In article <03a6b548$0$27272$c3e8da3@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>,
Puckdropper <puckdropper(at)yahoo(dot)com> wrote:
> some guy <1@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in news:ORG2k.13909$gc5.2079@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
> > The Stare wrote:
> >> I'm planning on building a N scale railroad on a sheet of 4x8
> >> plywood. I keep reading about the blue foam sheets but don't
> >> understand the advantages. Could someone enlighten me on the pros and
> >> cons of using the foam?
> >>
> >
> > -light weight
> > -easy to carve/sculpt/cut
> > -fairly rigid
> > -available in several thicknesses (I commonly see 1/2 up to 2 inch,
> > and have occasionally seen 4 inch)
> > -fairly inexpensive
>
> Here's some cons:
> -Doesn't hold track nails well, so glue is required.
In N scale, that's not a disadvantage...
> -Cutting can be messy, or very smelly. (Depending on the method used.)
Use a Japanese-style flexible pull saw, or a hacksaw blade with tape
wrapped around one end. No smell, little mess (no more than than
sawdust).
> -Easily broken, so ****table layouts require additional sup****ts.
It doesn't require any more sup****t (and usually LESS) than any other
method of construction.
> -Plaster doesn't stick as well to foam as it does wood. (I get around
> this by gluing cheese cloth to the foam and then adding my plaster.)
So don't use plaster. I use lightweight spackling instead. Cleans up
(and thins) with water, sands and shapes MUCH easier, and weighs so
little you won't even notice it.
> -Sensitive to glues and paints.
Make that _oil_based_ glues and paints. Stick with low temp hot glue,
Aileen's Tacky Glue for small areas, and acrylics.
I've built a number of modules using wood or steel stud frames and foam
bases. I can easily pick up and move a 6 x 2 foot Bendtrack module in
one hand.
The only "problem" I've got is that I can't rent an enclosed trailer
large enough to move the stuff I need to move... U-haul won't believe me
when I tell them I need a 6 x 10 trailer, but only have a 200 pound
load.
Other advantages... rock sculpting is dead easy, and requires nothing
more than a knife and a wire brush. Take a look at my blog for examples:
http://daytonn-track.org/Blog/
One thing... a 4 x 8 layout in ANY scale is a mistake... it's far to
awkward to work on in the middle. Rethink to a 3 x 8, or an "L" shape.
You'll find it much easier to work on and run.
--
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