I use Durabond 90 patching plaster. The "90" refers to the setting time in minutes, but it also comes in other setting times, from 20 minutes to, I think, two hours. It will set, regardless of how thin or thick it's mixed, in approximately the time indicated. My layout is mostly open grid framework, with risers supporting cut-out plywood road bed and pretty-well all scenery is Durabond over aluminum screening, supported by risers. When hardened, it's strong enough to support much of my weight if I need to lean over the layout to grab something. It doesn't chip all that readily, but I used thinned interior latex housepaint to stain all of it - much easier than trying to brush-on unthinned paint, and it immediately cured my case of layout-room snowblindness brought on by the too-white expanses of terrain.I use it to create hills...
and bigger hills...
...and water, too...
Durabond, in its various iterations, comes in, if I recall correctly, 2lb. and 5lb. boxes, and 33lb. bags. It won't crack when applied thinly, as in those water scenes, or if it's 2" thick, as it was here originally...
I've also used it to make rock castings, with good results, although I've not yet had time to colour or use them.
Wayne
I used drywall mud. I get the powder, and mix what I need. You can also get it premixed in buckets. You can also get different "set" times. The 15 min. stuff is like the patching plaster, dries fast. Regular mud sets in about 30 min. or so, depending on the temp.
You can also try plaster of paris. Mold makers, and artist who do decrative plaster work use mostly plaster of paris. Good for molding, too.
Any of the above placed in thick layers might develop shrinkage cracks, which can be filled in with more mud.
Just some ideas.
Mike.
My You Tube
Usually there are several choices in plaster available. One that is high stregth so it doesn't chip easily is pretty close, as you don't want white flecks to appaer all over your scenery that need constant touch-up every time you bump it a little.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
I never tryed the WS stuff. I use dry wall mud. Have tryed reg. patching plaster; too mutch mess mixing and waste, not enuff working time ...for me
I have used DAP plaster of pairs from home depot with good results in the woodlands molds.
Can you recommend the generic type of plaster that is available at home depot or lows that is comporable to woodlands sculpture mold?