I just got some 042 track from Trainz today. It was packed in typical styrofoam popcorn. I thought, what can I use this for on my layout instead of thowing it away? I could grind it up and use it in my hopper cars, but how could I paint it or glue it together without melting it? Anyone else have any ideas for this stuff?
That is the stuff grits is made from. I have been sending about 50 lbs a week to the Chief in Roseyville. He told me they are compressing it, then mix it with some secret liquid from the water treatment plant, then sell it. Some of the firmer pieces are used as popcorn. Send me a pm and I will send you the address.
If you make a snow scene on the layout, you can use them to make snow balls & stack them & make a snowman !! Do not try popping them !! [(-D]
Thanks, John
Yes, toss it or put it out for recycling. Using “found items” on your layout has its place, but you have to be careful of “the tail wagging the dog”. Joe
I toss mine in the trash.
I recycle it along with paper, cardboard, glass, plastic etc, whatever the local recycler will take.
use it to make a whoopi cushion to sit on
With two crumb snatchers running around, I get it out of the house as fast as possible. That, along with any other styrofoam as they like to grind it up and make “snow”.
Dennis
I take it to the local UPS store and they reuse it.
use it for rock walls ,on your layout or foundations for your structures or rocks out in the open
[#ditto] to what Chief said.
Do what I do pass it to the next guy. When you ship something use it. Then he has to worry about getting rid of it.[(-D]
I sell it to the local cinema; they put 3-in-1 oil on it and resell it for $5.59 a ‘tub’ as hot buttered popcorn. [dinner]
If the pieces are of the “S” shape type, you can paint two dots on one end with a horizontal line below them across the end (eyes and a mouth). Then you put a thumb-tack in the other end to weight it so the “S” stands up on the thumbtack head. Slight breezes make them wobble a bit to add some animation to your layout… I guess you have to pretend they are space aliens or something.
Well, looks like there is not much to do with the packing popcorn huh? Guess I’ll just recycle it.
I used to ship it back out along with re-sold items on ebay, the winner of the item has the problem of what to do with the packing popcorn LOL.
In addition to the UPS Stores, the Mail Boxes Plus chain will also accept your packing peanuts (or popcorn). I recently took two large boxes of the stuff into my local store and they seemed happy to get it.
Packing popcorn can actually save your life. Get a dozen bags of it (garbage bags full). When not in use, put it in your attic or beside the garage walls for added insulation. Here’s how to use it. When you are working on your roof and climbing a tall ladder, place about 15 bags in a pile around the ladder. If you fall, try to land on the popcorn.
My local FedEx store is happy to get packing popcorn for nothing, and it doesn’t fill up scarce space in the landfill. They’ll even accept the box it came in!
How do I know? My wife is buying QVC on the installment plan, so I have to dispose of popcorn every other week or so.
Chuck
As long as it’s not the type that melts when it contacts with water, makes great filler in bottom of your large outdoor planter.
Rod L.
CHIEF is that before or after you ate your popcorn for the nite?
laz57