use of polystyrene

[granddad gnome]

Finally finished laying track up to the plane drawn some 8 years ago, now a start can be made to bring the railway to life. The gnome Valley Railway is a fictitious railway and a lot of the buildings and scenery will be made of polystyrene. So my question is , what is the best adhesive to glue polystyrene slabs together with. My idea is to make poly solids and then cover with conventional materials, thus making a more lightweight structure, more easily transported when needs be under cover in the winter months. Other ideas would be very welcome.

 

[bobg]

Re:use of polystyrene

As Ross suggests, definitely nothing with a solvent in it. It also needs to be a glue with a bit of 'bulk' as polystyrene slabs will often not have very good mating surfaces. I would think Evo-Stik Serious Stuff, wet-grab would do it, though I haven't actually tried it with polystyrene. It certainly does a good job of sticking ABS moulded sheeting to my buildings. It is relatively slow drying so gives plenty of time to 'mess', but holds well 'til it does.

 

[polaroyd]

Re:use of polystyrene

I take it you are talking about expanded polystyrene (building insulation, the blue or orange stuff or the white open celled stuff- not plasticard). There are several specialist adhesives mainly aimed at repairing foam model aircraft, "Deluxe" make the best stuff I've found called "Foam to Foam" it is a solvent based glue but the solvent doesn't attack the foam. There is also a special version of superglue designed for foam. PVA glue also works very well but you have to use a fast drying variety that will go off in the absence of air otherwise only the surface glue will dry. I've created quite a few models using the foam it takes textures wonderfully (try a ball of kitchen foil) and makes great stonework. I normally cover it with textured masonry paint which gives more texture and hardens the surface considerably. I've never used it outside so don't know how it would survive, I would think the biggest problem is things being so light they'd blow away!
Paul

 

[bobg]

Re:use of polystyrene

I've never used it outside so don't know how it would survive, I would think the biggest problem is things being so light they'd blow away!
Paul

Just glue a brick in the middle!

 

[Tony]

Re:use of polystyrene

Watch this lovely video and all will be revealed the buildings bit is at 11 minutes if you don,t want to watch it all but his answer to you qusetion is PVA glue or No nails but i highly recommend you watch it all

 

[dunnyrail]

Re:use of polystyrene

Waterproof PVA is the stuff to use. Also for belt and braces I used Domestic Pins the Sewing variety as long as you can get at joints. I have a building that I made back in around 1987/88 that used those horrible Ceiling Polystyrene Tiles. It has been out side all of 25 years and is fine. It was covered with Grey External grade Tile Adhesive.
JonD

 

[maxi-model]

Re:use of polystyrene

Other ideas would be very welcome.

Depends on how robust you want the structures to be.

Other materials to use - 3-5 mm thick PVC foamboard seems to be a favourite of some on this forum. More flexible in application as a material than expanded polystyrene - easily cut, formed and textured for detailed lightweight building structures.

Also seen some nice structures made from a 3mm clear acrylic core (see current and last issue of Garden Railways) with cladding added. Instant glazing and provides a rigid and rugged base for the outer structure. Thinking of using this as I have a lot of the stuff lying around I'd like to find a use for.

I've seen that Pola and Piko make elements of their kits available for basic building construction and detailing. Strong and durable ridgid sytrene plastic. Probably a few of these companys' buildings knocking around 2nd hand, semi-derelict and low cost that could act as a base for renovation.

Max.

 

[peterbunce]

Re:use of polystyrene

Hi

My buildings etc are made from PVC solid foam sheet as used for exhibition signs , or plastic corrugated sheet as used by Estate agents. The roof is generally 060 or 080 plasticard (as I like standing seam roofing - it looks good and is strong; I also use my own corrugated sheets from annealed drinks cans.

They stay out all year, and are glued together with Evo-stik; and have not fallen apart.

They are as Ross say fixed with two screws to a 1" paving slab (the 18" or so square ones cut down with an angle grinder.

Painting is with either masonry paints or enamel - some acrylics fade in the light quite fast. and a finishing coat of anti UV varnish.

Yours Peter

 

[Lowty1]

Re:use of polystyrene

I use a cartidge of waterproof "Hard as Nails" bought from our local pound shop. I use it to build up scenery prior to adding flock. It is a good adhesive.