it that I have desided that a "step by step" form of how I do my trees would be a nice addition to the site. NOTE: I scenic my trees after I place them on the layout, this requires the room to be vented and me to use a mask. Others suggest that you scenic them first as not to fill the room with spray paint, which I would also suggest, but I just have so much to cover, and so little time.

So here we go:

Here is the area of MP 240/241 on my old Pittsburgh Line layout without trees, Horseshoe Curve is just to our left out of the photo.

 

 

This is the stuff I use, a bag will cover an area about 8'x2' and I get it at Ben Franklins for $1 a bag.

 

 

Then I form it into balls about 1"-2" in my hand.

 

 

Now, glue them to the foam.

 

 

And here is where we are after about a half hour.

 

 

Here is all that we need. Black Spray Paint, Mod Podge and a spray bottle. Also needed but not in the picture is fine ground foam.

 

 

Ok, spray the balls we put down last time with black paint.

 

 

Spray all the cotton balls that you have down. Make sure to get a nice even coat.This will also help you find the "strings" from the hot glue gun.Now, mix 1 part Mod Podge to 5 parts warm water in the spray bottle, and spray a 2 sqft area.

 

 

After you spray the area, use a shaker bottle to put on the ground foam. I start from the top and work my way down.

 

 

Use folded up cardboard to create a blowing thingy. Place foam into it and blow lightly, focusing on the nooks and around the balls.

 

 

Now, give everything a once over with the Mod Podge spray bottle, and you are done! You can stop here if you would like, or do as I did and use this as a base coat for something like fall colors. Check over the area the next day and look for spots you missed!

 

 

And our finished product!