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+--- Thread: Where to find small pieces of foam (/showthread.php?tid=7692)
Where to find small pieces of foam - RobertInOntario - 10-10-2015
I have a small N scale layout that is about 28" x 58". I'm looking to expand it by glueing on some narrow long bits of foam, ie approx 2x2" or so. (I'd like to make it about 2" longer and wider all around.)
To avoid having to buy another foam board and cutting it up, does anyone know where I could find smaller pieces of foam -- maybe I should ask at a big box store if they have any scraps or maybe there's a place where you can buy these?
This would be easier and neater than cutting up a new foam board
Thanks in advance.
Rob
Re: Where to find small pieces of foam - Charlie B - 10-10-2015
Robert, our local home depot has what they call a cull bin. prices are 70% off. Maybe your local big box stores have the same.
Charlie
Re: Where to find small pieces of foam - mountaingoatgreg - 10-10-2015
Our Home Depot has "project" size section of materials. I think they are 2'x2' or 2'x4' squares of foam. Sure easier to deal with in the smaller size.
Re: Where to find small pieces of foam - teejay - 10-10-2015
Do you mean the pink or blue foam that is sold in sheets or softer " cushion foam " such as you might have in your couch . For the latter , I get mine free ( scrap bin ) at an upholstery shop .....for the sheet stuff , I got some broken bits free at Home Depot .
T
Re: Where to find small pieces of foam - MasonJar - 10-10-2015
I second (third?) the suggestion of the scrap or cut bin at Home Depot Lowes, or other. Also take a look in the stacks of insulation in the aisle. Often there are someone that are damaged enough to be junk for their original purpose. I once got two sheets of 2" 2x8 for $5. They had broken corners, but I didn't care.
You might also try any nearby construction site. Lots of useful material in dumpsters, but ask before you dive!
Andrew
Re: Where to find small pieces of foam - lajry - 10-10-2015
If there's any construction sites near you, have a look as they usually just throw the small pieces away.
Re: Where to find small pieces of foam - teejay - 10-10-2015
I remember back when I was using broken ceiling tile for stratified rock on my old layout ........approached the Home Depot manager , told him that I was a model railroader and , crazy as it might seem to him , needed broken ceiling tile .....he took be to the warehouse area scrap bins and said " help yourself , take what you want " ! I made sure I shopped there afterwards when I needed supplies to finish the second bathroom .
T
Re: Where to find small pieces of foam - RobertInOntario - 10-10-2015
teejay Wrote:Do you mean the pink or blue foam that is sold in sheets or softer " cushion foam " such as you might have in your couch . For the latter , I get mine free ( scrap bin ) at an upholstery shop .....for the sheet stuff , I got some broken bits free at Home Depot .
T
Yes, I'm referring to the pink or blue pieces of foam, so expand my layout board. But, since I'm just thinking of slightly enlarging it that I could use bits of the white foam.
When it's done, I plan to place it on a more solid plywood baseboard -- right now, I'm only using the piece of foam!
Thanks, Rob
Re: Where to find small pieces of foam - RobertInOntario - 10-10-2015
Thanks for your feedback, this is very helpful.
So I'm going to visit my local Home Depot and Lowes stores, etc. Yes, there are several construction sites in my neighbourhood. Our neighbourhood used to be made up of postwar bungalows (such as ours) and they're gradually being replaced by monster homes. I have seen insulation foam in the past but it's been rare or I've been in too much of a hurry to stop. I'll try to search more & be more patient!
Cheers, Rob
Re: Where to find small pieces of foam - teejay - 10-10-2015
Just stay away from the white " beadboard" foam that crumbles into a million tiny balls and is a mess .
T
Re: Where to find small pieces of foam - RobertInOntario - 10-11-2015
teejay Wrote:Just stay away from the white " beadboard" foam that crumbles into a million tiny balls and is a mess .
T
Thx... Yes, good point. The pink / blue stuff is quite strong and light.
Re: Where to find small pieces of - RobertInOntario - 10-11-2015
I'll start scavenging our neighbourhood this week.