What kind of foam is this?

[Bravo Six]

I was going to base my city building on MDF and use MDF sidewalks, but then I remembered a Pulp thread here called something like "Raid in the warehouse of the Don" and liked how this guy used foam and made his own building base and sidewalks. The foam doesn't look like the typical blue foam you find at Home Depot or Lowe's because it's obviously MUCH thinner.

Any idea what type of foam this is and where to get it?

[CookAndrewB]

It looks similar to this product (Owens Corning Foamular XPS): https://www.homedepot.com/p/Owens-Corning-FOAMULAR-1-4-in-x-4-ft-x-50-ft-R-1-Fanfold-Rigid-Foam-Board-Insulation-Sheathing-21UM/100320301

1/4" width x 4' x 50'. $46.64 online. I haven't been able to find this stocked at my local store, and there does not seem to be less than 50' of it available.



It comes in an accordion-folded manner, so you wouldn't get 50' of useable foam, but more than enough to count as a lifetime supply for most people.

I believe that this is available in Europe as floor underlayment, but I've never found this product marketed in such a manner in the U.S.

[Svennn]

I did something very similar using foam core art board with the paper pealed from one side.

[Calimero]

I did something very similar using foam core art board with the paper pealed from one side.

At first glance, I thought it was indeed foamboard with the paper peels off on one of the side...

[Bravo Six]

Thanks guys. I guess that's probably the most cost effective way. Would this stuff also do?

https://www.amazon.ca/SQINAA-Mounting-Displays-Exhibits-Projects/dp/B08ND579BZ/ref=sr_1_18?dchild=1&keywords=pvc%2Bsheets&qid=1610051707&s=office&sr=1-18&th=1

[Overlord]

I have used foam for underfloor insulation for some buildings walls previously.  It is 7mm thick and came in a pack of ten A1 sheets from a DIY/Hardware store.  They stopped selling it (in the UK) years ago and it hasn't returned as far as I am aware ( I haven't looked in ages as I still have some remaining).  Easily embossed with a pencil.  Reasonably resilient, but won't bear much load.  Not suitable for basing.





For basing I would suggest foamed PVC (Palight/Foamex/Sintra). Much more robust and can be cut, drilled and (will a bit more effort) embossed.
I think that Amazon link is to something the same.

Here is some embossed for separate pavements/sidewalks:




Lots more pics in my old Geezers! thread: https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=7181.0

[Bravo Six]

Thanks Paul. Those look amazing! 

The sidewalks are sorta what I had in mind, but as an integral part of a base. But as you say, that stuff isn't good for basing. I've heard it warps.

[Overlord]

Hi Todd

The foamed PVC can be used for basing. If used to base a building the walls should provide enough bracing to limit any bend/warp. It comes in different thicknesses too; 5mm is very robust.  3mm work well for walls and details can be added in 2mm & 1mm. Adding lots of groundwork/filler/etcmight cause more warping, but I have never used it like that.

The large pavement area below is a single piece of 3mm foamed PVC (the building is also 3mm) approx A4 in size and completely free-standing. It has never warped (but can be flexed); Embossed with the pattern, spray painted and drybrushed:

[manic _miner]

 I have heard of people using the Styrene pizza bases for making terrain.

[Bravo Six]

Does that stuff you're using take to mutli coats of paint well? It's gotta be asked.

Found a closer up pic of the stuff the above guy was using:

[CookAndrewB]

I love PVC foam myself. I mostly use 5mm and 1mm sheets. I find that it paints well with no priming. I'm not sure it is a 1:1 substitute for pink/blue insulating foam, but it does work fine for basing. Foam core with the backing pulled off is ok too, but it can be a bit dainty as the foam is relatively soft and dings/dents easily. I'm sure some foam core is more resilient than others.