I love all the updates, love the layout. If you hadn't said anything I would not have noticed myself about the trees being from the area........great catch as a modeler!!!!!! Keep up the great work!!!!!!!!
Yes, alot of fir trees you see are a blueish color. That's why they're called Blue Spruce. Love Grant's White Birch/Aspen yellowish leaf trees. Good job Cam.
Great update. Really like the trees...both the older and newer.... they look great! The tunnel portals are beautiful pieces of work. Thanks for sharing.
Layout looks great, sir. If anything, I would do a little more with your backdrops and line in a few tree trunks an detailed painted trees... Just to create a little more dimension and transition between the modeled trees and backdrop. But it looked amazing and it's great you have this size project to work on. Thanks for sharing!
Great video. I used the southern Alberta method of trees also and it’s great. I like your original trees because they are random. The new method colors are great but trees look less random. At least from above view. Layout looks awesome
Great stuff Cam, the new trees look much better and will mesh well with the rest of your outstanding scenery. Grant has some great techniques, I really enjoy watching and learning from both of your layouts. - Steve
You are making great progress. A suggestion you mite try is to trim the tree material to shape before twisting the wire trunk. For me it makes it easier than trimming after and the shape is better. Also many trees are slightly bell shaped and that is much more easily accomplished trimming early on in the process. Variety is good and nature does a great job of providing it. Love your layout and tutorials. An excellent track plan and you’ve used the space you have very well.
Nice update. I really like the rock work near the tunnels. Most layouts that I have seen where the rock is carved from foam isn't as convincing. Your carving and coloring are nicely done.
Nice update Cam! I really like the look of the new trees! If you start removing the old trees and decide to discard them, I'd be happy to purchase some from you. Thanks for another great video! - Brian
Great update. You're a fantastic modeler. Unsolicited opinion... what if you mixed in the old trees with some of the new trees for variety? Then you don't have to toss them. Also you could use an airbrush to get some of the color correction on the older trees to match the new trees and get that light to dark variation you mentioned with the flocking. But ultimately do whatever makes you happy, it's your railroad! Also your rock work is 👌👌
Your layout gets better all the time! For what it's worth, your "old" trees would be *perfect* on my southern Wyoming/Northern Colorado mountain layout. Whenever you decide to replace them, please let me know -- I'll be happy to buy them from you!
Great work and layout! I actually like the older made trees more tho perhaps more clumpy looking :) How do both tree versions look in photos from desired lens aperture’s ? The older style trees, tho more clumpy looking, actually look more random and organic and less manufactured imo. Love your work!!! Not trying to be a critic:) Great layout! Amazing work man!! 👍👍
Just my visual video opinion, not in person. I think the older tree style blend the compression more between foreground and background. Maybe new style trees splashed in front of others? Second Section Podcast brought me to your artistry! 👍👍
Thanks for stopping in and glad you found me! I've actually had a change of heart and think the original style/coloring is what I'll stick with. I'm going to use something similar to the "new" style trees to blend the foreground trees into the backdrop. That'll help sell the distance effect where the further trees start to appear darker and more blue (at least on the type of overcast day that I'm going for). I also intend to "retouch" or replace some of the original trees with SLIGHTLY different greens so that you can better make out the individual trees. That way the forest will look more like a collection of individual trees rather than one giant clump of foliage. Thanks for the comment! -Cam
I don't usually take the time to write on other channels, so I am sorry for the wall of text. I think you are doing a fabulous job on the layout. Please don't take my opinion the wrong way I only mean to share in the same light as others have in the comments. I also agree that Grant's concept ( Southern Alberta Rail) for trees in "N" scale work well, but maybe not as well in "HO" scale. Why? I find the (older) trees @ 9:50 to be far more effective for the larger mainline scope of your railroad, in my opinion for several reasons: The "new" trees you have created are beautiful but a little "manicured" in my opinion. They almost scream (Tree Farm). Having logged for many years, trees just never look like this and ideally we all do this - even me. I would not throw out those trees you have already painstakingly built. Maybe consider painting them with a light misting from a spray bomb or airbrush to a more preferred color. Just try altering a few first and see. You also might consider mixing up the tree styles as well. Maybe sleep on them a little more and you might change your view and come around to see things differently. I get tunnel vision all the time with my layout and then rethink things further down the track. Once again, the layout is looking fantastic~ Cheers ~ Boomer.😁
Hi Boomer! First, I really appreciate that you've taken the time to comment on a few of my videos, and sorry I haven't had the chance to respond sooner. I like everything you said, and I tested out recoloring the old trees. But as you point out, I think tunnel vision got the better of me. The more I look at them and "adjust" for the lighting differences between the layout, the prototype outdoors, and even between the upper and lower level, the more they look like what I was going for. The shape too. I once again think batch 1 of trees looks pretty strong. I felt (and feel) that unlike the prototype, it's hard to peripherally make out the individual trees, but I'm realizing, as you suggest, that's less to do with the lack of shape uniformity and more with the homogeneity of the color. So I think what I'm going to do is create a bit more variety using the materials I originally chose (I did a better job of that on the lower level), and mix in some slightly darker trees to make it obvious that there lots of trees and not just one mass of tree material. I think there's still a place for the much darker new trees highlighted in this video. I might use them towards the back of my deepest (front to back) forest stands such as where I have them now to "feather" the dark backdrop into the modeled trees. Anyway, just wanted to share how your thoughts helped me and what I'm thinking now. Thanks again! -Cam
Looks great! Did you pick Marias pass partially because it was the default route in MSTS back in the day? The scene and photography at 11:08 is phenomenal.
Awsome update. For me one thing missing from the trees is all the brown needles underneath. I'm not sure what happens in the US/Canada. Here however the grass under pine trees tends to die off and the ground becomes very dry. Also there is a huge mat of brown needles. Sadly due to carbon credit farming we have pine forests all over the place. (they could have planted native trees) I really like all of the extra details you add to your layout. Subbed on my account (not just my wife's account)
I like your color change on your trees, however the tree shapes of the original trees look more natural. The new trees look more like they are trimmed as they would be on a Xmas tree farm. But nice progress. I would keep the original trees in place, but maybe add some of the new trees into that scenic portion. Different types of trees mix in nature.
My only suggestion is to add more variety to your forested areas with a few different types of trees. They do look a bit too uniform. Overall, kudos on achieving a beautiful layout.
Wow i have boxes of trees i have made all outings the same yeap i added leaf trees to and down one to and one has fallen but got hung up in other trees too i do see more beetle-infected trees now to change or mix agrees up to you have a wild animal who live in or around trees too open-minded not all trees are Christmas trees shape
Damn that looks good
I came here for an update on the tunnel of trees in the fall in Michigan. But stayed to watch this, one of the coolest things I've ever seen 😳..👏
I love all the updates, love the layout. If you hadn't said anything I would not have noticed myself about the trees being from the area........great catch as a modeler!!!!!! Keep up the great work!!!!!!!!
Love the trees. Layout looks fantastic. Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful details. Love the weathering and details on the tunnel portals.
Cam, outstanding as always your layout is just amazing, love the scenery. Keep up the grest work. Gary
Your layout is awesome and I like all of your trees!
Looking awesome cam your layout turn out awesome
Excellent update! Love the mountain video as well. Cant wait for the tree video!
Great work I love your rock work
Yes, alot of fir trees you see are a blueish color. That's why they're called Blue Spruce.
Love Grant's White Birch/Aspen yellowish leaf trees. Good job Cam.
Great update. Really like the trees...both the older and newer.... they look great! The tunnel portals are beautiful pieces of work. Thanks for sharing.
Can't wait to see the tree-making vid!
I think they look great !
Layout looks great, sir. If anything, I would do a little more with your backdrops and line in a few tree trunks an detailed painted trees... Just to create a little more dimension and transition between the modeled trees and backdrop. But it looked amazing and it's great you have this size project to work on. Thanks for sharing!
Great video. I used the southern Alberta method of trees also and it’s great. I like your original trees because they are random. The new method colors are great but trees look less random. At least from above view. Layout looks awesome
Great stuff Cam, the new trees look much better and will mesh well with the rest of your outstanding scenery. Grant has some great techniques, I really enjoy watching and learning from both of your layouts. - Steve
You are making great progress. A suggestion you mite try is to trim the tree material to shape before twisting the wire trunk. For me it makes it easier than trimming after and the shape is better. Also many trees are slightly bell shaped and that is much more easily accomplished trimming early on in the process. Variety is good and nature does a great job of providing it. Love your layout and tutorials. An excellent track plan and you’ve used the space you have very well.
Nice update. I really like the rock work near the tunnels. Most layouts that I have seen where the rock is carved from foam isn't as convincing. Your carving and coloring are nicely done.
Huge improvement with the new trees.....thanks for the updates
Everything looks good! Would love to see more yard ops and industry switching?
Man do I wish I could visit your layout dude!!!
Fantastic !!!!
i like both your evergreen trees. i think you should mix and match them into clusters together a little bit!
Great improvements. Layout looks fantastic.
Great video brother
Nice update Cam! I really like the look of the new trees! If you start removing the old trees and decide to discard them, I'd be happy to purchase some from you. Thanks for another great video! - Brian
Thanks, Brian! I'll see what I end up doing and let you know (probably in a layout update).
-Cam
Nice layout
I prefer the shape of the older trees the new ones look too uniform. Great video thanks Cam
Your trees just seem to be different types of pine trees. I wouldn’t sweat it!
Awesome progress on the layout!
Great update. You're a fantastic modeler. Unsolicited opinion... what if you mixed in the old trees with some of the new trees for variety? Then you don't have to toss them. Also you could use an airbrush to get some of the color correction on the older trees to match the new trees and get that light to dark variation you mentioned with the flocking. But ultimately do whatever makes you happy, it's your railroad! Also your rock work is 👌👌
Your layout gets better all the time! For what it's worth, your "old" trees would be *perfect* on my southern Wyoming/Northern Colorado mountain layout. Whenever you decide to replace them, please let me know -- I'll be happy to buy them from you!
Thanks! I'll let you know what I decide.
-Cam
Great work and layout! I actually like the older made trees more tho perhaps more clumpy looking :)
How do both tree versions look in photos from desired lens aperture’s ?
The older style trees, tho more clumpy looking, actually look more random and organic and less manufactured imo.
Love your work!!!
Not trying to be a critic:)
Great layout! Amazing work man!!
👍👍
Just my visual video opinion, not in person.
I think the older tree style blend the compression more between foreground and background.
Maybe new style trees splashed in front of others?
Second Section Podcast brought me to your artistry!
👍👍
I agree that the older style trees do look more realistic. The new trees look like they came from a Christmas tree farm as they are way too uniform.
Thanks for stopping in and glad you found me! I've actually had a change of heart and think the original style/coloring is what I'll stick with. I'm going to use something similar to the "new" style trees to blend the foreground trees into the backdrop. That'll help sell the distance effect where the further trees start to appear darker and more blue (at least on the type of overcast day that I'm going for). I also intend to "retouch" or replace some of the original trees with SLIGHTLY different greens so that you can better make out the individual trees. That way the forest will look more like a collection of individual trees rather than one giant clump of foliage.
Thanks for the comment!
-Cam
I don't usually take the time to write on other channels, so I am sorry for the wall of text. I think you are doing a fabulous job on the layout. Please don't take my opinion the wrong way I only mean to share in the same light as others have in the comments.
I also agree that Grant's concept ( Southern Alberta Rail) for trees in "N" scale work well, but maybe not as well in "HO" scale. Why? I find the (older) trees @ 9:50 to be far more effective for the larger mainline scope of your railroad, in my opinion for several reasons:
The "new" trees you have created are beautiful but a little "manicured" in my opinion. They almost scream (Tree Farm). Having logged for many years, trees just never look like this and ideally we all do this - even me. I would not throw out those trees you have already painstakingly built. Maybe consider painting them with a light misting from a spray bomb or airbrush to a more preferred color. Just try altering a few first and see.
You also might consider mixing up the tree styles as well. Maybe sleep on them a little more and you might change your view and come around to see things differently. I get tunnel vision all the time with my layout and then rethink things further down the track. Once again, the layout is looking fantastic~ Cheers ~ Boomer.😁
Hi Boomer! First, I really appreciate that you've taken the time to comment on a few of my videos, and sorry I haven't had the chance to respond sooner. I like everything you said, and I tested out recoloring the old trees. But as you point out, I think tunnel vision got the better of me. The more I look at them and "adjust" for the lighting differences between the layout, the prototype outdoors, and even between the upper and lower level, the more they look like what I was going for.
The shape too. I once again think batch 1 of trees looks pretty strong. I felt (and feel) that unlike the prototype, it's hard to peripherally make out the individual trees, but I'm realizing, as you suggest, that's less to do with the lack of shape uniformity and more with the homogeneity of the color. So I think what I'm going to do is create a bit more variety using the materials I originally chose (I did a better job of that on the lower level), and mix in some slightly darker trees to make it obvious that there lots of trees and not just one mass of tree material.
I think there's still a place for the much darker new trees highlighted in this video. I might use them towards the back of my deepest (front to back) forest stands such as where I have them now to "feather" the dark backdrop into the modeled trees.
Anyway, just wanted to share how your thoughts helped me and what I'm thinking now. Thanks again!
-Cam
Looks great!
Did you pick Marias pass partially because it was the default route in MSTS back in the day?
The scene and photography at 11:08 is phenomenal.
Awsome update. For me one thing missing from the trees is all the brown needles underneath.
I'm not sure what happens in the US/Canada. Here however the grass under pine trees tends to die off and the ground becomes very dry. Also there is a huge mat of brown needles.
Sadly due to carbon credit farming we have pine forests all over the place.
(they could have planted native trees)
I really like all of the extra details you add to your layout.
Subbed on my account (not just my wife's account)
Cab view of your layout.
I like your color change on your trees, however the tree shapes of the original trees look more natural. The new trees look more like they are trimmed as they would be on a Xmas tree farm. But nice progress. I would keep the original trees in place, but maybe add some of the new trees into that scenic portion. Different types of trees mix in nature.
My only suggestion is to add more variety to your forested areas with a few different types of trees. They do look a bit too uniform. Overall, kudos on achieving a beautiful layout.
hello railfan220 it's is randy and i like yours video is cool thanks railfan220 friends randy
I love your videos how long did it take to build the layout? Cheers From New Zealand
😃
30 years
Haha 30 years is about right. This layout "broke ground" in December 2014...so approaching 9 years.
-Cam
Wow i have boxes of trees i have made all outings the same yeap i added leaf trees to and down one to and one has fallen but got hung up in other trees too i do see more beetle-infected trees now to change or mix agrees up to you have a wild animal who live in or around trees too
open-minded not all trees are Christmas trees shape