Hydrocal plaster???

[twhite]

Most arts and crafts stores and building suppy stores carry it, at least here in the states. It's lighter than plaster, but it sets up much quicker, and like several of the posts have stated, once it's set, you can't do much about carving it. I use it for rock-castings on my layout, since using Plaster of Paris would increase the weight of the scenery. It molds beautifully and sets up in about half the time of Plaster of Paris. But make sure you get the White Hydrocal--some of the other blends are tricky to work with.
Tom

[randybc2003]

I Think you can get it from Woodland Scenics through Walthers.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: hydrocal is ok but if you use plain plaster of paris it will work also..it is also a lot stronger and cheaper than hydrocal ..

This has not been true in my experience. Hydrocal sets up very hard, much harder than Plaster of Paris. It is not carvable after it sets up. It sets up so hard (avoid the obvious bad joke here) that I had to use a sawzall to cut out my mountains when taking down my layout. The sawzall dulled out and we switched to hammers, Big hammers.

The reason Hydrocal is recommended for layouts is because of its superior strength. Hydrocal's hardness can be a drawback if you want to come back in later and carve stuff to blend it with other scenery. Most of my train friends have switched to casting plaster because it is easier to carve.

I have carved many square feet of Hydrocal (as it sets) and I like the strength it develops.

Guy

[Anonymous]

And the Hydrocal you want is Hydrocal White. There are a lot of different Hydrocals. It ran me $18 USD for a 50 lb bag 2 years ago.

[Anonymous]

From Gypsumsolutions.com:

Ontario, CAN
Form-iT Advanced Materials
345 Munster Avenue
Toronto, Ontario, CAN M8Z 3C6
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

# All HYDROCALS & PLASTERS
Morin Bros. Building Supplies
7 Tristan Court
Nepean, Ontario, CAN K2E 8A4
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

# All HYDROCALS & PLASTERS
Webster & Sons Ltd.
7160 Pacific Circle
Mississauga, Ontario, CAN L5T 2A6
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Website: www.webster.ca

[cwclark]

hydrocal is ok but if you use plain plaster of paris it will work also..it is also a lot stronger and cheaper than hydrocal ..the only drawback is that it's a lot heavier than hydrocal but if your benchwork is sturdy it shouldn't be an issue...Chuck

[Anonymous]

Arts and crafts stores usually sell it in their 'sculpting' section in small bags. Hardware stores sometimes have it in large (50lb) bags as well. There was a thread here not long ago about sources for Hydrocal, in the layout forum I think A quick search on Hydrocal going back 2-3 months should turn it up.

[JeremyB]

Hey guys

Does anybody know where I can find Hydrocal plaster?? I live in Onatrio,Canada.

Thanks for any help
Jeremy