Terrain: Snow Trees

Continuing with the winter theme, no snow table would be complete without some classic snowy coniferous trees. My family knows exactly what I like, so I was delighted to find these trees under the Christmas tree this holiday. Let's take a look at what came in the bag.

   It's no secret that I love terrain. It is my favourite aspect of this wargaming hobby. Nothing quite completes a battle like good looking terrain. There's just something satisfying about moving your army over a finished, themed table. These aren't the most amazing trees available, those meant for model trains are far more realistic, but for a wargame table all that's really needed is terrain that is good enough. A table shouldn't draw too much away from the armies playing on it.

   What's good about the twenty one piece tree set from Lemax is that it's relatively cheap and comes with a considerable amount of trees that look good enough to fit into a wargame table. I know they're found at Michael's art store for around $30, so definitely keep an eye out for those 40% - 50% off coupons. Our hobby is expensive enough as it is, any break we can get should be taken.





   The picture shows that they are a pretty good size that they will hide regular infantry and possibly even small vehicles and monstrous creatures. To help you get an idea of their size beyond just a picture, I'll list the amount of trees the set comes with, and their height and base diameter.

• 10 Small Trees - 2.75" x 1.25"
• 6 Medium Trees - 4.25" x 1.75"
• 3 Large Trees - 6.75" x 2.75"
• 2 Legendary Trees - 9" x 3.75"

   The next step will be to figure out how to keep the trees modular and still keep them secure on their bases. I want to try to make them useable in games like Warhammer Fantasy where sometimes it's easier to move the trees out of the way for the unit trays, but still have a layout that works for Warhammer 40 000 as well. Of course, the solution isn't just to benefit these two systems but rather any game system. It's just easier to use those two as well known examples. For now though, I will show off some sample layouts that I'm considering.

6"x12" block

This layout is fairly sparse, but can still hide a small infantry unit or easily give cover to a large unit of infantry. It doesn't entirely block line of sight which I don't mind that much. When I lay out a table, I like to have a mix of line of sight blocking and purely cover granting terrain. Sometimes a piece that mixes a little bit of the two is also good, but I would only use a couple pieces like that.

6"x12" block

Far more dense assortment of forest, this one easily provides cover but is more intended to block line of sight.

12"x12" block

A larger piece meant to mostly provide cover. Line of sight blocking limited, but still possible depending on how it's placed on the table.

12"x12" block

Line of sight is easily drawn through this forest. Strictly meant as a cover providing piece.

12"x12" block

Line of sight can be easily drawn through certain areas of the forest, but with the legendary trees near the center, there is a safe zone to hide behind.

   Well that's really all there is to say about some snowed in trees. If any of you have links to some cool looking winter battle boards, please share them below. As usual, feel free to post your comments, questions, concerns, flames or feedback in the comment section.

Signing out

Cursed13