MTN Base

Wire screening or "chicken wire" was the standard material at one time. However, large areas of metallic screening may interfere with the signals of some command control systems commonly used today.

An alternative would be pink or blue Styrofoam insulation panels carved to shape or a web of cardboard strips hot glued together.

Jim

Thanks Jim this is very helpful and I appreciate the pictures.  Ofthe two methods you suggest which is the fastest and easiest to work with?  Also, where is the best place to find the foam?

I like blue or pink foam sheet, scrap pieces will do. And a Hot Wire Foam Factory.

Thanks for the info and pics Clem, where can I buy the foam and what is a hot wire foam factory?

BC,

The cardboard strip method is quick, easy and inexpensive. The plaster wrap can get expensive for larger projects, but it can be replaced by the older method of using paper towels dipped in soupy plaster.

The foam comes in either 2'x8' or 4'x8' sheets from Home Depot or Lowes. The 1" thick and 2" thick sheets are easiest to work with. Its price has been rising over the years and now is about $30 for a 4'x8' sheet. So for large areas, I have been using the cardboard strips and paper towels.

But, I tend to use a combination of both methods depending on the terrain. Rock castings can also be added with either method.

The hot knife system (check the Scenic Express website - forum sponsor - click their logo at the top of the screen) is good, but a little slow. I've been using a hand-held hacksaw blade and a variety of serrated kitchen knives to cut and carve the foam.

The next issue of OGR magazine (Run 257), due out in late April, will have an article about building a multi-level layout addition using mostly the cardboard strip method, but with a few rocky Styrofoam peaks.

Jim

Thanks again Jim, this info. is most useful.  I have the April issue and will give the article you mention a read.....I'm on my way....guess it is just trial and error now!

Hey Blue Comet here is a link   www.HotWireFoamFactory.com

They will be at york demonstrating I use spray contact Glue to stack my scrap pieces of foam then carve with HotWire then paint my base coat on the foam. In some places I cover with true scene modeling fiber. The mountain i made is over four foot square and two feet tall comes apart in three sections so I can do more sloppy stuff outside. From nothing to paint about two days. Check your building centers for broken pieces of foam board. I carved my retaining block walls out of foam, and part of my grain elevator, make real nice tunnel portals also. Save all your small scrap pieces, they are useful. I was under a deadline to build this layout and scenery went fast, of course i'm still adding stuff.  

nice work.  really cool

BC,

Not the April issue - that is Run 256. The next issue which will be Run 257. It's not out yet. 

In the meantime, you might want to search on YouTube. There are some good videos about scenery construction, both using Styrofoam and other materials. 

Jim

Jim,

Ok, thanks....I'm looking forward to Run 257!

BC