Woodland Scenic Tree Question

[simon1966]

I just purchased some Woodland Scenic trees to fiddle with in my hotel while on my field trip. These are white metal pine trees. The instructions indicate that you should twist the trunk in a spiral to create the 3d look for the branches. This seems simple enough for the top parts of the trunks, but the lower sections seem too stiff and not willing to twist. Anyone have any comments or thoughts on making these trees a success?
Thanks

[orsonroy]

I use two pairs of pliers to GENTLY twist the bottoms of the WS metal tree kits around.

One reason why I prefer the plastic WS or Scenic Express tree kits!

[Anonymous]

Simon,

I have made maybe 50 of these trees. Orsonroy is right on with the pliers. I would add that you have work with them carefully or the trunk or branches will break. They do make good looking trees. I stretched the foliage pretty thin to get them to look good. On the pine trees I cut the foliage and carefully glued tufts on the tops of the branches. If you are looking for Aspens or similar looking tree, I recommend scenic express super trees. Their starter kit is a deal and the trees look great

Guy

[Big_Boy_4005]

Even the plastic trunks can be tough as they get thicker near the bottom. I haven't done metal trees in years, but pliers are the answer. It might be a good idea to wrap the ends of the pliers in a cloth or tape so that you dont leave a lot of marks on the trunks.

[cwclark]

use plyers!...don't use your teeth!...you need them longer than you think!

[Big_Boy_4005]

QUOTE: Originally posted by cwclark

use plyers!...don't use your teeth!...you need them longer than you think!

Have you been opening pop bottles with your teeth again???[:0][banghead][(-D][(-D][(-D][swg][:p]

[simon1966]

Just out of curiosity, would warming the white metal by submerging it in hot water make it more plyable and therfore easier to twist?

[simon1966]

Just out of curiosity, would warming the white metal by submerging it in hot water make it more plyable and therfore easier to twist?

[Big_Boy_4005]

I don't think that water short of boiling would have much effect. I'm not even sure that metals can be softened that way. Most of the time they go from solid to liquid within just a few degrees, solder is a good example. Modern plumbing solder is lead free, and the alloy that the trees are made of may be very similar. The trees are already soft, the problem is that they are thick too.

Hot water may have more effect on the plastic trees.

[cwclark]

i still think you ought to use the pliers...breaking out the blow torch on that kind of metal will be disasterous....

[simon1966]

Well, I got back to the midwest from my trip to San Fran (What a neat place to visit, it is a real blast hanging onto the footboard of the cable cars on the steep hills!) and this evening followed the plier advice and made great progress. My fingers are still sore from trying to do it without tools. Anyway I am quite pleased with the results and will paint and foam them and get them installed. Thanks again for the contributions. Having the right tool for the job makes a big difference.

[Big_Boy_4005]

Another satisfied customer, that's what we like!!!! Thanks[swg]