I am working on a small layout that is an Ian Rice teardrop design. The rear of the layout is quite curvy. The layout is light and relatively mobile because I plan on moving in a few years.
For the backdrop, I was considering using a 1/4 or 1/2-inch-thick foam, which would be flexible and light. However I was wondering if the texture of the foam would be seen after painting it. Has anyone had success with a foam backdrop?
Thanks,
Darrell
I do not think foam rubber, if that is what you mean, is paintable. The paint would run as it enters the air cells. Have you considered foam core board, available at art and craft stores? This is extremely light and has a high quality coated paper surface.
Greg has hit the nail on the head,form core works.
Darrel : The only foam which shows no texture is polystyrene foam [ pink or blue], which doesn’t come in bendable thin sheets. White 'beadboard’comes in thin sheets, but the texture will show, and it is too fragile.
You already have a suggestion for foam core board, but it isn’t meant to curve at all, and it doesn’t, except in very gentle gradual bends.
Your best bet is Upson Easy Curve, a paper-based material used for advertising and trade show displays.It comes in 4x8 sheets.It is recommended by Dave Frary, in Kalmbach book ‘Realistic Model Railroad Scenery’, an excellent book on all modern scenery methods.regards / Mike