Blue and pink foam board

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

I am just starting my first scenery, using suggestions from this forum (and CTT videos) on building up mountains, etc. using layers of foam board. My layout is on 1/2" plywood. I’m just using the foam board for built-up ground and mountains, not for structural purposes. I tried using 1" white styrofoam, but it’s so crumbly! Little crumbles everywhere! In searching the forum, there are many references to “blue foam” and “pink foam”, the latter apparently having even finer grain. I assume these boards don’t have paper backing on both sides, so they can be sculpted. In Southern Calif, I can’t find any of this at Home Depot. Does anyone have specific brand names or model numbers of the famous blue and pink foam board, so I can try to locate a distributor on the west side of LA? Thanks for any help… Bob Anderson (rha90272@mac.com)

2

Pink and blue styrofoam is usually what is called “extruded” styrofoam, blue is usually Dow and pink is usually Owens Corning. The following is quoted form the Dow web site:

"Today, the Dow STYROFOAM brand includes a variety of building materials (including insulated sheathing and housewrap), pipe insulation and floral and craft products. But there isn’t a coffee cup, cooler or packaging material in the world made from STYROFOAM.

These common disposable items are typically white in color and are made of expanded polystyrene beads. They do not provide the insulating value, compressive strength or moisture resistance properties of STYROFOAM products. In order to protect the Dow trademarked name “STYROFOAM”, such other material should be referred to by the generic term “foam.”"

You should find the stuff at Home Depot/Lowes in the insulation section.

3

Here are FOUR links - probably everything you want to know about these products and then some -

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26505

http://www.me.mit.edu/Lectures/SketchModelling/2.1-examples-bluefoam-Image111.html

http://www.barrule.com/Workshop/images/info/foams/index.htm

http://www.scaletree.com/foamsafety.html

Hope this helps.

Dan

4

Being in California it may be difficult to find. Here in Illinois its everywhere. Blue, pink, 1", 2". Being an insulation product it is mainly found in colder climates. Check out a model railroad club or hobby shop, they might have an idea where to get it.

5

Bob, look for an independent lumberyard in your area. Ie; DO-IT Best, True Value, etc. The local independent yard will know what you need. It’s been 30 years since I’ve been in the LA area but I’m sure they are still around. The color of the “foam” has little bearing for toy train applications. There are two different densities for the applications in the housing industries. Weather it is the lower for sidewall application or the higher for under concrete should not matter for your application. And weather it is Dow or Owens Cornings again will not matter to your trains. Again, bypass the big box and look for the local independent. You will find what you need, and knowledgeable folks willing to help at every turn.

Rod LaFrance

6

Thanks for all the great information. The third link posted by hoothoot is particularly relevant and useful, for anyone interested in these brands and their characteristics. Bob A.

7

Here in South Georgia, they only have 1/2" and 3/4" pink. I think it is climate specific as to availability. If you go to the contractor rep or to the customer service counter at Home Depot, I am sure they can order some for you. Certainly check the price before the order as some will tack on shipping.

Dennis

8

As far as I know, the only difference between blue and pink foamboard is the manufacturer.