Another way of making coniferous trees: I use the Round type toothpicks, NOT the flat ones. First, if I'm really energetic, I scrape them vertically using the teeth of my small razor saw. This makes it look like bark. Then I soak them in a solution of Walnut stain and let them dry. I made a holder out of a piece of scrap wood by drilling small holes part way into it to hold the toothpicks while the stain dries. When they are dry, I slice up some different colors of Woodland Scenics Foliage into small bits of different lengths. I find the Dark Green and Coniferous colors best and put some on one "tree" and another color on another "tree". If I want to create depth, I will use a dark color on the back of the tree and a lighter shade on the front. You don't have to rotate the toothpick so that the foliage is stuck on all four sides, unless you are really fussy - I usually only stick it on two sides, front and back. This will give you a tree about 30 feet tall in N Scale. They can be made shorter by cutting the toothpicks. I usually vary the height - it makes a better looking "forest". One part of my layout has a Forest Fire raging, created by spray painting the trees Red and Yellow. A converted Grumman Avenger made into a Water Bomber is hanging from the ceiling, simulating a pass over the fire. Looks fine to me! If you want taller trees, you can use the bamboo sticks that are for Kabobs, or long swabsticks from a medical supply house. Give this a try - it's very easy and a great way to pass the time if you need a change of pace.
Bud.
