Why You Should Be Using Styrofoam to Build Your Model Railroad Scenery

Styrofoam is one of the most often materials used to create model railroad scenery.

Because it is so light it doesn't add a lot of weight to your layout, which makes it nice if you ever have to move your layout.

Because of its properties it is very easy to carve to create, mountains, hills, and just about any other shape you would need.

There are a few things to keep in mind while using Styrofoam.

If caution isn't used, it can dissolve away with certain chemicals. Before applying chemicals it should be tested on a piece of scrap before applying it to the part you just spent time shaping.

Fire should be kept away from it as it causes a deadly gas.

Care must be taken as it is brittle and can crumble if not protected properly.

Although there are a few drawbacks to Styrofoam it is a very suitable material to build your model railroad scenery.

To attach the foam to your benchmark it is best to use liquid nails or some other form of construction adhesive. These can be found at your local hardware stores, as well as big box stores.

When gluing the foam down, it's best to use large beads and spread the glue around so that the structure doesn't move around later down the road causing problems.

The foam should be protected to help preserve it.

It can be sealed with glazing that doesn't react with the foam.

By using craft adhesive spray you can attach cloth or plastic to form a base for painting.

Rock and dirt can be mimicked by using plaster of Paris, which also makes a solid paintable surface over the foam.

The only drawback to using a hard shell over a soft inner structure is that it can eventually crack due to the shrinking properties of the foam.

If a tunnel needs to be formed in the foam you can make an imprint on the bottom of the foam by aligning it where it needs to be and pressing down. Which will give an accurate guide to carve the foam out.

After the foam is carved out you can spray it with a sealer before painting the inside of the tunnel black which will hide the foam color and make a realistic looking tunnel.

It is advised to not use foam under the tracks cause it can give under the weight of the train.

It is better to use a more solid material such as wood that will hold up better and give you something to solidly attach the track to

Wood is the best product to use for attaching the track down. Even with elevation changes it can be shaped using appropriate wood cutting methods such as a table or band saw. If enough care is taken, then a hand saw or power saw can be used as well if you don't have access to other methods.

One of the worst parts about using Styrofoam is the mess it makes while cutting.

The little beads and dust go everywhere and you should also be using appropriate safety procedures when shaping it like a dust mask and safety goggles.

A vacuum cleaner such as a shop-vac is very handy to clean up the mess and get into all of the crevices that the foam makes its way into.

Although there are some drawbacks to using the Styrofoam it makes making the terrain for your model railroad layout much easier than other methods.