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Realistic Scale Model Tree Sizes
Kevin asks:
“Last time I visited a train show I remember thinking some of the trees looked too big in proportion to the train size. I mentioned it to a friend who said it was most probably because I was looking down on the layout so they appeared bigger.
I want a few trees for my 2ft x 10ft switching layout and I am thinking that full-grown trees could overwhelm the scene. What size trees would you recommend in HO scale – how tall?”
Share your answers and read suggestions from others in the hobby below.
8 Responses to Realistic Scale Model Tree Sizes
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For scenery objects, like trees or buildings, I follow this rule. Take the width of your benchwork in this area, say 36 inches wide. The foreground next to you should be ho scale. Half way to the backdrop, or in this case – 18 inches, should drop the scale by one. All the way to the backdrop, should drop another scale if possible. In your case, this would be “N”. Back at the rear, like on a road or mountain, would be the next scale down which i think is “T”.
When viewed best on the dead level, you get the best perspective result.
Look out of your window. Trees come in all sizes. Old trees are bigger than young trees.
So for realism, have a variety of different sized trees. In the corner of a field, a big old tree, and on a house lawn, a small young tree.
The same tree model can be used on different scales for trees of different ages.
Let your scenery include dead trees, chopped down trees, bushes, hedges, saplings . . .
My suggestion would be to research some photos of real locations of the type of switching that you plan to model or go out and take some photos yourself. I have some photos from where I use to work:
The trees are about 1.5 to 2.5 times the height of an average rail car.
Trees are BIG, there is no getting over it. A single storied building is between 8′ and 16′ at the eaves, and up to 25′ at the ridge. A semi mature eucalypt of 5 years old stands at 50′, an old oak or elm can be as much as 80′ and a mature douglas fir will be 120′ tall. We are so used to seeing model trees in displays, and for sale that barely reach 25′ – piddling little things compared with the real world.
For me it depends on tree type, location.. For background I find1.5-2.5″ fine. Foreground evergreens are 5.5-7.5″ with deciduous trees 5.5-6″. I do use shorter trees as saplings .
I am an Aviation Pilot and have a bigger Train Room for my Nee Scale Layout at 1:152.
My perspective and motivation/opportunity is different from most other Model Railroaders.
So I think and act differently.
Hence, I often use O Scale marked trees for what some would see as N Scale….but it’s not.
I don’t use Train Store buildings straight out of the box either…
Instead, I measure the prototype and do the math.
I know how to measure the height of a tree, based on its shadow.
Then I chastise myself further by taking a Digital Picture of it all….and comparing to a prototype scene.
Meaning?
Do as you like and give yourself whatever excuse you want to tell yourself…but Trees are Tall. > I quote…The piddling little things some people choose. = I simply don’t.
Tall Trees in O Scale makes modeling in near/née scale easier.
Thank you O Scale for my Lionel Bridges and Trees.
Here’s the test…Get an O Scale Lionel Bridge and put N Gauge Track on it.
Then get some 1:160 figures and put an N Scale Train across it.
Take a Picture.
Now Add Trees.
Look Again and Try Again.
With all the above said.
JTT Trees Premier Trees with authentic bark are wonderful but you can make your own
That is if you have the modeling skills of a 16 year.
This depends on what region your layout is set in, but considering mine is set in coastal South Carolina, I’m planning to use palm trees. Suburban and light industrial areas tend to have younger and smaller trees lining streets. For an industrial setting, I’d focus more on shrubs and bushes.
A good rule of thumb is that large trees can be about 2-3 times the height of your average rolling stock.
I want to add some more comments from my own thoughts about trees on a model railway/railroad. Firstly, do a bit of research on what types of trees grow naturally in the region where your model represents. Most of your trees should be of these types.
Most natural established trees are much taller than our models and can provide a different look to a layout.
Strategically placed, they can also provide a useful natural scenic block.