<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by JCater: ... Another question though: what is the best light weight scenic material for covering mesas and mountains. Hydrocal?? I am a plaster man from way back, but since this layout needs to be light weight... <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Try Light Weight Spackling found under many brand names. I use this over my foam if the surface needs some texturing. Works good and is very light weight. One word of caution, it can be kind of fragile after it dries. But on the other hand, I have used it on a couple of modules and it has stood up pretty good to wear and tear. Look for it at your favorite hardware store. ------------------ Mike Drzycimski Arlington, TX The Southview Lines www.crosswinds.net/~mdrzycimski
Spackling is also a good concept...I have also used this material, but only in small areas....tends to be a bit pricey. Thanks, and Happy Modeling!! John ------------------ The Santa Fe and Southwestern, Chief of the Southwest!!
Styrofoam beads, expanded, can be mixed into a spakeling or plaster mix. Use water base, thin a little, mix beads, and dab on over general area by hand. Is very light, reasonably strong unless stepped on. The beads are like an air cavity of no weight. Use the hard foam packing from TV shipping etc boxes from behind stores. Bigger the beads the better. They can be shredded inside a plastic garbage bag, by rubbing one piece against another. I go to where they are putting up vinyl siding and pick up scraps. Can't get it cheaper than that! Easy enough to apply thin coat over for detailing. Experiment. It is easily cut and shaped if later you need to put in a road or house, or trees. ------------------ Watash
