How to Build Foam Scenery

In this video I show you how to build foam scenery. I am building a photo diorama using foam and hot wire cutting tool from How Wire Foam Factory.
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[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Looking for more foam scenery ideas and tips? Check out this video:kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqG7hHWPr6ykeK8

[@JCsRiptrack]

Nice to see a photo diorama in progress Ron. Looking forward to seeing part 2. I need to make one of these for myself!

[@deandanielson8074]

Thanks Ron. Very straighforward and clear. Makes me ready to start foam cutting!

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

You should. it is a lot of fun.

[@andybracken9261]

This is a great video! And I believe Santa brought me a full compliment of Hot Wire Foam Factory tools this year! Can’t wait to try my hands at em!!

[@TheGamingEevee8]

Ron nice video, can't wait to see the next part.

[@gotransitfannowdiscontinue7098]

Help ful for my layout.

[@N-Scale]

Thanks for sharing Ron, Mike

[@nathandelay]

Very cool Ron

[@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569]

This is a nice example of foam scenery, Ron. Thanks for sharing these tools and techniques with the rest of us. ...Roy

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks, Roy. Always good to hear from you.

[@ainsleyperry5192]

Nice Job, Ron. I really like all these different idea's of working with foam and a new source of hot wire tools. Hope you and the family have a great Christmas. Cheers, Chris Perry.

[@Phoenixknight79]

I believe I sent you photos of the diorama I built, it was my first time building one and it was so much fun that I'm trying to think of another one to build... I wish I could get more foam cutters I only have a 6 inch cutter but I also use just a hobby knife as well.

[@mike1968442]

I went to hwff yesterday to order it 258.00! Asked for a senior or military discount “No, we don’t do that! Nice you get for free and I couldn’t even get 10 percent off!

[@ItsMyRailroad]

Those tools look pretty handy Ron. That diorama is looking pretty good too brother!

[@jerrysmith1929]

I make extensive use of foam and always used the Woodland Scenics hot wire tool which is equivalent to the sculpting tool. The variable power pack used by the Foam Factory tools could be an improvement over the WS hot wire tool. I would like to try the Foam Factory hot knife but will go with the longer 6 inch tool. I've found that I can use the less expensive white bead foam wherever I don't need structural strength provided by the blue/pink foam. This also means I can make use of free scrap packing foam like you used for practice. The hot wire is ideal for white foam because it avoids all of the tiny white beads produced when using a rasp. I usually cover the foam with plaster gauze. This protects the foam. It also means I can use plaster to mount the casting in place and blend it into the surrounding area all in one step.

[@markhayes6407]

I also use hot wire tools and they are great. I like your tip on the paint mixing sculptomold I will try that. Nice post and the rock came out looking so real.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thank you.

[@cloverdalerail1093]

thanks Ron I like your Rock technique

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Thanks Marcel.

[@rdg2102]

You could also add a "foreground" piece (or several) that isn't attached, it just butts up against what you have now and put structures or other scenery on it, and use the one you are building as a backdrop to the foreground piece.

[@allenbarnes7202]

I model in foam, but use a surfoam rasp and knives, no hot wire tools

[@rdg2102]

Howdy, I've found that in making photo diorama's that having a sloped foreground really helps. If you notice in the last shot with the track in place, you could see the edge of the foam. If you made that come out about 3-6 inches in front of the current front and gently sloped it down to a thin edge at the front, it would 'hide" the front edge in photos much better.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

That is a good point. This diorama is made totally from scraps on hand so I was limited, but thought I would practice on this one.

[@sithlordofoz]

Guess you stuck with the two tags you already have Ron! Wishing you and yours a Blessed Christmas.

[@BALD8BIL]

I have not tried the tools i would like to get and try them out one day

[@BeanieDraws]

This kind of reminds me of the train scene in Goldeneye. Derek Meddings used a model track location for some of the shots of that scene. :)

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Hi, Beanie. That is interesting. Before CGI I suppose modeled were used a lot in film making.

[@tomkibbe835]

How do you take backing off yellow foam, which is less expensive than pink extruded foam? Tom Kibbe

[@stevenV57]

I have a tip to pass along instead of using a screw to plug the nozzle on a tube of caulk I use a large red wire nut it screws on perfect and tight and keeps your caulk from drying out.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

That's a great idea. Thanks for sharing.

[@manythingwrong]

what is the type of foam used ?

[@Mercatoyd]

Great info here Ron as I am nearly at this step in my shelf layout. In hind sight..how do you like using the spray foam as an adhesive?

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Honestly, it works but it is not my favorite. I prefer to glue foam to foam with Styrogoo from Hot Wire Foam Factory. There is a link to them in the description to the video.

[@Mercatoyd]

@@RonsTrainsNThings Thanks Ron..I have never heard of Styrogoo...I wll have to check that out.. Thanks again. Tom

[@douggottlieb]

Does heating foam create health risk? Thanks

[@JoeG-firehousewhiskey]

I like that cellulose mixture you had, is it a home made mixture?

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Yes, Celluclay, latex paint, and a little white glue.

[@seanspennywisemiserrr]

Another great bid Ron. The great stuff expanding foam you used, I couldn't tell, was it the stuff designed for windows and doors ( low expansion ) or the high expansion?

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

I have used both, they both work for this application equally well. I would use which ever you can get for less money.

[@seanspennywisemiserrr]

Thank you Ron. Was concerned about the high expansion soon foam warping the foam board.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

@@seanspennywisemiserrr You will need to weight or clamp the foam as it cures, but I've never seen it warp.

[@donaldshroyer8633]

Perhaps the tools are material dependent, but the hot wire tool I tried on dry floral foam did not yield satisfactory results. Often, the foam burned before it cut. I found I had much better results using a 9mm utility knife with a long blade.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Yes, it varies depending on the type of foam. Works great on Styrofoam and extruded construction foam. Works ok of Great Stuff. Never tried it on floral foam.

[@flyboy2610]

Looks good, Ron! Try not to breathe those foam fumes. They aren't too good for you.

[@danhampson7875]

Yeah.. Check your foam, Ron. Lots of it contains fire retardant which is very toxic, very bioaccumulative and very persistent. Outlawed in the EU. I don't know what the situation is in the States, whether substitutes are used.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

I failed to mention using these in a well ventilated area. I had a fan on low blowing the fumes away from me and toward an open window.

[@billlane7786]

Foam is a great material for scenery but please beware of the fumes created while cutting with a hot wire.

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Yes, do it in a well ventilated area.

[@funnelbeaker9839]

toxic fumes?