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I have been calling all the build supply stores in my area (Southern California - Los Angeles) looking for either Foamular "pink" or Dow "blue" foam. It seems that no one stocks it. They are telling me Hunter makes the same thing called polyiso. When I look it up it seems that it has a paper film laminated on it. However the salesman assures me it doesn't.

My question is has anyone used this product before? Does anyone in the Los Angeles area know where I can buy the pink or blue foam?

Thanks,

Jason Cvitanich

 

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Just checked the Home Depot Website. According to the inventory check on the site, this store has a limited quantity available of the 4x8x2" sheets:

 
Burbank #6654
1200 Flower Street, Burbank, CA 91502 | 818-556-1512
 
In the alternative, the stores seem to be stocking the R-Tech 1 1/2" foam in 2'x4' sheets (bead with plastic on the large surfaces). It's less expensive, but depending on your planned use, would need more structural support. If I was using it, I'd laminate a sheet of 1/8" Masonite onto one side of it to give it more supporting strength.
Last edited by AGHRMatt

Thanks for the reply Matt. Man Burbank is a far drive. I live in San Pedro, 30 miles on google maps. Are you a member of the Angels Gate Hi-Railers? I have so many questions. Building my first model railroad. All my other layouts have been on the floor. I tried to stop by a couple times but it was closed.

Right now I have 1/2" plywood down. I was going to put a layer of foam down then the track on top. I want to be able to carve into the foam for scenery and layer the foam to make small hills/mountains nothing to big. The local home depot sells R-Max which is similar but it has a foil on both sides. I read other forums people say you can peel it off rather easily. Have you used the R-Max before?

Thanks,

Jason

Jason Cvitanich posted:

Thanks for the reply Matt. Man Burbank is a far drive. I live in San Pedro, 30 miles on google maps. Are you a member of the Angels Gate Hi-Railers? I have so many questions. Building my first model railroad. All my other layouts have been on the floor. I tried to stop by a couple times but it was closed.

Right now I have 1/2" plywood down. I was going to put a layer of foam down then the track on top. I want to be able to carve into the foam for scenery and layer the foam to make small hills/mountains nothing to big. The local home depot sells R-Max which is similar but it has a foil on both sides. I read other forums people say you can peel it off rather easily. Have you used the R-Max before?

Thanks,

Jason

Didn't know you were THAT local to us. I'm a Founding Member of AGHR. Been with the club over 20 years. We're there Saturdays from 10:00am to 4:00pm (running and sometimes wrecking trains) and Wednesdays from about 5:30pm to 8:00pm (usually tinkering with the layout). I won't be there this Saturday, but will be for the Open House on the 15th and 16th.

You can peel off the backing on R-Max and R-Tech foam. It's the expanded (bead) foam and can be used for track support with a sufficient base underneath. Use  foam-compatible Liquid Nails for projects or carpenter's glue (pour and brush it) to glue it to plywood. For scenery purposes, it's fine. The pink/blue foam is what you want to use if you're trying to make lightweight modules with minimal sub-support or scenery that has to be taken up frequently. We mostly use expanded foam for our scenery and cover it with painted-on plaster and castings.

By the way, found another Home Depot in Anahiem Hills that supposedly has the Owens-Corning pink foam. I pass by that one on the way to the club (I live in San Bernardino). I'll check to see if they have it.

I have explored just about everywhere for the foam with little to no luck.  The Burbank store is out and won't be getting anymore in.  The best place I heard to buy it are smaller places that sell construction materials.  If you know anyone that is a construction worker they could probably help you out.   Please check out HD supply in Gardena on 182nd st.

 Are you any relation to Anthony Cvitanich of San Pedro

Last edited by RRaddict2

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