A question aimed more at the modellers based in the UK, but, I’ve been trying to track down the pink extruded foam sheets that are mentioned frequently in the articles in the magazine and the online videos. It has been used both as a base for a model and as show in the Salt Lake tutorials as the base for the hills and mountains etc. If anybody could point me the right direct I would be most grateful. I’ve tried doing a search on Google but so many different types turn up I’m not sure which I should be focusing on!
The pink foam insulation is made by Owens Corning. Dow Chemical also makes the same stuff, but theirs is blue. In the US, we buy this at building supply places, the same stores that sell lumber. The pink foam comes in 1-inch and 2-inch thicknesses. I buy the 2-inch stuff, as it’s stiff enough to support trains without sagging with supports every 18 inches or so. The sheets are 8 feet long and 2 feet wide.
More specifically, you could try “Home Depot” or “Lowes”. Not sure how/if they could hook you up there in the UK, but you never know unless you ask!
(Also there are other places you can get it too)
John
You’re probably better off checking with DIY stores in the UK like Wickes, B&Q or Homebase for UK made extruded polystyrene for Knauf Insulation et. al. http://www.knaufinsulation.co.uk/products/where_to_buy_insulation.aspx
Here’s another link to check out: http://www.theconstructioncentre.co.uk/products/insulation/extruded-polystyrene/
Hope this helps.
Andre
Try looking at www.wickes.co.uk under insulation. There is a product listed that is tongue and groove and from the picture looks similar to the ‘blue stuff’ I have seen at Lowe’s here in the states. There is also a product named Celotex listed there but not too sure what it is. It appears to be different than what I would buy in Michigan under the same name.
Hi,
You want extruded polystyrene also known as XPS here. Knauf seem to be the biggest sellers in the UK. Have you tried your local branch of Travis Perkins or Sheffield Insulation? They are best for 8’ x 4’ or 8’ x 2’ sheets. Knauf have a good technical help desk that you can call for advice. Number on their website.
I’ve recently bought a pack of four 1200mm x 500mm “Spaceboards” (made by Knauf) from B & Q to try out. They are 52.5mm thick and were £20. More expensive overall than larger sheets, but easy to find, plastic wrapped, clean and easier to transport than 8x4’s. My local Focus DIY also stocks them.
I read somewhere that the typical US boards have a nominal density of 32kg / m2 and that was the minimum you should aim for. Spaceboards are at 30kg / m2 (I phoned Knauf to ask), so not far off. Knauf also sell Polyfoam floorboards with 38kg / m2 density if you wanted higher strength.
There’s a guy in Leicestershire who sells small sheets of blue “styrofoam” on eBay. I’ve never bought from him but he has a 3000+ positive feedback - might be worth a go if you just wanted a trial piece.
By way of a question back, have you ever seen No More Nails for Projects in the UK?
Regards
Ian