Scratch built buildings and applying textures to foamex

A place for discussing garden railway scenery, such as buildings, trees, etc....
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philipy
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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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Andrew
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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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My Line - https://gardenrails.org/forum/viewtopic ... 41&t=11077

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philipy
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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...🤔

Rik
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philipy
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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
bridge.JPG (82.03 KiB) Viewed 8236 times

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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 8232 times
Phil

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