(jeb@oscalemag.com). - O Scale Trains Magazine Online

REVIEW: Scenic Express Model LandscapingSupplies: see text for pricing175 Sheffield Dr #100, Delmont PA 15626800-234-9995 ● www.scenicexpress.comreviewed by Joe and Jaini GiannovarioWe decided to hold an Open House for the OST layoutover the Christmas holidays. As a result we wanted to scenic aportion of the layout that is seen as you come down the basementstairs. It is a stand-alone scene, and we felt our visitorswould get a better feel for the overall future look of the layoutif this area was sceniced.As Scenic Express is an OST advertiser, we visited theirwebsite to see what they offered. What follows is our combinedimpressions of some of the materials we purchased.Realistic Tree Kit #WD1103, Green Deciduous, 5 - 7” tall, 7 perpkg, $15.98If you havenever seenthese tree kits,you are in fora surprise. Thekit consists ofplastic moldedtree trunks withbranches andfoliage. The“tree”, out ofthe package,has the trunk and branches all in one plane; it’s “flat”. Youbend the branches around the trunk to give the tree a threedimensionallook. The branches remain in place after beingbent. Once satisfied with the branch location and generalshape of the tree, you spray the branches with an adhesiveand dip the tree into the foliage provided. This kit comes withthree foliage colors. A note here about the foliage is in order.The foliage is in big clumps that must be broken into finerpieces for a more natural looking tree. Jaini says the process istedious but essential for a nice looking tree.The instructions suggest using Hobb-E-Tac adhesive,but we chose to use WEB spray (also available from ScenicExpress, #BO1526, $10.99). Rather than a mist, this adhesivesprays out in a webbed pattern, which gives the foliage moresurface on which to stick. The result is very nice but the adhesivehas a strong odor and should only be used outdoors.Without too much effort we were able to make passabledeciduous trees. With a greater degree of attention paid tobranch location and a bit more attention to the foliage, thesewould be perfect foreground trees.Realistic Tree Kit #WD1106, Pines, 6 - 8”tall, 16 per pkg., one foliage color, $15.98The pine tree kits are made of thesame plastic as the deciduous trees.However, the results were not as nice.The manufacturer suggests twisting thetrunk so that the branches form a spiral.After dipping in the foliage, the effectwas more like a bottle brush than a pinetree. I have an idea how to fix that, whichI will detail at another time after someexperimentation.Based on our disappointment withProduct News & Reviewsthe pine tree kit, we purchased several ready-made trees.10 Piece Tall Pine Set #NH26322, 7 - 8” tall, $16.98/setThese were very nice flocked pine and fir trees on metalarmatures, which are great for filling in behind rocks andstructures. Jaini feels they are too uniform, but I like them as-is.20 Piece Pine & Fir Set #EX0201, 6 - 8” tall, $29.98/setMore pines, but taller. Jaini likes these best. I think theyneed some trimming, but, hey, I’m not the artistic one of the pair.These are fuller trees with more varied foliage and quite nice.Nordic Fir, 9-3/4” tall, #NH21900, $12.99 eachWe bought three of these beautiful trees for prominentdisplay in the scene. These trees are made inGermany by Noch, and they’re worth everypenny of their price.Prairie Tufts #MN72733, XL Late Summer and#MN72734 XL Autumn, $24.99 eachIf you want your scenery to look real,you have to try Prairie Tufts. These are finefibers simulating grass clumps attached to an invisible base.You peel them off and glue them down. The look is fantastic,and realistic. One set consists of a 12” x 8” sheet with over ahundred tufts. It would be difficult to make these yourself forthis price.One more comment is in order. When we called the firsttime, we did not identify ourselves with this magazine so weexperienced Scenic Express’s service as any other customerwould. We had called late in the afternoon a week beforeChristmas. Sandy, who answered the phone, was very helpfuland said she’d try to get the order out that day. Our first box ofscenic materials arrived by UPS the next morning (we’re in thesame state). The next time we called we spoke to Jim Elster,the owner, and he was just as helpful.Included with our order was a Scenic Express catalog.We had no idea there were so many products available forscenery. Scenic Express has lots of them in stock and can shipyour order right away.If you are looking to scenic your layout, give ScenicExpress a try and remember to tell them you heard about themfrom O Scale Trains magazine.Mar/Apr ’07 - O Scale Trains • 51