Bluefoam Board

[Anonymous]

I am building a new layout and have heard a lot about the blueboard. I have not been able to find it anywhere in my area. I have tried them all. What thickness is recommended for an HO layout? Is this very expensive? What are the advantages of this over regular beaded styrofoam? If anyone has any idea where I can purchase this bluefoam in southern calilfornia all answers on this subject would be greatly apppreciated. I live in Rialto, California. Thank You Hugh

[Anonymous]

Hi Hugh!
The blue board you speak of (it also comes in pink) is an extruded foam board used as insulation in buildings. This is a much denser, & more durable material than the white "bead board". It comes in 4x8 sheets, ranging in thickness from 1/2" to 2".
Where I live,(southeast U.S.) it can be found at most building supply, or home improvement stores. The price is comparable to plywood.
I prefer the 2" thickness for most uses, but you can laminate sheets of it together to get any thickness you want.
Styrofoam is a trademark owned by the Dow Chemical Co. In fact, I've heard builders refer to the foamboard as "Dow board". Perhaps you could contact Dow, & they could tell you if there's someone in your area sho sells it. At least call some of your local building suppliers.

[Anonymous]

Thanks Drew. We have tried e-mailing Dow and no response from them. We have also tried all building supply stores in this area, Lowes, Home Depot,etc. I appreciate your input.
Thanks again, Hugh

[Anonymous]

Hugh -- This stuff is pretty standard in all of the builders supplies stores here in Florida. I can't imagine why you couldn't locate it at Home Depot. I got mine at Lowes in 1/2 inch 4 x 8 sheets at about $4.00 per sheet. It's much cleaner to use than regular styrofoam and is also much stronger because it's less brittle.

The only reason I can figure is that you've got some sort of silly environmental law on the left coast which prohibits its sale. Try both the Lowe's and Home Depot websites. You may be able to order it.

I checked before posted and the sheet I've got says its EPA and DOE approved. Also lists two toll-free numbers to call for information: 888 STAR-YES and 800 258-CHEM.

Len

[gerryleone]

Also, Hugh -- if you decide to go with the blue or pink insulation, the best tool you can get is a "hot cutter" -- Woodland Scenics sells them. While you can use a Surform tool or saws to cut/file the insulation, the hot cutter really makes it fast, easy, and much cleaner!

-Gerry

[Anonymous]

THANKS GERRY .I SURE DO THANK EVERYONE FOR THERE INPUT ON MY PROBLEM BUT I HAVE FOUND OUT THAT ON THE LEFT COAST WE DO NOT BUILD BASEMENTS SO NOT VERY MANY PLACES SELL THE BEST FOR US GOOD MODEL

RAILROAD PEOPLE.
THANKS AGAIN HUGH

[Anonymous]

I am in Oregon, and had the same problem finding the blue board. I eventually bought white insulation board, but I don't know if it is the 'bead' variety mentioned in a previous post.
It is a little more flimsy then the blue board (Which was in the stores 6 months ago), but I think with a light wood frame underneath it should be fine.