I finally got off my rear and started working on putting together tree bases for my various gaming periods and scales. In the past, I tended to use single mounted trees on some type of under base (cloth, flocked felt or plastic). However, as time has gone by, I , have become more attracted using tree bases that hold multiple trees. Here is the first segment in my work on this front. In this segment, I will show you my 15mm pine tree bases.
In the case of these trees, they are used primarily for Flames of War and Horse and Musket gaming. As such, I wanted them to have a little height, but also provide for linear options.
I started with purchasing a number of bags of bases from Battlefield Accessories (my favorite tree bases in this scale). Unfortunately, they are a little hard to get. You can find them at some conventions or email Dean directly at Battlefield Accessories. You can find other companies that make similar products or just make your own out of chipboard, Popsicle sticks or other materials.
The BA bases come in a light grey resin with holes in them (I did have to drill these out better in about thirty percent of the bases). I just laid them all out and gave the bases a dark brown spray paint base coat (Krylon). I then drybrushed the bases up two levels. I went back and painted the details and gave everything a dark wash. Bases done!
I opted to go with the JTT brand of trees for the bases. One, I like their look for pine trees. Two, I found them in a local hobby shop! JTT offers different styles and colors, as well as tree heights. I bought all the different heights, so I could mix and match (the larger trees would be used later for 25mm gaming tree bases). For these, I used the trees between 1″ to 4″ and mixed them as needed. Most were the 2″ variety. The trees are made on metal wire, so they are very resilient and will not break. The trunk is rather long (about an inch long), for what I needed. I just cut them down with a pair of tin snips and then glued them to the bases using white glue. Let that dry and I know have a good number of tree bases (this is batch one of two).
Terrain is always easy to do and you can get a good amount done in a short amount of time. I often find it a good filler for my normal painting, just to know something out to keep motivated!
- Manteuffel