I can't remember what the name is. Is it hydra cal or something like that? Thanx ahead of time Ron :tb-biggrin:
Thats it, Thank Ya Sir.... Ya know, thats funny now that I think about it. Woodland Scenics is right here on The Lake of The Ozarks where I live. They are in Linn Creek Mo. just down the lake from me a few miles.
Call around to some cement dealers, you can get it in a big bag, like 80lbs, for what Woodland charges for a small box.
HydroCal is a plaster, though not the most common one. It is produced like plaster, but cooked more so as to drive out more water molecules. Plasters do not set by "drying" but by bonding with water molecules. They are made by baking lime to drive out naturally occuring water to produce a powder. When the plaster is mixed with water, the water bonds to the plaster creating a solid. "Ordinary" plaster such as Plaster of Paris has a moderate amount of water "cooked" out of it in manufacture. The more water left in the original lime, the weaker the bond when mixed, and the softer, more easily broken the plaster. When HydroCal (tm) is mixed with water, there are more water bonds, hence it is a stronger form of plaster. However, the same quality makes it resist absorbing coloring after it has set. So it is not exactly a "substitute for plaster," just as cyanoacrylate SuperGlue is not exactly a substitute for white glue (like Elmer's), nor is it exactly a substitute for 2-part epoxy resin adhesive or for Walther's/Hobsco brand contact cement. All of them are adhesives, bujt they have difference strengths and weaknesses. HydroCal is often used for "hard shell" scenery support and for cast structure parts, ordinary plaster such as Plaster of Paris for surface textures which can take coloring and tinting more readily.
I just wanted something to make a small tunnel an a few rocks with. My wife works at wally world an I might have her pick me up something that they sell there. Somebody did say not to use drywall joint compound though.
Really? I've made retaining wall castings and bought tunnel portals made of Hydrocal, and I can seem to tint them and paint them just fine:
Plaster of Paris will be alot heavier than WS Hydrocal so if you are doing a portable layout I would stay away from it as much as possible. Drywall joint compound can be used on a layout- Refer to Jim Reising's layout thread-The New Oakville Sub. Craig
I like the joint compound to. I use the powdered form and add a little of my base latex color to the mix so if a chip occurs it is not quite so evident.
Hydrocal can be purchased outside of hobby shops, and much, much more cheaply. So I'd shop around, asking at building supply outlets, box warehouses, etc. It paints and stains very well, from my experiences. Boxcab E50
Heck, if the joint compound will work I can buy a gallon bucket of it already mixed for next to nothing
I have a bag of sheetrock mud in powder form (just add water) I bought 2 years ago. Made T.H.E. Mountains and T.H.E. Waterfalls using it. I still have a half a bag left for future projects. I think I paid right at 7.00 for the bag. Just an FYI...if you live in cold climates...or non climate controlled rooms...like garages...dont buy the premixed. Premix will freeze. ( Dont ask me how I know...LOL ):tb-wink: .
Go to your local drywall supply company. Most drywall supply companies are also a plaster supply dealer. They can get you a bag of Hydrocal for the price of a box/bag of Woodland's stuff.
Before you go pick up hydrocal, go check out Ultracal. You can get it at some art supply stores who work with casting and molding. I will tell you this- it may be a little bit heavier, but it is ounce-for-ounce far stronger than hydrocal or plaster. It's a fantastic product if you want long term strength. Dries dark gray, will take color/tint/paint. I use it in mold-making for rubber movie props and costumes (ebay business) and it's quite affordable in a 50lb bag. Another benefit is, if you use it in a mold it will pull and hold detail better than any other similar product, which is why I use it for detailed rubber parts. For your culverts and etc, that's pretty spiffy. Cheers!
Found it (ultracal) at a plaster dealer less than 10 blocks from my hobby train store. It is $20.04 for 50# bag of it....:tb-biggrin: It gets really cheap if you'll buy 20,000# at a time...hahaha Thanx, Ron
Buying in that bulk size really cuts cost. I am still working on my last 50 pounder- Bought more than a few years ago! Boxcab E50
If possible, store it in industrial-strength Ziploc bags and squeeze out the excess air as you seal. I did that to a batch I bought in 1994 and it's still as fresh as new!
