I need hydrocal

[Anonymous]

[8D]Where can I purchase hydrocal other than at a hobby store. I am buiding a layout with 75 feet of double track and a 45 foot spur line and I need a lot of hydrocal for the scenery but don't want to pay an arm and a leg for it. Thanks for all the help I can get. Tarn[8D]

[Javern]

i buy hobby plaster at Hobby Lobby in jumbo jugs, much cheaper. Just a thought

[dickiee]

You might want to check out www.plaster.com for hydrocal. I havent purchased from them yet because I have a large suppy right now but I intend to buy from them eventually. Their prices are about 50 cents a lb. plus shipping (which may be quite a bit because of the weight).

[wp8thsub]

Despite what the hobby press keeps telling you, you don't "need" Hydrocal at all. For most model railroad scenery applications, just about all setting-type gypsum plasters are virtually interchangeable. The Hydrocal brand refers to one specific grade of plaster marketed by US Gypsum; USG's very similar 20-minute casting plaster is more widely available in my area and costs about 1/3 as much. Last time I bought casting plaster I paid about $11.00 (US) for 100lb. If you're doing structures or other castings for which a very fine grade of plaster is important for capturing minute details, Hydrocal may be a better choice, but probably isn't worth the extra money for scenery use. It would take a highly calibrated eye to discern the difference between a Hydrocal rock casting and one cast from another grade of plaster.

[hminky]

Try floor leveler it is a fast setting gypsum plaster. It is available at most home improvement stores
Harold

[Anonymous]

Thanks everybody for your help. I appreciate it very much. Tarn

[bogp40]

QUOTE: Originally posted by hminky

Try floor leveler it is a fast setting gypsum plaster. It is available at most home improvement stores
Harold

Veneering plaster works great for large areas and will not set too fast. Unical or Diamond is found at all the big box stores. Then save the hydrocal for castings. If you go w/ the large bulk bags, make sure you have a container/ bucket with an airtight lid for storage to keep moisture out.
Bob K.