Scratch built buildings and applying textures to foamex

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SVLR
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Re: Scratch built buildings and applying textures to foamex

Post by SVLR » Mon Apr 20, 2020 7:35 pm

BorisSpencer wrote: Mon Apr 20, 2020 4:41 pm Careful what you order.
Foamex is a brand name and their sheet is two layers of PVC sheet sandwiching a relatively high density foam core. It's really solid and totally weather proof, it's sold for creating exterior signage.
Foamex is actually PVC foam that has been compressed, during this process the outer surface change into a skin but it is actually one material not a composite like foam board, hence its much better weather resistance. Be warned do not laser cut as it gives off really bad fumes (trust me I tried) it does vac-form and line bend well also.

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Re: Scratch built buildings and applying textures to foamex

Post by BorisSpencer » Mon Apr 20, 2020 7:45 pm

SVLR wrote: Mon Apr 20, 2020 7:35 pm
BorisSpencer wrote: Mon Apr 20, 2020 4:41 pm Careful what you order.
Foamex is a brand name and their sheet is two layers of PVC sheet sandwiching a relatively high density foam core. It's really solid and totally weather proof, it's sold for creating exterior signage.
Foamex is actually PVC foam that has been compressed, during this process the outer surface change into a skin but it is actually one material not a composite like foam board, hence its much better weather resistance. Be warned do not laser cut as it gives off really bad fumes (trust me I tried) it does vac-form and line bend well also.
That makes sense.

I also found out at the weekend that it cuts really nicely on a band saw, I need some long straight pieces with perfectly square edges for my next project so thought I'd give it a try.

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Re: Scratch built buildings and applying textures to foamex

Post by sjrixon » Tue Apr 21, 2020 10:04 am

Thanks for all the help and the very confusing paint story :) I think I'll figure that out, slowly.

So I can guaranty I've bought some cheap 'not foamex' prodcut for my first foray into 16mm buildings. But, I don't plan on leaving them outside (yet), means I've somethink I can plan and play with and then maybe order some more expensive real stuff for my next project!

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Re: Scratch built buildings and applying textures to foamex

Post by Howie617 » Thu Apr 23, 2020 4:11 pm

Well I bit the bullet, I bought some doors and windows from Jackson Miniatures, well a fair few (plenty of other building planned). I tagged on one of there "Llanvi" signal box kits as a easier starting place (already neatly cut out) I also went mad and bought a couple of stencils to help my lack of artistic flair.

So having bought lots of news bit it was time to start yet another project. I wanted to prove my concept and look for the railway
20200423_153155.jpg
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20200423_153204.jpg
20200423_153204.jpg (125.05 KiB) Viewed 8910 times
So far rather happy with the rough slate look, needs weathering down and stones picking out in differing colours and shades. Trying to take a little architectural lead from what was actually built for the Windermere to Kendal railway. The window colour was a can of spray paint I had got to experiment with coach colours, looks more plum in the sunlight. Think it may also be a keeper.

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Re: Scratch built buildings and applying textures to foamex

Post by Howie617 » Thu Apr 23, 2020 4:13 pm

should have said, I have not gone for the premix stone material, I used a bit of gray primer and the stencil to set my pattern then had at it with the scriber, very therapeutic.

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Re: Scratch built buildings and applying textures to foamex

Post by philipy » Thu Apr 23, 2020 5:22 pm

Looking very good, well done for starters.
Philip

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Re: Scratch built buildings and applying textures to foamex

Post by Andrew » Thu Apr 23, 2020 6:31 pm

That's looking very good indeed - well done!

Andrew.

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Re: Scratch built buildings and applying textures to foamex

Post by Lonsdaler » Mon Jun 08, 2020 3:17 pm

BorisSpencer wrote: Mon Apr 20, 2020 7:45 pm
I also found out at the weekend that it cuts really nicely on a band saw, I need some long straight pieces with perfectly square edges for my next project so thought I'd give it a try.
The easiest way to produce strip material with foamex is to use a 'balsa stripper', as used by model aircraft makers. It gives very clean square cuts and I've successfuly used it to produce strips up to 15mm wide. The added advantage is there is no microplastic debris generated unlike when using a saw. Videos are available on youtube to explain how to use them correctly.
I've found it will cut 5mm depth easily, but better to make several passes adjusting the cut depth each time.
A link to the tool https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/13011374264
Phil

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Re: Scratch built buildings and applying textures to foamex

Post by philipy » Mon Jun 08, 2020 5:41 pm

Thanks for that Phil, I've heard of these beasties before but never investigated. I think I might have to get one if they work as well as you say. :D
Philip

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Re: Scratch built buildings and applying textures to foamex

Post by ge_rik » Mon Jun 08, 2020 7:46 pm

Lonsdaler wrote: Mon Jun 08, 2020 3:17 pm
The easiest way to produce strip material with foamex is to use a 'balsa stripper', as used by model aircraft makers. It gives very clean square cuts and I've successfuly used it to produce strips up to 15mm wide. The added advantage is there is no microplastic debris generated unlike when using a saw. Videos are available on youtube to explain how to use them correctly.
I've found it will cut 5mm depth easily, but better to make several passes adjusting the cut depth each time.
A link to the tool https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/13011374264
Handy little gadget. I wonder how many times in the past this would have made my life easier...🤔

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Re: Scratch built buildings and applying textures to foamex

Post by philipy » Mon Jun 08, 2020 8:12 pm

ge_rik wrote: Mon Jun 08, 2020 7:46 pm I wonder how many times in the past this would have made my life easier...🤔
'bout the same number as me, probly!
Philip

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Re: Scratch built buildings and applying textures to foamex

Post by BorisSpencer » Tue Jun 09, 2020 11:23 am

philipy wrote: Mon Jun 08, 2020 8:12 pm
ge_rik wrote: Mon Jun 08, 2020 7:46 pm I wonder how many times in the past this would have made my life easier...🤔
'bout the same number as me, probly!
I shall give one a try.
This is what I needed, so I should have said long parallel cuts rather than strips:
bridge.JPG
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Re: Scratch built buildings and applying textures to foamex

Post by Lonsdaler » Tue Jun 09, 2020 12:55 pm

Even for large pieces, I think you could apply the principles of the balsa stripper.
I've mocked one up here - A small strip screwed to the end of the long narrow piece would hold the cutting blade in place and allow adjustability for depth of cut.
IMG_20200609_124420.jpg
IMG_20200609_124420.jpg (282.92 KiB) Viewed 8222 times
Phil

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