matt999 Posted November 20, 2015 Share Posted November 20, 2015 (edited) Hi Everyone It seems to me that Extruded Foam/Polystyrene has suddenly become very difficult to get hold off. Last time I used it, I simply walked into my local B&Q It says on Jewson's website that they stock it but it needs to be ordered in packs of 12! I need it for my switching layout not insulating the whole of my loft Does anyone know where it can be picked up in small quantities and at a reasonable price? Thanks Matt Edited November 20, 2015 by matt999 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BG John Posted November 20, 2015 Share Posted November 20, 2015 I spotted the foil covered stuff in various thicknesses at my local hardware/bits of all sorts of interesting stuff place the other day. Presumably builder's leftovers or seconds. No idea what make it was, as I saw it in my mirror as I was driving out. It was outside without cover in the Welsh weather, so I don't know if it would still be usable. But similar places may be a source of small quantities, if you can find them. I'd be interested to know if being left out in the rain makes it unsuitable for our uses. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ben pez Posted November 20, 2015 Share Posted November 20, 2015 I bought some about 3 months ago from jewsons Its called recticel,comes in all sizes & thicknesses They sell it by the sheet,not in bulk. Cheers Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
matt999 Posted November 20, 2015 Author Share Posted November 20, 2015 I bought some about 3 months ago from jewsons Its called recticel,comes in all sizes & thicknesses They sell it by the sheet,not in bulk. Cheers Doesn't this stuff have the silver foil on both sides? Did you peel that off ? Thanks Matt Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ben pez Posted November 20, 2015 Share Posted November 20, 2015 Yeah it comes with the foil on both sides.but peels off really easily in one go. I used it to form the landscape on my layout,it cuts very easily and doesnt make as much mess as the white polystrene,i'll never use that horrible stuff again! Cheers Ben Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ben pez Posted November 20, 2015 Share Posted November 20, 2015 A single sheet 1200 x 600 cost me about 4 1/2 quid. Hope this helps you Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sulzer27jd Posted November 20, 2015 Share Posted November 20, 2015 The foil backed stuff is very soft in comparison with the pink or blue boards that don't have it. When it is cut it tends to twist, as it does when the foil is removed. Its ok for scenery, but I would avoid it for any board structure. The pink sheets that B&Q used to stock in packs of 4 (I think) are, on the other hand, excellent for use as a board structure. John Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fat Controller Posted November 20, 2015 Share Posted November 20, 2015 I spotted the foil covered stuff in various thicknesses at my local hardware/bits of all sorts of interesting stuff place the other day. Presumably builder's leftovers or seconds. No idea what make it was, as I saw it in my mirror as I was driving out. It was outside without cover in the Welsh weather, so I don't know if it would still be usable. But similar places may be a source of small quantities, if you can find them. I'd be interested to know if being left out in the rain makes it unsuitable for our uses. I've had a couple of sheets of it stored outside for about three years, and I can't see any deterioration in it. I first used the stuff about thirty years ago, building an insulated enclosure within a much bigger building- I think we used broken machine-saw blades, with an edge ground on them, to cut it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndrewC Posted November 20, 2015 Share Posted November 20, 2015 The subject of extruded foam comes up often here. Basically, the yellow stuff with the foil backing is useless for baseboards apart from forming non-structural scenery. The pink Knaupf boards that B&Q some times stock is moulded and not extruded, it's softer and more crumbly than the true extruded foam sheet. If you are wanting foam for making structural baseboards it has to be the proper extruded blue foam. If you are only after a 1/2 of a full sheet (600 by 1200) then http://modelshop.co.uk/Shop/Raw-Materials/Styrofoam/Item/Styrofoam-blue-LB-X/ITM4933 has what you need for around £23. Expensive, but cheaper than a full pack. The main reason its no longer easy to get is that it isn't regarded as a home diy material. I bit the bullet and plumped for a full pack several years ago and still have 2 sheets left over. They will provide the structure for 4 more fre-mo module frames. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold 57xx Posted November 20, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted November 20, 2015 Doesn't this stuff have the silver foil on both sides? Did you peel that off ? Don't peel off the foil, it will twist and warp. I found out the hard way. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ben pez Posted November 20, 2015 Share Posted November 20, 2015 Depends on what youre using the extruded polysterene for? If its for baseboards,like previously been said,dont use the jewsons recticel stuff. If its for scenery? Then youre laughing,its good stuff. Cheers Ben Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ben pez Posted November 20, 2015 Share Posted November 20, 2015 I peeled the foil off BOTH sides of the stuff i used and it doesnt twist or warp,it does if you were just to peel one side off though,as the foil pushes against it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ben pez Posted November 20, 2015 Share Posted November 20, 2015 All the scenery here was built using the recticel. Of course if your planning on using it for baseboards,ignore this! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter220950 Posted November 20, 2015 Share Posted November 20, 2015 If you are close to a Sheffield Insulations trade counter you could try them for Styrofoam in various thicknesses, some years ago I bought about 4 sheets of 25mm over the counter as a cash sale. Peter Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold 57xx Posted November 20, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted November 20, 2015 I was talking about both sides. It does warp without the foil to support it (the foil is holding the foam in compression, which you can see when peeling off one side only by the way the warp goes). It's not a huge amount but if you have track laid on it, it's very noticeable. Give it a year and you'll see. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
APOLLO Posted November 20, 2015 Share Posted November 20, 2015 Wickes stock the pink dense foam in 4' x 2' sheets, around 2" thick, around £7 last time I bought one. Brit15 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter749 Posted December 5, 2020 Share Posted December 5, 2020 On 20/11/2015 at 19:48, ben pez said: All the scenery here was built using the recticel. Of course if your planning on using it for baseboards,ignore this! What did you use to stick the boards together - I have taken the plunge and got three sheets of the Recticel from a local B&Q Thanks Peter Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium TheQ Posted December 5, 2020 RMweb Premium Share Posted December 5, 2020 I use this from Screwfix. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold teaky Posted December 5, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted December 5, 2020 22 minutes ago, TheQ said: I use this from Screwfix. Really? That's the one with solvent in it. Isn't that a problem? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium BR60103 Posted December 6, 2020 RMweb Premium Share Posted December 6, 2020 I use a Foam Tack glue from Woodland Scenics. Not sure about UK availablility. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wasdavetheroad Posted December 6, 2020 Share Posted December 6, 2020 My baseboards are a triple layer of 50mm blue foam which I bought about 10 years ago. It was delivered on a lorry in a huge pack. the baseboards rest on a mixture of tables and staging and are immensely strong. I used the recommended glue but can't remember what it is called except to say the glue should not dissolve plastic. I also use long brass screws, up to 10cm, not self tapping, which hold surprisingly well. Smear the thread with some Copydex and it sticks like the proverbial to the blanket. Good luck if you want to remove the screw Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium TheQ Posted December 6, 2020 RMweb Premium Share Posted December 6, 2020 (edited) 15 hours ago, teaky said: Really? That's the one with solvent in it. Isn't that a problem? That was meant to be the solvent free one , I attempted to take the picture from their solvent free page.. I have used pva when I ran out, but it takes forever to set. The baseboards I make, are a 3inch layer of extruded foam or reticle, then another layer which may be cut into to provide below track levels, then layers above as required for hill sides. Board edges are then cut from 5mm ply to match the level of the foam all round. Wooden 1*1inch wooden inserts for the corners, the ply is then glued on with screws for the corners. As is mentioned above long screws with glue are very permanent when required. I then cap the landscape with J cloths soaked in a mix of pva water and pollyfilla. Very light very stuff boards Edited December 6, 2020 by TheQ 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now