Can this be used to make roadways and RR crossings?
Yes, but care must be taken…
Very thin coats will prevent cracking, and the addition of a bit of vinegar will retire setting. If you “paint” the plaster on, you will have a better chance of success. There are better materials for this, but PofP can be used effectively with care and patience.
What better Materials?
Woodland Scenics has a product called Smooth it. I used it for my roads and it turned out pretty good. Easy enough to use.
I prefer Hydrocal or Duham’s Water Putty. Duabond 90 is another useful product. Others have used sheet styrene, foamcore and various commercial products.
What I like about Hydrocal or the Durham’s is the control of the spread w/ an appropriate sized flexable putty knife. I can also show irregularities in the roadway and flex the putty knife blade to even crown the road if nec. It does take some practice in mixing and spreading technique, but you can pick it up rather quickly. Practice on a scrap pies of foam or ply to hone abilities before plopping plaster on the layout.
These are all hydrocal Colored w/ powdered masonry dye
bogp40,
I didn’t have a chance to say this earlier,But I think you did a fantastic job on Your layout,Bob…I especially like the scene,with the overpass and the tugs,in it…I WOULD SAY,now that is creative,Art,in it’s own right…
Cheers,
Frank
Frank, this is my club layout. Quite a number of people had a hand in the outcome. I work w/ the scenery, bridges, abutments, landform, Hydrocal work in walls, roads and the rockwork. http://www.ssmrc.org/
bogp40,
You know,I forgot all about that…Being a club layout… Any way,that is great…work…
Cheers,
Frank