Hydrocal substitutes?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I am having difficulty finding Hydrocal in bulk (ie. 50 lb bags or anything larger that the Woodland Scenics Quart). Is there an acceptable substitute that I may find at my local hardware store ( Lowes or Home Depot)? Does it go by other names?

Thanks for any help.

2

I use plain old plaster of paris in the 50 # bags…i like it better than hydrocal…it’s cheaper, and easier to work with because it takes longer to set up than hydrocal so you can get into it a bit longer with a hobby knife to cut those extra ravines and mountain features than you can with hydrocal …some think it’s not as strong as hydrocal but i beg to differ…it gets hard enough for my layout purposes…the only drawback is that it’s heavier than hydrocal but if your benchwork is sturdy , the weight is not an issue…a little hint also…add a teaspoon of vinegar to the mix before your pour and it will take longer to set up for that extra work time with the hobby knife…you can get plaster of paris in 50 # bags at Lowe’s or Home depot… Chuck[:D]

3

Jeff Try plaster.com and see what you think.

4

I use plaster for detailed rock formations and a lightweight building product called “Gypsolite” for my coverage over foam carved mountains etc. http://www.usmix.com/Techsheets/Distributor/gypsolite/ Home Depot and Lowes carry it. I got the suggestion from the Dave Frary DVD series on layout construction and I have been pleased with the results

5

I found these at Home Depot and Lowes. They are floor levelers

They come in sizes from a pint to 25 pounds. They are hydrocal or an equivalent.

Hope that helps[:D]
Harold

Vist the Pacific Coast Air Line Railway gravel page
http://www.pacificcoastairlinerr.com/gravel/

6

I like Durham’s Water Putty.

7

Hydrocal has the property of not shrinking as it sets. That’s important if you’re making molds.
It also does not take paint or stain well.
See what your local art school uses to make alabaster; that’s what Hydrocal is.

8

Call your local dental supply company…They carry a variety of gypsum products. I have used Labstone Buff in the past as well as a white lab plaster. Die stones are the hardest and their isnt much shrinkage. Most come in 25# and some in 50#

Good Luck,

Bob

9

David,

Hate to ask a dumb question, but what is alabaster?

Thanks!

10

Alabaster: a compact fine-textured usu. white and translucent gypsum often carved into vases or ornaments.
(thanks to Webster.)