I recently saw a layout with several scratch-built factories, using forex pvc (used for signs). Anyone have any experience using this product? Was curious about cost, how to cut to dimension, cut out window/doors, adhesive to use, any challenges with painting, etc?
I was able to get information from the original modeler. He has an inexpensive source at this location but based on my searching, it is more expensive than styrene. Apparently, it can be cut with a Xacto knife. Loc-tite works well for bonding surfaces. Takes paint well.
This stuff sounds just like the Genesis ceiling tile I dragged home from work one day. It is smooth, white expanded PVC. I found it useful for building foundations and roadways.
This building is resting on a piece of Genesis EPVC:
Hulett_Machineshop by Edmund, on Flickr
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Genesis-Common-48-in-x-24-in-Actual-47-75-in-x-23-75-in-Smooth-Pro-White-Smooth-15-16-in-Drop-Tile-Ceiling-Tiles/50022172
If I were scratchbuilding a concrete or stucco structure I'd consider using it. A modeler here was considering building a LAUPT building and I would definitely look into using it for that.
I also find it handy for interior partitions and bracing. Just one more material to keep in mind when certain projects arise.
Good Luck, Ed
Awesome, thank you so much Ed for the information and report on your personal experience! I'll definitely give it a try in my next scratchbuild!
I have been using it for a while. It is actually expanded PVC or EPVC I got mine sheets on amazon. It takes to cutting really easy and embossing extremely well. Good for stone walls and such. The stone structure in the background is made and embossed from EPVC. I use it for building modular bases mostly. And the backs of buildings along the layout edge or unseen parts. where big blank sheets are needed. .080 is about as thin as it comes.
Shane
A pessimist sees a dark tunnel
An optimist sees the light at the end of the tunnel
A realist sees a frieght train
An engineer sees three idiots standing on the tracks stairing blankly in space
Shane, thanks for posting your experience with expanded foam pvc and an example of your work! Nice! Quarter-inch product x 24" x 48" sells for $45 at the big box stores here. These panels would work well for long-walled buildings, no seams but on the high side in price.
NVSRR It is actually expanded PVC or EPVC
What does that mean?
Does it look like gatorboard or foamboard without the outside layer?
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
EPVC expanded polyvynalchloride.
Let me first make explain using styrene. I am sure you are familiar with the styrene sheets and such we use for scratchbuilding. But the pink and blue foam sheets used for scenery. well they are styrene too. or expanded styrene to be exact. in styreene liquid state, it is either pelletized form mold injection, laid down for sheet styrene, or a foaming agent is added with a colorant that causes gas bubbles to form inflaiting the styrene into sheets of pink or blue we use for scenery.
Epvc works the same way. only it is pvc(the white plastic pipe used in plumbing). But with less foaming agent so it is denser than styrene foam. It looks like a styrene sheet and not like gatorfoam.
HAve to use epoxy or super glue. Ironocally pvc glue or MEK based glues (of which pvc glue is one) dont work well. House paint binds well allowing elmers to stick.
IDRick
the ones from Amazon are 3x5 foot and usually come in packs of two to five
1/8 inch 2x4 sheet 28$
Just saw 1/4 2 pack 2 x 4 sheet for 44 white sheets
Look online for sign shops in your area. you might score even better prices.
Shane thank you
I like using expanded closed cell PVC board ('Sintra') for streets, paved areas, sidewalks and walls. Thinner sheets can be cut with a razor knife. Did cut some 1/4" thick on a table saw with fine tooth blade, also some shallow slots with a router.
Takes Tamiya acrylic, Floquil & automotive primer paint. Have only fastened with CA & silicone adhesive, IMO CA better. Bonds to syrene with CA.
The material lends itself to scribing and embossing. Following Ray Dunakin I emboss textures into the board with rocks, simulating cut stone and rough surfaces.
Can't say the scribing wasn't tedious, but filled the bill for tall two-sided walls at the junk yard and a low retaining wall between gas station and tracks.
First foray into PVC board was a concrete pier.
Regards, Peter
Nice work Ho-Velo! Thanks for sharing your work and your experiences!
A close up of the embossed EPVC old pig iron furnace. Cannt see the edges of the epvc. easy to blend them in and make them dissappear.