Logs
- Thread starter Steven C.
- Start date
playmofire
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You could use suitable prunings from garden plants.
Paradise
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Check out different species of tree branches for ones with bark that will scale well to what you are modelling. The finer bark species will probably suit better for a scale model. Scale loads of hardwood logs can add considerable weight to an entire consist so perhaps lighter weight softwood branches will suit better. The bark of some will fall off when the wood dries so test a few out before cutting down an entire forest of logs. 
When you cut them make sure the thick end of some of the logs have a facing notch cut with splintery hinge as tree fellers do rather than a straight through cut. This will look more authentic.
If you want fake, light weight large logs you could paint up some of those swimming pool floaty foam noodle things being about 70mm thick. Only a few $ for about a 1.8 mtr length.
Combined with carving, inscribing and dry brushing, a variety of bark like texturing can be achieved.
When you cut them make sure the thick end of some of the logs have a facing notch cut with splintery hinge as tree fellers do rather than a straight through cut. This will look more authentic.
If you want fake, light weight large logs you could paint up some of those swimming pool floaty foam noodle things being about 70mm thick. Only a few $ for about a 1.8 mtr length.
Combined with carving, inscribing and dry brushing, a variety of bark like texturing can be achieved.
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trammayo
Interested in vintage commercial vehicle, trams, t
If you have a lot of log cars then maybe consider plastic ones. They are a lot lighter and can be made to look quite realistic (the mouding is but the colour is just brown) - I just give the ends a dab of colour and run a brush over the bark. Bruder, and Siku, make them in 1/16 or 1/32nd. As trees come in different sizes the plastic ones are whatever you might be logging!
But I do use real did grow sometimes .......
But I do use real did grow sometimes .......
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I have used Elder Tree Cuttings and also Conifer. Both may work out heavier than Plastic but look oh so much more realistic. Look for some one locally doing some Hedge or Tree Trimming and ask for some of the cuttings that appear to be the right size if you do not have any suitable Trees yourself. And yes those in the Pic are certainly the real thing.
Paradise
Registered
I think they are the real deal Steven.
Perhaps you could try the model building suppliers to see if they have molded logs.
The Bachmann Big Hauler ones are toy like.
GAP
G Scale Model Trains, 1:1 Sugar Cane Trains
I use the trunk of a plant called Cordyline for my logs.
They are a fast growing tall plant with a log like trunk, if you cut them and leave them to dry for a few months you end up with a log that has good bark texture but weights less than balsa wood for a similar size piece.
The good thing about them is that the top that is cut off readily strikes and anew plant is available for more log harvesting down the track.
variety is sometimes sold as""Chinese Happy Plant as well.
playmofire
Registered
Here's a link to the Bruder site:
Bruder Spielwaren - Overview: Forestry
Siku only seem to sell them with models.
Bruder Spielwaren - Overview: Forestry
Siku only seem to sell them with models.
Rhinochugger
Retired Oik
The Bachmann logs aren't bad - sometimes sold on ebay.
Beware two lengths - they made plastic logs for both 20ft and 30 ft wagons.
For the real stuff, Holly is quite good and straight
Beware two lengths - they made plastic logs for both 20ft and 30 ft wagons.
For the real stuff, Holly is quite good and straight
The Devonian
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The Devonian
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Soft woods, where used as scenic lineside items do attract insects, so harder woods are preferably and last longer. Annual pruning (if you have trees) can supply replacements if needed. A friendly neighbour might provide some if you have no trees.
Small chopped logs were a feature on those lines in the USA that used wood burning locos, such as those in Colorado and New Mexico. Small lineside stacks can be seen in old photographs.
The Bachman tender, which has 'plastic' logs really spoils the model. I replaced mine with 'small logs' made out of cherry wood; an immediate improvement to the models appearance.
Small chopped logs were a feature on those lines in the USA that used wood burning locos, such as those in Colorado and New Mexico. Small lineside stacks can be seen in old photographs.
The Bachman tender, which has 'plastic' logs really spoils the model. I replaced mine with 'small logs' made out of cherry wood; an immediate improvement to the models appearance.
Rhinochugger
Retired Oik
trammayo
Interested in vintage commercial vehicle, trams, t
As mentioned by others - they are real!
playmofire
Registered
I remember that at one annual show I went to with a layout I had real wood (prunings from skimmia) as a load. The first question a youngster asked was, "Are the logs real wood?", to which the answer was, "Yes". As soon as his mates appeared, he pointed at the truck and shouted, "Hey, the logs are real wood!". His mates were equally excited by this news.