Birch, Classic Tree in Giftbox
Height: 3.9 in. / 10 cm
Intended scales: H0,TT,N
Item: 28120

NOCH offers several categories of trees and bushes. As new materials and better models were developed, their original models were branded as Classic Trees. This is their Classic Tree medium height birch, packaged as a single model in a cellophane bag.

Birch, 3.9 in. / 10 cm; Classic Tree in Giftbox

The model is not packed in a giftbox, rather a cellophane bag. It is secured shut by tape that is the "label".

The tree is made from firm plastic. You can not reposition the boughs without possible damage. The trunk is molded with slight bark detail but a seam line is visible. The base is molded to resemble roots and looks fine. The brown plastic is crudely coated with white paint.

For foliage NOCH uses a fairly still sinewy foam that reminds me of dry lichen. It is somewhat brittle. Some broke off when disturbed. From the "Three-foot Rule" it looks like leaves.

Most birches I am familiar with grow fairly straight while this model is curvy. I've found curvy ones but they seem uncommon. Also, birch leaves seem very different from the foliage on this model; photos of birches can be see below via Click here for additional images for this review.

Scale Size

How tall is a 3.9 in. / 10 cm birch tree in your favorite scale?

1/32 (54 mm): 10.4’ / 3.16 m
1/35: 11.4’ / 3.5 m
1/48: 15.6’ / 4.75 m
1/72: 23’ / 7.1 m
1/87 (HO): 28’ / 8.6 m
1/100 (TT): 33' / 10 m
1/144: 46’ / 14.2 m
1/160 (N): 52’ / 16 m

Conclusion

These models were cutting-edge when they came out decades ago. They were certainly superior to offering from Life-Like, Tyco, and AHM. Despite the questionable trunk shape, crude paint, and foliage covering the trunk, it still can make a decent background tree. If you are starting out with scenery, these are reasonable starter trees. Recommended.

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