Since I published the book Painting Wargames Tanks, many people have asked me how I created the tree branches and foliage on some of my 15mm tanks. Therefore, I have finally decided to write a tutorial on the subject. I previously shared some hints in The Weathering Magazine issue about Kursk, but here I will explain everything in greater detail.
During WWII, many tank crews enhanced their vehicle concealment by adding tree branches and vegetation. We can easily recreate this effect on our scale models to add variation and make our tanks more visually interesting. However, to achieve a realistic look, we must respect the scale, meaning we need tiny branches for our tiny models.
We need two things. A classic material used by modelers to create miniature trees is Teloxys aristata, commonly known as sea moss or sea foam. This small plant has a fine branching structure that closely resembles tiny trees, making it ideal for scale modeling. In addition, we need something to simulate tree leaves, the foliage, Scale model shops offer a wide variety of options in different shapes, colors, sizes, and materials. The choice is flexible—anything works as long as it fits the look you are trying to achieve. A cheaper option is to use oregano or parsley leaves and crush them with a coffee grinder.
I have put together a dedicated kit that includes sea moss and a mix of leaves suitable for both 15mm and 28mm scale models.
Get yours here.
Sea moss is typically sold in a compact form. First, we need to separate the branches and select the best ones for our purposes. Specifically, those with several small mini branches extending from a main stem. Next, we cut the sea moss into small pieces and glue the leaves using PVA glue. I usually apply a thin layer of PVA with a brush, coating the small branches before sprinkling the leaves over them. You can make a batch and choose the best pieces for your project. If desired, the sea moss can also be easily painted with acrylics or an airbrush, though I usually use it in its natural state.
Once it is dry, you can easily attach the branches to your tank using more PVA glue. The branches are fragile, so you should handle and transport the vehicle with care.
This method can also be used to create a tree, as has been traditionally done, as shown below. For this, it is important to select a piece of sea moss with a thick stem to represent the trunk. Painting is not necessary, but as mentioned earlier, it can easily be done using acrylic paints.
