Quick & Easy N Scale (other scale ??) Logs...

[Sumner]

Since the layout has a large sawmill scene it is going to need lots of logs for the mill pond, logging trucks and logging train’s cars. I designed 3 types of log cars…..

 

…. as seen above (more info/print files starting HERE) so that is covered. I designed some 3D printed logs and they are OK but hard to get the ‘bark’ look on a 3D printed N scale log.

 

Been also making a lot of trees and on the Ponderosa above the trunk was stripped 14 gauge copper wire. Then that was wrapped with 20 gauge copper wire to make the trunk larger in diameter. Finally the trunk was covered with GOLDEN Fiber Paste. Learned about the Fiber Paste from one of Boomer’s Diorama videos .

 

I quit wrapping the 14 gauge on the next set of trees I made as it took too long. I left the insulation on for the added diameter and covered it with the fiber paste and liked it as well so continued using that method.

Then figured logs are no more that tree trunks minus their branches, maybe make the logs out of different diameter insulated wire covered with the Fiber Paste. That worked so now the logs are very simple to make and one can do a lot in a very short amount of time. The ones above and below were done by Ed the new Union Pacific Division crew member.

 

Most the logs I need will be in the 35-40 ft range (about 3 inches in N scale). Ed would cut the wire for the diameter we were working with to about 4 inches in length so that one end could be used as a handle for covering and painting the logs.

 

Don’t try and make the paste smooth and flat. Let the texture work for you. Knock any really high bumps off before painting but they look like where the branches were cut off.

 

The Fiber Paste was ordered online and the craft paint came from the Ace Hardware store a few blocks north of the house.

 

I’m really please with how they look and ….

 

….. the copper core will help add weight to the logging cars.

Sumner

[Maletrain]

The quickest and easiest, and I think best looking N scale logs I can make are simply cutting the branches of a bush that grows all along the waters edge on the Maryland Eastern Shore (of the Chesapeake Bay).  They look smooth when cut, but when dry, they look like this:



Sorry about the quickie cell phone shot - but it does convey the idea.

[grove den]

Or the small twigs/branches of a Azalea japonica... splendid "model"bark!

I don't have a picture of the branches but only the part of the branch where the "fresh" new twigs grow from last year. Btw I put it/them upside down and use them , after trimming/"cutting" it just above the node(?) as a stub/fresh cut tree....
what you see is about one inch tall....


the stubs , H0 scale...



Jos

[randgust]

I'm a firm believer in the 'any natural stick is better than anything manufactured' camp.   For eastern logging, you've got a LOT of smaller logs, shorter cars, denser forests.    The sheer volume of trees, stumps, logs, and debris makes anything 'made' rather impractical. 

My personal favorite has been elm sticks, but there are other species that have the right color and texture, cut to length with a Zona saw, and literally hundreds used for logs, stumps, and trees.   And this is on a SMALL module, only 21x42, but it won 'best of show' in Altoona in 2024.



Link:  http://www.randgust.com/Ross%20Run%20Logging%201%20BW%20sm.jpg

Lighting was 'OK' at the show, but you get the idea.  All the trees, stumps, logs, and debris are natural material, Woodland Scenics foliage balls, turf, bushes, everything else, also Deep Pour water with ripple effects added.



Link:  http://www.randgust.com/Ross%20Run%20Module%202%20sm.jpg

Don't get me wrong, I think those Ponderosa logs are spectacular, but man, that's a lot of work.  I also model Northern Arizona, so yeah, I know what you're trying to do here.   I resorted to dried Goldenrod blossoms either 'as is' for the background, or on Woodland Scenics trunks for foreground trees with proper trunk thickness, and I need a whole lot of trees....   I've since decided these looked 'too red' and all of them have received an additional black wash wherever they are foreground visible.   But man, even on a small layout, I've got hundreds of trees. 



Link:  http://www.randgust.com/4551_riordan_2.jpg

[wm3798]

I can see the need to use wire for the added weight, but am definitely a fan of natural sticks.  Perhaps you could build a load of sticks, and conceal a weight within the load?

On my pulpwood cars, I took the stock load and used a little paint and some natural sticks to improve the appearance.


http://www.wmrywesternlines.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/Getting_Loaded_005.jpg

I start by cutting the load in half lengthwise on two cars, then take the opposite sides and make a less uniform, asymmetrical assembly, then touch up the factory paint with some more natural varied colors.  Finally, I glue some scraps of "logs" (I find tiny stems from dried up mums make good pulpwood) to the visible top.

Here's the result:  (note these are reposted from my old not so secure gallery... you may need to modify your settings, but the links should work)


http://www.wmrywesternlines.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/Pulp_Load_Web.jpg

and a side by side comparison of the factory load vs. the modified and improved one.


http://www.wmrywesternlines.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/Pulp_Load_Comparison_2.jpg

Here's the article from my website.  http://www.wmrywesternlines.net/rs_chiphoppers.php#PULP_CARS

Lee