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Yep, trash is the answer. I have used styrofoam egg carton tops before. Although it isn't as durable as styrene but it is much cheeper. [:D] For the most part I use those plastic containers that are used to bring "left-overs" home from the resturant (most of them are .030 thicknes). Popcicle sticks are a cheap alternative for lumber, .080 thick (a popcicle stick is equivalent to about 7" X 32" in HO scale). Most 3"x5" cards are either .010 or .009 thick. So for styrene alternatives... .010 - 3x5 cards .020 - glue 2 3x5 cards together .030 - resturant containers .040 - glue a 3x5 card to resturant container .050 - well you get the point... .060 - ... .070 - ... .080 - popcicle stick (unless it needs to be flexible - gluing a 3x5 card between 2 pieces of resturant plastic including the glue equals .080) For glue, I use yellow carpenters glue, white glue can also be used, as they are vinyl and remain flexible. I don't recommend the use of CA for laminating your trash, it dries hard and will crack if you bend it. Also, remember that the glue will add to the overall thickness so keep that in mind when laminating items to get a specfic thickness. In the Scratchbuild Off" I will most likely build my water tower from resturant plastic, popcicle sticks and electrical wire. The prototype water tank framework is made from 14"x14" lumber. Gluing 2 sticks together then cutting it into strips, I could make those framing timbers nearly free. I plan to use electrical wire (one strand from stranded wire) for the tank banding. The roof and ladder I will most likely cut from resturant plastic containers (.030 in HO is 2.6"). Hope this helps.
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