cardboard vs. foam

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Dcnc01

New Member
Well, I was fearing this question as I think I know how you may reply. But, before I found this forum, I started my mountain structures and supports using cardboard boxes and making separate supports. They are pretty strong as I hot-glued horizontal supports but, am I headed for a nightmare as I start to add the newspaper and plaster cloth? No one seems to suggest this approach.
 
I don't know what you are worried about. While I am not exactly sure how you put together your cardboard frame, cardboard framing has been used for years. My garage size layout uses nothing but this method.
Mine is cut into strips and woven to make the form. I then cover it with plaster gauze. This gives loads of strength to the structure, but to add more I put one to two layers of plaster of paris on top of that. Always dampen the first layer before adding a second. This will prevent the first layer from absorbing all the moisture of the second, which causes cracking.

As long as your frame stays together for you to get the plaster gauze on, it will be fine. Your shape and strength will mostly come from the plastering.;) :)

Want an easy to make rock outcropping? Just take a gob of plaster and splat it down. Latter, when dry, you can carve it like you want.
 
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I agree with Rex. The cardboard frame, covered in either screen material and plaster or plaster cloth, has been around a long time. It's a little time consuming and messy compared to foam but the final results are every bit as good.
 


I don't think I've seen those pictures before, Rex. Very impressive, that bridge scene looks particularly good. My only bridge is a dinky timber culvert. :)
 
Thanks Jim. I had to build that bridge from scratch to fit the gorge. I even got a little carried away and used NutBoltWashers, about 800 of them (that you can't even see, ha!). So much of my layout is twix and tween because of changing plans, rewiring, and etc. that I don't have real good areas to photograph......yet! :)
 
Great pics Rex!
You're right on track about the plaster being self supporting when it's done. I knew a guy who actually used some of those long skinny ballons taped together for part of the base. When the plaster gauze had set he popped them to form a hollow shell!
 


This thread is timely for me. I've been putting cardboard strips on a section of the layout in preparation for plaster scenery. But a question: Can one use regular roll-type paper towels and dip them in thin plaster to lay on the cardboard strips as a sub-base before putting the heavier layer of plaster? Another question: Can hydrocal be used over the plaster base?
 
JimmyG: Yes, of course you can use paper towels dipped in plaster, but the folded type is suppose to be the best. Many modelers like to use this method because it is so cheap. I found it more messy, but I didn't really give it much of a chance. I like the added strength you get by using plaster gauze (you know how strong a cast is on a broken limb;) ) You can ask your Doctor or medical friend to order it through a medical supply house and save 50% over hobby gauze. Also, yes to Hydrocal. It is suppose to be much stronger and lighter, but it is expensive. I haven't found any locally in large quantity, but you can order it in 5 gal buckets on-line.

Brubakes: Well, it was all easy except for the gorge. The rock formations, tunnels, large bridge, small bridge, and creek took one summer. Just doing a large mountain will only take a week, adding in drying time.:) Now...the trees is another story. So far, there are over 250 trees in place and I will be adding around 100 more in this area.
 
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