What are precast foam outcroppings???

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Andy Sperandeo mentions useing precast foam outcropping in his article in MRR. He mentions WS. Are these something you buy, or a way to use expandible foam in WS molds or what. The idea sounds interesting. My Plaster of Paris moldings get pretty heavy by the time you get a whole moutain built.

2

Art,
Sorry to use this thread for an unrelated question, but my search of the forums for layout designs was not too fruitful (I stopped at pg 20 out of 150) looking for help on retaining walls. The “all forum” search with key words was not too helpful either, but I’m hoping that people seeing your question will be able to help me. I have a long section (about 20’) of elevated layout ranging from 2" to 6" high that needs retaining walls. WS sells retaining walls (6" max) for about $5. Covering 20’ at 6" a section would be pretty pricey. Can anyone recommend a do-it-yourself alternative. The wall needs to be almost vertical as there is a track below it. Thanks.
Bill

3

Bragdon Enterprises at http://www.bragdonent.com makes a casting foam that can be poured in molds. It sets up quickly, but remains pliable for a while, too. They recommend pouring the mold and then setting it in place, forming it to your countours before it sets. You could, of course, just let it completely cure flat in the mold, and then mount the pre-cast sections on your layout.

4

I have done retaining walls with Plaster of Paris and Drywall seam cement on WS plaster cloth and then just carving what I want and painting it. I have not been after anything too complex and they are fast and easy. I prefer the drywall cement because it gives extra drying time.

Here is an example

Here is a rock wall carved in blue foam. This has been the easiest and cheapest thing I have tried.

There are things I can do with castings that I cannot carve, thus the interest in foam castings, what ever they are.

5

Art,

I’ve seen some nice walls done with the pink/blue styrofoam sheets and a electric (hot) foam cutter.

Cut to shape and then use the hot cutter to make the rock/wall/joint effects. I’m sure it takes a lot of practice, but the guy I’ve seen doing it at shows achieves some really nice effects.

Mike Tennent

6

I got curious about the Bragdon site, and I noticed they have a large selection of rock wall molds suitable for either foam or plaster. Bill, they’ve got a retaining wall mold that’s 6x12 inches, which might be easier to used than some of the smaller molds for your 20 real feet of retaining wall.

I bought a Bragdon starter kit at a train show before I started my layout, but (surprise) everything has taken so much longer than I expected, and it’s still bagged up. Now, I’m going to wait for warmer weather because the foam resin gives off evil vapors.

7

Thanks Guys. I’ll check the Bragdon site.
Bill