What is the secret to getting rock castings, with Hydrocal to not break? Am I adding to much water? Not enough? Full moon or new moon? ------------------ espee2 Home: www.tunnel13.com layout: SP's Newberg Branch in N scale
I'll be interested in answers to this one ------------------ Alan The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale! www.ac-models.com Andersley Western Railroad Alan's American Gallery Alan's European Gallery Alan's British Steam Gallery
The only rock molding I have done is in plaster of paris. I can imagine hyrocal may have some inhibitors. Plaster of paris gets hot as it cures and is quick so ideal for rock molding. Robin http://members.xoom.com/Matthyro/index.html
I've not had problems with rock casting. I use the Woodland Scenic stuff. Maybe you are adding too much water. I stick with the suggestions on th ebox for mixing the Woodland stuff. ------------------ Keep on Track'N Harold Riley www.phcomputing.com
Like sd75mac I too use Woodland Scenics Hydrocal using the ratio of water to Hydrocal suggested on container box. It is easy to break a long shallow rock casting when removing it from the mold, but I think that is an operator malfunction and not a Hydrocal issue. Should you break a casting save it and when you apply it to the layout mix up some Hydrocal for your paste and stick the two pieces together as you push then into the Hydrocal paste and then flood the casting with a fine mist of water to sculp the break line and the pieces will appear to be one piece. If you want to experiment with the water to Hydrocal ratio I would suggest that you add a little more Hydrocal and not more water. I should note here that I have been using Woodland Scenics rubber molds for the rock castings that have been sprayed with wet water before pouring in the mix and they have been coming out very nice. Hope this helps . ------------------ Residing in BNSF's St. Croix Subdivision near Trempealeau, WI [This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 12 June 2000).]
I have never used rock castings, and think I may re-work my rock faces with them, as I am not happy with the look as they are. ------------------ Alan The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale! www.ac-models.com Andersley Western Railroad Alan's American Gallery Alan's European Gallery Alan's British Steam Gallery
If your rock castings are breaking apart in the mold try putting a strip of non-sterile medical cotton gauze in the casting. Sort of like putting a piece of steel rebar in concrete. If the mold is pulling the casting apart make sure that the mold has a release agent on it so the mold will not stick to the plaster. Try to slap your casting where you want it before it is completely cured. Then let it cure on the layout till it is completely hard and then peel the casting from the mold. ------------------ Let's Go Run Trains MARK [This message has been edited by porkypine52 (edited 13 June 2000).]
I've always had great luckwith plaster of paris as well. Why not give it a try? ------------------ Grant grantha@Canada.com CEO Wascana Sherwood Lines
