As an HO and N scale modeler, gluing down ground foam to my layout was easy. Clumps and bushes in these smaller scales weren't too large, so getting glue to completely soak through and stick to the layout was easy. But in O scale, I am having more trouble. I soak the ground foam clumps with alcohol and then matte medium but once dry the foam comes away. What is the secret for this in O scale? Thanks.
Replies sorted oldest to newest
A solution that has worked for me is use a heavier ratio of glue in my “scenic” glue mix. 70% glue 30% water. Same process of alcohol pre then apply my scenic glue. Also I Am usually glueing to foam bases.
@BenLMaggi posted:I soak the ground foam clumps with alcohol and then matte medium but once dry the foam comes away.
Hmmm......I do the same and it works just fine; well, maybe I don't soak stuff with alcohol but just use enough to get the matte medium to flow.
Really large clumps I'm just using the hot glue gun.
Woodland Scenics makes a "Scenic Glue" that works well and dries clear, but a mix of white glue and water (30-70) works, too.
For a large clump, I use Elmer's White Glue full strength. I just put a glob down and push the clump into it.
Works well for me.
Ed
Same here. Big glob of Elmer's. Stick the clump in it and let it dry, and then I go over it with wet water and diluted glue.
Same here. A glob of Elmer's glue. Sticks good and dries clear.
Ron
Another trick for gluing down Woodland Scenics clump material: use the Elmer's as described above and then apply thin CA from a needle nose tip generally over the area. Since the H2O in Elmer's is a catalyst for CA, the combination will set up pretty quickly. The process will also slightly darken the material and give the clump edges a more rigid/angular look. Only do this process in a well ventilated situation with a fan blowing the fumes away from you as the CA/Elmer's will offgas for a few minutes.
Finally! after lots of special handling the painting prep has begun on the DPM modular kit pieces from Woodlands Scenic. The inside walls for my OHHS high school building were the first to be sprayed. Next was the exterior walls. I covered the flanges from the spray so the glues would work cleanly and assemble better.
When finished The school will set on the hill top over looking Olive Hill. The hill is made by the two tracks and curves running through the tunnel below.
Thanks for the advice. I guess I will start with full strength glue and see how that goes.
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
