More Tree Bark for Rocks

Earlier, I posted about how Model Railroader had published my article about using tree bark to make rock faces.

You can read the article to learn more about my technique, but it's really simple: Go to any lake or river side and look for pieces of bark that have been stripped off of trees by the water.

After you collect them, bring them home and glue them your scenery base with white glue. (I use extruded Styrofoam; I use nails to hold the bark in place until the glue dries.)

Cheap spackling paste can be used to fill the gaps, and your favourite scenery materials (I use Woodland Scenics) can be used to hide any leftover gaps and spaces.

The bark can also be used vertically, as above. This bark is smoother, from a smaller tree. Butted against each other, they combine to make a nice cliff face.

There are a number of advantages to using tree bark for rocks. First, there's no plaster mess. Second, they all look different--no more turning rock moulds this way and that for variety.

Third, they come pre-coloured. A bit of drybrushing can bring out the detail.

Finally, they're free. Need any more be said?

The scenes in these photos are gone now; I tore it down to make way for a one-level prairie scene. But the tree bark for rocks idea lives on; maybe it will work on your layout, too.