Jerry, They are great!!! I wouldn't change a thing. Jim Reising hit the nail on the head, "THAT IS MODELING MY FRIEND" rich c
Jerry, the one on the right, with a thinner "armor plate" trunk (thank you Steve Mann), would look pretty close to the Royal Palms I remember seeing along Sherman Way in Van Nuys, CA. They were 30-40 feet tall with straight trunks about 18" in diameter. This photo gives a rough idea of what I remember. http://www.panoramio.com/photo/46926880
Yeah, all the commercially-available palm trees look like they should belong on a birthday cake instead of a layout.
I like that these trees don't have the overly solid, broad leaves characteristic of cartoon palms (and too many commercial tree products). Question: Can anyone identify the fungus? In what regions does it grow, and on what kind of trees?
They do look like the Canary Island date palms that are planted all over California and most of the southern half of the US. The tropical palms with coconuts are the tall thin ones. Hytec, those palms are what is known as Fan Palms. California and Mediterranean are two types. These also have dates. I don't know what the moss is called but it grows all over the Oak trees in at least the northern parts of California. Now to find some chicken feathers as some these palms would look great on my semi arid layout.
Fifer hobby sells woodland scenic royal palm trees part number Part # WOO-TR1617 for 18.00 and you get three of them.
Seriously, sometimes I think adding things like this are more important to the overall look and what peoples minds think then if it is absolutely correct.
Those look really good Jerry - very effective use of the material. If you want some variety, Samtrees has some nice pre-made ones too, including these Mexican palms. The price is not *too* bad, if you only need a few. -Gary P.S. They have a killer live oak armature too. Pricey though.
Jerry - Excellent work my friend. I bought a 3 pack of the WS palms a few years back, and yours look just as good and probably better. I haven't planted mine on the layout yet... The only minor feedback I would provide is that the dead bundle at the top is typically brownish/dead leaves instead of green? Again, outstanding modelling!!
I think the same thing Dave....brown instead of green. I am kinda hoping as the fungus ages off the trees it will turn brown. (That was the original thought anyway! It might become brittel and fall off too....LOL) If it stays green, future fugus may get painted before adding to palm. Do you have any photos of your Dave?
