Nick G Posted September 26, 2017 Share Posted September 26, 2017 For my current build I wouldn't mind the back scene mounted on 5mm foam board but curved at both ends rather than a back and 2 ends. Anyone any experience of this as to how it stands the test of time regards cracking or anything? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold john new Posted September 26, 2017 RMweb Gold Share Posted September 26, 2017 I've not tried curving foam board but the type that has a paper facing can separate from the foam over time even when used flat. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly Posted September 26, 2017 Share Posted September 26, 2017 Thin ply would probably curve better. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Rowsley17D Posted September 26, 2017 RMweb Gold Share Posted September 26, 2017 (edited) Or bendy mdf. Would need to be sealed though. Edited September 27, 2017 by Rowsley17D Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Damo666 Posted September 26, 2017 Share Posted September 26, 2017 You would need to make a series of vertical cuts in the back of the foam board to make it curve. The cut would need to go through the back paper and the foam, but do not cut through into the front paper. The cuts will start at the beginning of the curve (top-to-bottom as I've said) at every, say 10 - 15mm, until you get to the end of the curve. This is called Kerfing if you wish to google it. A curved template or former glued to the back will be needed to keep the curve at the right radius. We do this on sheets of ply when we want to curve it to a tight radius (Similarly with solid timber, although the old folks would prefer to steam the timber to a high temperature to loosen all the fibers in the wood and then curve it, clamping it in place until the timber cooled down, but I digress).. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick G Posted September 27, 2017 Author Share Posted September 27, 2017 You would need to make a series of vertical cuts in the back of the foam board to make it curve. The cut would need to go through the back paper and the foam, but do not cut through into the front paper. The cuts will start at the beginning of the curve (top-to-bottom as I've said) at every, say 10 - 15mm, until you get to the end of the curve. This is called Kerfing if you wish to google it. That's interesting, thanks. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PJBambrick Posted September 27, 2017 Share Posted September 27, 2017 Mail order a piece of 0.8mm soft ally sheet and gently bend it to the curvature you want. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeTrice Posted September 27, 2017 Share Posted September 27, 2017 I have done something similar for my small diorama (fourth photo down): http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/117593-erstfeld-depot-a-swiss-n-gauge-diorama# My intention (one day) is to laminate a thin sheet of card over the cut side to reinforce and smooth out the curve. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gt.Shefford Posted October 1, 2017 Share Posted October 1, 2017 Could try using Foamex sheet (http://www.cutplasticsheeting.co.uk/pvc-foamex-board/white-foamex-matt-finish.html) as an alternative to foam board. Jonathan Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick G Posted October 1, 2017 Author Share Posted October 1, 2017 Could try using Foamex sheet (http://www.cutplasticsheeting.co.uk/pvc-foamex-board/white-foamex-matt-finish.html) as an alternative to foam board. Jonathan Thanks, I have been looking at Foamex as a option. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norm81 Posted October 3, 2017 Share Posted October 3, 2017 If you're willing to go for a different material I've just ordered 2mm ply to do a curved backscene. I think Chris Leigh has successfully used it on one of his layouts (Calcott?). If I can't quite get the bend I want I'll be sticking the wallpaper steamer on it... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbishop Posted October 3, 2017 Share Posted October 3, 2017 I wouldn't attempt to curve foamboard, you will get a "threepanny bit" shape. Kelly's suggestion of 2mm ply is far better. And I do use foamboard for scenery. Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomr91 Posted October 23, 2017 Share Posted October 23, 2017 Do you already have the prints for the backscene? Reason I ask is I've been experimenting with printing and curving some board I have which has been very successful - obviously only of any use if it's a digital image you have. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick G Posted October 23, 2017 Author Share Posted October 23, 2017 Do you already have the prints for the backscene? Yes, photos of the real location I am modelling were taken and stitched together, here is a low resolution version. On advice the image is being printed on 3mm Foamex which should be back with me tomorrow. I will let you know how it turns out. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick G Posted October 24, 2017 Author Share Posted October 24, 2017 So had my 3mm Foamex sheet back today that has been printed with the photo taken by John, very pleased. 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tricky Posted October 25, 2017 Share Posted October 25, 2017 Or bendy mdf. Would need to be sealed though. I would second the bendy MDF suggestion, if it's not too late. This is what I used for Midland in Bristol. The flat section in the middle of two 9mm bendy bits is plain 9mm MDF, butt jointed and filled with 2 pack filler and sanded smooth. Then roller painted with white smooth masonry paint - covers better than ordinary emulsion (on ceilings as well...!) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomr91 Posted October 27, 2017 Share Posted October 27, 2017 So had my 3mm Foamex sheet back today that has been printed with the photo taken by John, very pleased. That looks great! I'm sure it will do the job without any problems. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick G Posted October 27, 2017 Author Share Posted October 27, 2017 That looks great! I'm sure it will do the job without any problems. Thanks. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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