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Noah, For structure walls, boxcar siding and areas that need to be flat 3x5 and 5x7 type card stock is very flimsy although it could be used. I have had better sucess using the back off of writting tablets, the front and back covers of steno pads and soda pop 12 pack boxes. To reflect window and door frames and other structure facade 3x5 or 5x7 card stock would work. These cards are .009" thick which in HO equals about 3/4". Soda pop 12 pack boxes are .019" thick or about 1-5/8 HO inches. side note: The formula to get scale inches is; inches X scale = scale inches. I.e. HO scale 1:87.1 - .020 x 87.1 = 1.742, or about 1-3/4", N scale is 1:160 - .020 x 160 = 3.2 or about 3-1/4". My choice as an alternative to styrene is the clear plastic tops from resturant take home boxes. I've also found some grocery items are packaged using this clear plastic. It is much stiffer than card stock, very bendable, easy to cut, and works well with CA. After cutting the pieces to size and shape, sand the surface lightly with #600 before assembly to ensure CA and paint adhesion. AOL likes to waste there money sending me a supply of .050 material. Although not as flexible, CD cases can be used for flat surfaces like structure walls. In HO, 2 CD cases equals 1 small freight terminal. [:)] For inside corner renforcement and framing I cut strips from popcicle sticks using a hobby knife. Popcicle sticks are .080 (HO = 7", N = 12-3/4"). I model in HO so cutting .080 strips gives me 7"x7" beams. I recently found that Star Bucks stir sticks are .050 thick and are longer than popcicle sticks. I went to my local Star Bucks, told the guy what I wanted them for and he gave me a double fist full. I didn't figure it out but it must be close to a gazillion board feet of lumber. [:D] The popcicle sticks I bought in my local crafts store are .38 wide or in HO about 33". Two of then glued together makes 5'6". Great for making HO scale sidwalks - 7" rise from road suface and 5'6" width. I also recently read on this fourm that the signs being used for election campaigns would also make a good alternative to buying styrene. Can't wait for the election to end, I plan to help "clean up" the old signs. [^]
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