I've searched the forums, but their is so much information that I can't find an answer to this particular question.
I want to use 2" thick expanded foam insulation for my ho scale subroadbed. It's called Insulfoam and comes in 2'x4' sheets. I would like to use it because it is so easy to cut and shape. I figure that by using a riser every 15" it should be strong enough to avoid dips.
Does anyone have any experience with this material as subroadbed or have any suggestions about an alternative material?
thanks
I'm more familiar with the extruded foam products (the pink or blue stuff) which has structural integrity and a fairly closed cell. I read somewhere that 2" thick foam properly supported could support a person.
I think the expanded foam is a bit more like dense coffee cups and would not carve well. In either case us a non-serrated blade to cut it or keep a vacuum handy.
Lot's of good information here: Foam Layout Clinic from the Boulder Model Railroad Club
Co-owner of the proposed CT River Valley RR (HO scale) http://home.comcast.net/~docinct/CTRiverValleyRR/
Thanks, Doc. I'll check out the other products, too.
FYI, I emailed the company that makes Insulfoam. They said that hot blade and hot wire knives will cut it easily and eliminate the mess.
I as well have used the extruded foam and do like it. It will not hold the weight of a person, in fact my fat belly made a few dents on the edges. I love it for making rock faces.
I use a bread knife, box knife, sanding block to shape and my finger nails. If you look on U-Tube there are some great videos on foam carving.
Being in FL, you may have some problems finding the extrude foam.
Cuda Ken
I hate Rust
Insulfoam is expanded foam (I have no idea what the difference is). Our local Lowes has it in 4'x8'x2" sheets. I may not be able to use, however, because it's $25 a sheet. I can get 1/2" plywood for about $2 a sheet. I'd still like to try the foam, at least one sheets worth, just to see of it works.
WHAT, you think it doesn't get cold in Florida. We had three whole nights of freezing temperatures! Of course, yesterday it was 90 (a record high for this time of year) in Daytona and 87 here.
The fact that it may get down to freezing (rarely) is why extruded foam is harder to find Florida than it is in Michigan. Expanded (i.e. bead) foam is cheaper, but not nearly as robust when it comes to freeze/thaw cycles..
How does one purchase 1/2" plywood at $2 a sheet?
Hornblower
Around here the building market is in the toilet. The other day I saw low grade 1/2" plywood for $1.78 a sheet. It's like they can't give the stuff away.
So how's Cpt. Bush doing?
I
ruthiesea Around here the building market is in the toilet. The other day I saw low grade 1/2" plywood for $1.78 a sheet. It's like they can't give the stuff away.
I will be happy to sell you a sheet of 3/4' plywood for $2. It's only 36 square inches.... but it's a sheet.
Seriously, I have seen some plywood in really rough shape (warped, whole sections of the veneer missing) for $5 for a 4x8 sheet.... but it's nothing I'd want anywere near anything I was building.
Connecticut Valley Railroad A Branch of the New York, New Haven, and Hartford
"If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right." -- Henry Ford
hornblowerHow does one purchase 1/2" plywood at $2 a sheet?
Yes, definitely enlighten us on this item... !!!
I'm lucky to have both a Lowes and a Home Depot nearby. You have to shop around and watch the prices, but I've seen 4'x8'x1/2", decent quality, for as low as $3.50 a sheet. I've even bought plywood from builders around my neighborhood for a lot cheaper. I don't know what construction is like in California, but here we have abandoned developments with half finished houses. Like I said, it's like they can't give away builing supplies. In 2003, construction companies were complaining about the high prices of wood, especially plywood.