cheaper alternative to hydrocal

[Rolo Tomasee]

Is there a cheaper alternative to hydrocal? I am building some rock bluffs for my layout and a carton of hydocal does not seem to go very far. I am paying $9.50 for a carton at Hobby Lobby. I bought some molds and paint and the rocks are pretty impressive when finished, they look true to life. I am getting about 5 medium size (3"x7") and a few small rocks per carton.

Thanks for the replies.

[csxt30]

Hi Rolo !! I bought a 50 or 80 lb. bag years ago of hydrocal & gave a lot of it away but still am using what I have left. I put it in a garbage bag & then put that in a plastic container & it has laste dall these years. You have to dial hydrocal in to search for a dealer that sells these big bags of it, near you. You'll save a ton this way !! I'm putting it down on almost my whole layout, as homosote is so pourous. Plus I put it on my mountain over that pourous plaster cloth.

You may want to try spackling compound also, as I know lots of guys use that. Oh, joint compound to, I think. 

Thanks, John    

[Fred Bear]

Check out my posts on the stuff, Jake

[Rolo Tomasee]

40 #'s for $21.50. The carton for $9.50 is a total rip off. Thanks for the link and a supplier close by. Excellent.

[Fred Bear]

Actually 50 lbs for $21.00 if you look at the Ultracal30 which is what most use I think. Just have to find it locally. I still think T&K Hobby sells the stuff right at 8lbs for $9.00. not bad, and no shipping. Jake

[eZAK]

Plaster of Paris (molding plaster)

 

25lb bag for $8 at home centers. Smaller sizes also available.

[mickey4479]

eZAK's idea is one I found to be inexpensive and works very well.  I just use it like hydrocal as I have in the past with heavy paper towels.  I use heavy paper towels from a hardware store to make sure it provides a little more thickness.  I had a lot of mountain type real estate to build and hydrocal would have been far too expensive.  Don't get me wrong here, I really do like hydrocal and have used it on several mountain sections, especially in corners. Hope you can find a great deal on hydrocal.