Which foam to use???

[Anonymous]

After a long absence from model railroading I'm beginning to get back into the swing of it. I've just finished reading MR's book "Basic Scenery for Model Railroads". Lou Sassi talks about the different merits of using different type of foam board. He really bragged up Woodland Scenics sub terrain system. I was wondering if anyone knew what type of foam the sub terrain system is made of. I work for a large lumberyard and have ready access to the "blue", "pink" and "gray" foam boards that he talked about but didn't like because of their electrostatic charge and messy nature of working with them. I thought is someone might know what Woodland Scenics uses I might try to track some down through my wholesalers. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

I love the SLSF

[selector]

I am unable to address your question about WS material, but I can tell you that Dow Chem's blue extruded foam (called 'styrospan' in British Columbia) worked very well for me, in a moderately dry and warm basement with a rather large, hot, wood stove only 19" away from the corner of my bench. I used a carpet -cutter type knife, or the disposable one for $2.00 that has the five or six break-away sections as they dull. Later, for finer slope shaping, and for making road grades more consistent, I used a wire brush with very good effect. Naturally, I had to vacuum afterwars, but the Shop-Vac made short work of the 'dust' which is more like oatmeal flakes.

All you need is a small number of 2" sheets and a tube or two of latex caulk suitable for foam, such as PL 300 or Liquid Nails for Projects....and a wide scraper to spread the beads of caulk thin.

[jwr_1986]

I believ the subterain system is made of styrofoam. The little ball type which means that it would be much messier than the other ones. The extruded foam board that you have ready access to is your best bet. Get yourself a hot wire foam cutter, I think they go for about $30, stack em up and carve away. No real mess if you have your heat set right. Plus your not buying the woodland scenics name so the price really drops quick. Enjoy.

Jesse

[willpick]

Yes, the WS subterrain stuff is styrofoam, but it's not the same as the cheap(white) styrofoam insulating product. It's made to be cut with a razor knife or a hot wire cutter, and does not leave debris behind when cut. For what you want to do, the pink/blue/ gray foam is the stuff to use.