Does anyone know if they last and where can I get some that will last?
Cannot use real ones where they are going since my rebuilt RR is now on benches.
Thanks.
Tom H
The only plastic trees I bought were at the Big Train Show back in QM days, so I’m not an expert on the subject. But based on how they look and what they’re made of, I’d say you could fins suitable specimens at Michael’s or Jo Ann’s, two craft stores that sell lots of artificial plants and other junk. In fact, you’d be surprised at the stuff they have.
Most of my Michael’s trees sun fade but I have one that has done just great. It’s been nearly 5 years. Go figure!
It is possible to use potted trees embedded in the bench work. Or, if you work your layout from one side only, you can build a shelf on the other side to support the pots. Then drip irrigation will be all you need to keep your trees and other plants alive.
Steve Featherkile said:
It is possible to use potted trees embedded in the bench work. Or, if you work your layout from one side only, you can build a shelf on the other side to support the pots. Then drip irrigation will be all you need to keep your trees and other plants alive.
I like Steves idea and I think you would be happier with real trees vs. artificial. Unless you can find some very realistic ones, any that I have seen would never last outdoors.
I’ve made a lot of sprucepines from discarded Christmas trees rescued from trash. My pike is also on benchwork. Surprisingly these trees have lasted well, 5-6 years so far, outside all year long. These are the Xmas trees with the bottle-brush type branches. I trim the branches with scissors to get the shape right. I’ve been able to make trees as tall as 18" this way. Slender, but convincing enough for my purposes. Go to our club website and download the Dec 2013 newsletter, where I have an article that tells most of the story. http://www.backyardrailroaders.com/
I also get plastic greenery from dollar stores, pretty good variety, but it’s only good for one year unless you bring it in all the time. UV gets it.
Could you spray them with the Krylon clear UV protectant spray?
David Maynard said:
Could you spray them with the Krylon clear UV protectant spray?
Yes… but why would you waste the spray on fake trees when you have a supply of paper bags on hand?
Steve Featherkile said:
It is possible to use potted trees embedded in the bench work. Or, if you work your layout from one side only, you can build a shelf on the other side to support the pots. Then drip irrigation will be all you need to keep your trees and other plants alive.
Yep
But where he’s at I doubt he will need the irrigation system
I am going to keep looking, have to go to Hobby Lobby, have an idea to fake them, yea we shall see hard to explain, no live plants on bench, trying to keep bench as small as possible, less noticable…
will keep ya posted
tom h