Hi...long time lurker to this board and finally worked up the courage to join the forum. I am in the planning stages of a small 6 x 6 N scale freelance U shaped layout and had a question on construction materials: Does anyone know of a place in Florida that sells extruded polystyrene foam sheet in 1 or 2 inch thicknesses? Is there any place that can get it (I only need 2 4x8 sheets)? Most places carry 1/2 inch at best due to the warm climate down here. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.
Welcome to the party Geck! I can relate to being a lurker, but more importantly, the issue of obtaining good foam down here in the sunshine state. I live in the Tampa Bay area, and was unable to source anything over half an inch. I tried the big home improvement stores, builder supply stores, small hardware stores... I tried about everything I could. I ended up working with the white stuff -_- Could have been worse I guess, but here's to hoping you have better luck than I do. Anyway, surely there is someone from our lovely sunny state who has had luck in finding some pink or blue board... Hopefully they will stop by and help you out If not, I can share all the wonderful knowledge I've acquired having worked with the white stuff for about 3 months now... (It's not too bad at the end of the day) Well, glad that you've decided to join the board-be sure to keep us up to date on your planning! How did you come about the 6'x6' size? It strikes me as an interesting size for N Scale, particularly given the propensity for HCD sized layouts.
Hi Geck, Welcome to the TrainBoard. We're glad that decided to come on board, and we're here to answer any questions you might have. Regards foam board available in Florida...HD and Lowe's don't carry anything thicker than 1/2" and 3/4" sheets in south Mississippi either. So, I layered two 3/4" sheets bonded with Liquid Nails (Projects, Foam) to create a 1-1/2" foundation. However, the beauty of having two sheets is that I can carve rivers and ponds in the top sheet and still have firm support from the bottom sheet. My only problem was getting the sheets home in a Prius. Thankfully, my son was home with his F-350 long-bed...whew!
Geck here in the Dallas area I have obtained 2 inch extruded foam panels from a local thermal construction contractor. These are the folks that build refrigerated areas for restaurants and other industrial users. You may want to look for one in your area. I have used both the 2x8 and 4x8 panels that are 40 psi load bearing.
Thanks for the information...I'll try the thermal contractors...and I was wondering about that. My layout plan occupies an area of about 6 x 6 feet...really its a 4.5 x 3 ft rectangle with a narrow L extension shelf for a mine...making it a U shape. Min. radius is 12.5 and will be set in the northeast, 1920-1950 era. This is a freelance layout since N scale manufacturers have yet to make rr prototype specific steam (like the Pennsy). The inspiration for this layout actually came from MC Fujiwara's wonderful little northwest layout that he is building, plus the new bachmann 4-6-0.
Sure! This is roughly the final form...got tired of analysis paralysis and just want to get something up and running!
Code 55...curves are min 12.5 radius...turnouts are #7, plus 3 curved, and one wye which isn't in this design. The wye will replace the turnout that leads to the two sidings on the right hand side of the oval. Already had it and wanted to use it. This layout really fits the space I have and I had wanted a shelf of some kind to practice scenery. It will probably be a little while before construction starts as work takes most of my time anymore. This will be the 9th or 10th small layout I've built over the years, but hopefully the best.
Did you ask if home depot or lowes would special order the thicker stuff for you? I order a lot of special order stuff from them. I would suggest going on their website and printing out the price they give you on line, sometimes they will try to charge you more, but if you say "I found it on your website for this much" they'll usually match it. You can enter my zip if it asks for one. 28214
No matter what, call 1st and ask them to see the foam sitting on the shelf. Their website will tell you they have it, the inventory computer tells you they have it,they guy in the store tells you they have it and when you are at the shelving looking around the guy finally says I guess we don't have any........ You'll want to read this http://www.layoutvision.com/id44.html ratled
Done all of that... The Lowes here CAN get the stuff, but only in 50 piece bundles. WAY more than I need not to mention the cost!! Worse comes to worse...I have a snowbird uncle that comes down this way in January...maybe I can get him to bring me a couple sheets.
