Is there a cheaper way that I can make Woodland Scenics Flex Paste myself?
From just a quick look, it seems that Woodland Scenics Flex Paste is some sort of plaster, and like much of Woodland Scenics products, usually over-priced.
You could likely pick-up a similar type of plaster at any Lowes, Home Depot, or even your neighbourhood hardware store.
I use Durabond-90 patching plaster, usually bought in 15kg (33lb.) bags, although it's also available in smaller packages.The 90 refers to the 90 minute setting time, but it's workable for at least an hour. The package has info on mixing it....usually only clean water is needed.
I use it over aluminum window screen to create both trackside contoured ground scenery and, when working on bare plywood, water features.
Here's a few views of it, this one as "dirt" (over screen)...
...and after adding ground foam and static grass, it's turned into a pasture...
Here's a bridge atop aluminum screen, covered with Durabond...
...and after some trees have been planted...
Another use for Durabond is to cast "concrete" supports for bridges. I make moulds using .060" thick sheet styrene...
...and then, after assembling the mould, set it upside down...
...then fill it to a level just slightly higher than the needed height...as you can see, the pier supporting the bridge was made using that mould.
I also use Durabond to create some water scenes, too...
However, after digging up these photos, I'm starting to question if the Woodland Scenics Flex Paste would ever be used for scenery making...perhaps it's simply something meant to smooth-over rough areas on a layout.
Anyway, you can buy Durabond in smaller quantities (and with faster setting times), and it will likely be cheaper than the Flex Paste, and also be more permanent.
Wayne
What does the "Flex" in the name mean? The label says it dries hard, is it just repackaged spackling?
I've largely avoided Woodland Scenics for anything other than the occasional foam or grass material since they started selling common products with a different name and ridiculous price. "Foam nails" - t-pins available from any office supply company. "Scenic cement" - bottled water with some glue diluted in it.
Flex Paste is more like a caulk that dries hard but flexable. I used it for the seam between my plaster work and facia. I am on my second jar but only because my first layout was a huge walk around. You only need this flexability when two different materials meet.
Good morning
Don't forget about Fast & Final.
For five bucks more than Woodland Scenics 16 oz. Rip off, you can get eight times as much of something that works well. The ultralight stuff is foams best friend, carves and shapes the same and will stick to pretty much any clean surface.
Great for transitioning height indifference in a few layers as seen in between bridge #5 & 7. Gonna use it to smooth out the road above and transition where it meets the flat as well.
Been working with the stuff in construction for years, so brought it to the layout and I've never seen it crack. If you have a seam that's been problematic to cracking, V it out, put a bead of polyseamseal on and schmooze it with your finger before you put the DAP on. Would probably be a good idea on any seam or crack as it's so quick and easy to do.The stuff's like super elastic bubble plastic and won't ever crack. As difficult as it has been in the past to remove from a clean surface, I don't see it separating either.
Hope you find what you're looking for your project at hand Hudson
TF