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Anyone use Forex pvc for scratch building?

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  • Member since
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Anyone use Forex pvc for scratch building?
Posted by IDRick on Saturday, June 19, 2021 11:56 AM

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?

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Posted by IDRick on Saturday, June 19, 2021 8:18 PM

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.

  • Member since
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  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
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Posted by gmpullman on Saturday, June 19, 2021 8:44 PM

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

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Posted by IDRick on Saturday, June 19, 2021 10:08 PM

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! Yes

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Posted by NVSRR on Sunday, June 20, 2021 7:32 PM

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

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Posted by IDRick on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 5:04 PM

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. 

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  • From: Shenandoah Valley
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Posted by BigDaddy on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 5:22 PM

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

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Posted by NVSRR on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 6:18 PM

Henry

 

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.

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

  • Member since
    March 2011
  • 1,950 posts
Posted by NVSRR on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 6:25 PM

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

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

  • Member since
    December 2015
  • From: Shenandoah Valley
  • 9,094 posts
Posted by BigDaddy on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 9:09 PM

Shane   thank you

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

  • Member since
    November 2007
  • From: California
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Posted by HO-Velo on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 4:04 PM

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

 

 

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Posted by IDRick on Thursday, June 24, 2021 11:25 PM

Nice work Ho-Velo!  Thanks for sharing your work and your experiences!

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Posted by NVSRR on Sunday, July 4, 2021 9:15 PM

 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.

 

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

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