What kind or name is the 4x8 foam insulation board used for the layout base. Here in Southern California I can’t find the pink or blue board that is shown in video’s or other articles. Is it polystyrene foam?
Yes, polystyrene, but there are also other foams (e.g., urethane; polyisocyanurate). Look for a closed-cell foam, not the ubiquitous “bead-board.” You can see the difference-the beads!.
Dante
Around here it usually comes in 2x8 sheets.
Owens-Corning (pink) or Dow (blue) are the major brands. In my area I can get either 2x8 or 4x8 sheets. I hear there is also a green, not sure of the difference. There is a gray by one of the above, I’ve seen it only in 1" and it is not quite as rugged. I gather it does not hold up as well outside or underground. It is OK for building scenic forms, would say it was not as good for a base, unless supported on a full plywood base.
You don’t want the stuff with foil on one side, unnecessary expense and what I have seen, not the right kind of foam. On 1/2" sheets of blue and pink you may find a clear film, remove that before gluing it.
Good luck,
Richard
I have used both the blue and the green. I’m a little confused at this point. The Blue Styrofoam is (looked this up) Expanded Polystyrene. The Green foam actually says … Polystyrene. Thing is … the Blue stuff … when you carve and distress it … acts like … well … foam. The Green stuff acts more like … uhhh … paper. Umm … trying to say … the Blue has more of a cellular structure while the Green is more layered …
Example. Here’s some ‘rock’ carved from the blue foam. Notice how it ‘chips’
!(http://i856.photobucket.com/albums/ab130/LCRRinHO/Scenery/Foam Rocks/Image14.jpg)
The Green foam on the other hand … has more of a linear texture … which I took enhanced and made strata …
!(http://i856.photobucket.com/albums/ab130/LCRRinHO/Scenery/Foam Rocks/PSFoam_1.jpg)
The both work in the end …
!(http://i856.photobucket.com/albums/ab130/LCRRinHO/Scenery/Foam Rocks/Image16-1.jpg)
Thank you all for your input. I think I found the right foam board at Lowes…
Hello Lloyd,
What kind did you go with and how is it.
Thanks
I believe it is polystyrene…with all the riain here in southern California I haven’t got back to the store to purchase it and bring it home in my pick-up. I will keep you posted…thanks