In general (or specific if you like), do you tend to prefer Gypsum-based or resin as the basis for your Z accessories such as buildings, bridges, etc. Thanks, John http://www.ztrains.com
John, actually there are few Z Accessories on the market so I buy what's available, doese't matter if it's resin or gypsum.
I think I like Resin better too, but there are things of plaster I would still purchase, like brick factories, and storefront buildings. What I have noticed is the key to really interesting projects is ones that use a combination of parts. An example would be an old mill or factory with plaster for foundations and a few walls, some wood walls, styrene sheet to represent steel walls and roof pieces, and cast resin or metal details. All items working together to give a sense of realism to the project.
Plastics and more durable materials for me. Wood is OK too but plaster is just too soft, easy to chip (just look at scenery). But as Robert says, they can be fine for things like foundations and they do create that more natural surface irregularity that can make a wall, chimney or such look more realistic than molded plastic or paint textured surfaces. But I wouldn't make product from it.
I'd agree that many plasters are a bit soft, I should have been more specific and cited gypsum based products like dental plaster or Ultracal 30, which is a much harder material when cured... closer to a ceramic material when cured, without the gloss. I'm doing work in concrete and stone now and as much as I like working with pressure cast resin, at the moment I can't find a mix of resin / filler combinations that match what can be achieved visually with these stronger gypsums. Another nice benefit I find with these stronger gypsums is that they can be aged nicely with anything from Xacto knife tips to the finest jeweler's tools.
The hard stuff is more than acceptable to me. Let's see what you come up with. Not sure what Loren is using with his Z Train Things but they hold up (and he as Dental work master). Not to mention his trees.
In general I would prefer resin, but for some products like masonry walls, etc. the hard plaster could be nice. Let me ask what the difference in price might be between the two materials? Randy
I would still buy something made of plaster(ish), I have no problems with it and love it for rock formations. With all this talk do you plan to be selling a new item in Z, if so do we get a hint or clue to what it is?
With all this talk do you plan to be selling a new item in Z, if so do we get a hint or clue to what it is? Some of the products I'll be selling are pieces I design for the dioramas and layouts I currently build. Lineside details, portals, abutments, structures, etc. While there are already good choices out there for these items, I think there's always room for more good products. I'm now working on something of a major revamp of the Ztrains.com website and will be adding a store section where I'll sell these accessories, hopefully this will be completed within a month or so. John http://www.ztrains.com
Randy, The good quality gypsum-based raw material is less expensive than resin, but I find can be a little trickier to work with in some ways. I find resin is a little more willing to be cast well under pressure (clean / no air bubbles)... gypusm based mixes love to leave little air bubbles in nooks when being cast! As far as prices on finished pieces... I'd say prices are usually pretty close with gypsum products being just a bit more expensive. The reason for this is that I find there is just more time involved in getting a high quality cast from gypsum as opposed to resin. John
