Where can i get the pink or blue foam you guys talk about. I was at menards and saw 4 by 8 sheets of stuff for some type of insulation it was pink and thickness from .5 inch to 2.0 inch would this work. Thanks in advance.
That sure sounds like the stuff! - go for it.
If it is like sponge toffee inside, and not pilled like picnic cooler foam (beads pressed together), that is what you want.
I know any home improvement store does. I think it comes in 2X4’, 2X6’ and 4X8’ at Lowes and Home Depot. The thicknesses are from .5" to 4" or 5".
Bruce: That sounds like the stuff.
You should be able to get smaller sizes than 4x8 if you need it. I can’t get a 4x8 in my car and had to get two 2x8 sheets; even then i did some damage to them.
Thinner sheets are easier to cut but need a bit more gluing. I used 2" sheets as a base. I find that the hot wire from WS has a capacity to do a 2" sheet, but not a stack of them.
I also found that what I thought was a 1/2" sheet was 9/16 or 5/8 and didn’t match the WS sub-roadbed.
It sure sounds like the right stuff…Solid, extruded foam. If it were the expanded bead stuff, I’m sure you would be able to tell because…well, it looks like expanded beads!! And, I’ve never seen any of that type in any other color than white, where as the extruded comes in pink, blue and yellow…at least around here.
All of my “base” is 2" foam supported on 1x4’ framing. It’s very strong and easy to work with.
Thanks for the info guys i guess i’ll pick me some up thanks again.
Hi,
I’m using pink foam, 2inches thick by 4 feet by 8 feet, will custom cut some pieces to fit my plans.
Anyway, I am using 1 x 4 pieces, like bed slat frame underneath for support and a 1x 4 outside box type frame it all sets in.
Keeps it lightweight, yet strong, and if I ever move, it can be moved easily.
Not like some of my buddies who used heavy plywood, and later moved, man it takes several really strong guys to manhandle thats stuff up a basement stairs, and back down another at a new house, and is an ALL DAY JOB!!!
I think foam is terrific, but remember that it isn’t as strong as plywood. You can’t climb on your layout if it’s made of foam. Other than that, the stuff is great.
For small cuts, I like a hot-wire cutter, but for large cuts, score-and-snap does the job. Save your scraps, because you can use them to build up hills and embankments.