Is this good foam?

[Wallywall]

I managed to get some of this foam and wanted to make sure it was good before I glued it down. It's about 2" thick. I got a lot of it for free so I would really like to use it.

 

[selector]

For stacking, as in between layers where it won't have to be carved, sure.  The stuff we are talking about looks more like sponge toffee.  Also, while what you show has what could be described as a "skin" or outer retaining sheen to it, extruded foam does not.   Also, does this stuff you show bend a bit?  Maybe quite a bit?   Extruded foam bends about a tenth as much, if at all.

The foam you are showing is not going to be easily carved...I don't think. 

[Wallywall]

It's pretty stiff and doesn't bend much. It does have a skin on it as well. It's a thick packing foam I've seen in tooling carriers I believe.

[selector]

Sorry, but it has to go.  To convince yourself, try cutting it and then sanding or carving it so that you get something like an unpainted rock face....actually, even a nice smooth slope will be a good enough test.  I think you'll find it isnt' suitable.

Regrets, though.

-Crandell

[Wallywall]

I'll see what I can do. Thanks for the help.

[ham99]

If you try to cut or shape it, be prepared to clean up a mess.  The stuff will get everywhere and stick to everything [static electricity].  It's meant to cushion shock, not insulate or provide any structural strength.  It's great for getting into gears and disabling locomotives.

[ndbprr]

Having been in the packaging business some of the above comments are just plain wrong.  What you have is expanded polyethylene.  IF it is level it is a very good substitute for a base material and should last far longer than the typical foams used in model railroads.  It will probably never become brittle or degarde in this life.  It will not have the static electricity and dirt of other foams.  It is easily cut with a hot wire cutter or electric knife and will make virtually no dust. 

[Wallywall]

Cutting it wasn't too hard with a regular razor blade. It came off in nice strips. I plan on getting a hot wire cutter so I'll see how that works on it. Thanks again everyone. I appreciate the help and I will update on how the hot wire cutter works.

[Anonymous]

Well said, only snag is it is a little spongy.

[ndbprr]

Definitely polyethylene. That is one of the attributes as it is used in cushion packaging.  IT comes in different densities through rock hard.  We would also cut it with a band saw blade with about 50 teeth per inch.

[loathar]

Looks like the same crap Woodland Scenics makes their roadbed out of. Don't try and use it for a base. Might work if you stack it up and cover it with plaster to make scenery.

[dgwinup]

Here's a link to the folks who make the stuff:

http://www.pactiv.com/View_NewsRoom.aspx?indexNumber=18f57343-486a-4b99-93c3-a97a9295dcf6

From reading through the information, it sounds to me like this would make a good base for modeling.  Light but strong, easily cut and carved.  The only thing I'd want more into on is if it takes paint or plaster.  Be a shame to do a whole layout inthe stuff only to find out too late that paint and plaster won't stick to it!

Hope the info helps.

Darrell, quiet...for now