Watash, Now that I have been switch to the right track for my benchwork design. I have some additional question and request. I spend the last two nights prowling though Trainboard archives to see what info I could find. So here I go, What is considered light framework for the 2" foam as you suggested? I have been unable to find the 2" pink/blue foam board. Since you and I are in the same area. Do you have a source for this. My local Home Depot and Lowes only have the 1/2" stuff. Search the Archive you had offer sent another member some CAD files of some N-Trak benchwork designs you had. I be interested in obtaining these also. I have AutoCAD here that I use for designing. I plan on developing AutoCAD Symbols for all the track manufacture's. As I purchase these such items so to get actual dimension off the parts. Dwyane
Hey Dwyane, I been buisier than a "Cranberry Merchant with his cranberries falling out!" Just got back here, and Our kids and their kid are coming tomorrow to stay the weekend! Didn't mean to leave you with your cranberries hanging out! HA! A 1 x 4 grade B or C will work for HO, and for N the 1 x 4 can be ripped into two 1-1/2 x 1's The foam is structural, not the "seed" foam made by Cell-Foam Co, in Irving. C. P. Waggoner Plastics is one source, GrandPrairie, and tomorrow I'll look in my files and see who else. Structural foam of any color, is nothing but a liquid that is blown full of gas bubbles. When it hardens, it is still all one piece of stuff. Cell or "seed" foam is made by pouring a measured amount of tiny beads ("seeds") into a strong closed mold. Then the mold is rotated to distribute the seeds while steam is introduced causing the seeds to expand blowing up into a bunch of "B-B's" that stick to eachother while hot. Each Seed can be picked off by fingernail, or a saw, so is very weak and messy to work with. The cheap insulation used by some vinyl siding people is the white seed or B-B type. Down here the blown structural foam is usually stocked in thicknesses up to one inch. The 2" and 4" is used up in "Down Easterner" country, but your local housing contractor can get it. Ask him to get an extra sheet or so when he orders, pay him cash bills and get it out of his way quickly. P.S. I was a Senior Cad Designer for a NASA job on the Hasselbladt Cameras. We speak the same language! Later, Dwyane ------------------ Watash #982
Watash, you have simply blown my mind again...keep it up man you da greatest !! I use the "seed" type insulation board for the BASE of my modules. Although there will be some carving on it, genrally these will be left alone. I plan on using the structural stuff for above track scenic details (mesas, hills etc.). Why? Because the beadboard was on sale for $1.50 a sheet...so how could I resist ?? Happy Modeling!! John ------------------ The Santa Fe and Southwestern, Chief of the Southwest!!
Dwyane, and JCater, here in Ft.Worth, Home Depot carries a product called "Bead Board" that in 2" thick by 4' x 8' slabs is around 10.00+tax. They do not carry Extruded Insulation Board. Here (in South Lake, Tx. just west of Grapevine,Tx. which is just north of Ft.Worth,Tx), the source for Dow's (blue) "Extruded Foam Board for Insulation", is usually stocked, and a 2" thk 4' x 8' slab is $36.80+tax. It is used by commercial contractors in buildings and some $$$$ houses. (It is more than worth the difference in cost!) Like JCater, I usually go to an area where a contractor is building, and ask for "Drop-offs & Scraps". I take my Country Cadillac (Pick Up Truck) and the cargo net, because I found they sometimes will give me foam, wood, odds and ends of wiring, etc, [ IF ] I take all there is there that day. (I wont need foam until about 2009! I also was given some leftover wire SPOOLS that were 1/4 to 1/2 full! Be resourcefull, look around, and don't be afraid to ask questions! All they can do is ask you to leave, and tell you no. Some will charge you a few bucks if you look desperate, or drive up in a Caddy in suit and tie. I have gathered up free wood, and stored it to make this layout with. So part of my roundhouse is mahogany, cedar, and lemon wood. The door posts are mayple pegs! It should last awhile. ------------------ Watash #982
Watash nad John Thanks Guy's I'll check out some of the local construction sites. It also just dawn on me this morning that my bother is a HVAC Tech/Contractor he may be able to get this for me. Watash saw the pic you posted on your roundhound look's great. I'm going to my first Model Train Show over here at the Plano Centre this weekend. I found out about it last Saturday while visting and checking out Discount Model Trains in Addison (man do they have alot of stuff). Better get back to work. See ya Happy Railroading!! Dwyane
How is your scavenger hunt coming along Dwyane? I stopped by a company that makes flat interior doors, and was able to pick up some scraps of a plywood they call "skins". It is finished one side, 3 ply and strong but light weight. The smallest piece is 9" x 28" (bathroom door) the largest is 24 x 36, (into garage door). I made several trips before they had any available, because guys who make Kitchen cabinets also pick up scraps. It is great Building material, my Roundhouse is made entirely from it. (It measures .156" thick, 3 ply) ------------------ Watash #982 "See you in the Pit" [This message has been edited by watash (edited 24 January 2001).]
