Hello everybody Last week I was given some help in the layout discussion forum formatting a track plan to begin working on. After a week, here's my progress... Framework completed. I used a mix of 1x3s, 1x4s, and some other scraps. Total cost for frame materials: $30 Foamboard modeling of hills/depressions almost done. I bought more foamboard than I needed, but that's better than the alternative. I bought 2 sheets of 2" thick 4'x8' at Menards for $18ea, and then I bought 2 sheets of .5" 4'x8' at Lowes for $8 ea. I've got some pictures of my progress below. I decided to make the hill using the method shown rather than stacking pieces of foamboard on top of each other. I thought it would be easier to get gentle slopes, and it takes up less foamboard (as it is essentially hollow). I connected the foam using glue and also screws. I had a bunch of screws laying around, so I thought I'd try them, and they really work well for what they do. Anyway, here's some pics: <font size=-1>Here's my trackplan for reference (4' x 8') This is the "canyon" area. It's going to be the home of a small, lazy stream that comes from a culvert near the shallow end. Here's the basic framework of the corner hill. The first strip of hillside. It's as strong and rigid as it looks. But it's all foam, so I can poke a hole right through it if I have to. detail of corners. The screws really help hold the foam together while the glue dries. I will leave the screws in even after it's dry for extra support. nearly done... The "finished" hill. Next I will go over with some sort of modeling plaster stuff. In rocky areas I will texture it, but the hillside will be relatively smooth. </font> Hope you enjoyed the pics! -Dave
Since you are already using foam, you might want to consider some lighter weight coverings for your foam -- other than the old stand-by of plaster. Both Perma-Scene™ and Sculptamold™ are good for ground cover and don't weigh anywhere near as much as any form of plaster. I read somewhere that a combination of both is also good. Permascene is a granular mixture while sculptamold is a type of paper mache and is very smooth. Make the Permascene "smoother" by mixing (I use a zip-lock bag) and leaving it in the bag for a half hour before using [the directions are on the box]. I used both materials (with Bragdon Enterprises "plastic" rock faces) on my HO module to keep weight low and have been very pleased with the results (and the lack of weight).
Jeff- Thanks for the tips. I really haven't looked at any products yet, but as I have been working on the foam, I kind of thought regular plaster would not be the best solution. Ideally what I use should be lightweight, should not crack easily (somewhat flexible), and cheap. I'll look into the products you mentioned, hopefully they will not be too expensive because I will have to use a lot of it. Thanks
