Miniature Worlds Diorama Catalog
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Styrofoam Sheets For Diorama and Train Scenery Projects
Styrofoam sheets are used for many craft and hobby projects. Popular hobby projects include
uses for train scenery and diorama projects. Foam board is mainly used in railroad layouts
as a terrain base for the elements for the layout. Use over the plywood or Homesote base, or
substitute.
You may use foam sheets in railroad layouts instead of heavy plywood, but you will want to
build a wooden framework first. The framework can be made from lightweight furring strips or
similar material, with slats placed at the bottom of the frame to support the Styrofoam
sheets. Glue the foam board to the slats for strength using a compatible Styrofoam or craft
glue.
Styrofoam boards are easy to cut, carve, or drill. And since there is a variety of different
thick nesses to choose from there is sure to be one perfect for your project. The foam sheets
may be cut with a utility knife, or a hotwire Styrofoam cutter. The foam can also be textured
with craft paints, shaped with pencils, or carving tools. Use toothpicks or floral picks to
hold pieces together while gluing.
The craft foam sheets can also be used to simulate rock layers on a train layout or diorama
project. Glue multiple layers of the Styrofoam sheets together, carve and shape them to
simulate rock layers. Foam boards may be textured using acrylic spackling, Gesso, hydrocal
plaster, or modeling paste.
Styrofoam sheets can be used for diorama bases. If two or more need to be glued together
to make a larger surface, stick tooth picks, craft sticks, or similar product into one of the
two edges which need to be glued. Apply a liberal amount of Styrofoam or white craft glue and
press together. Use wax paper underneath. When the glue dries, you should have a nice strong
bond between the two foam boards
Styrofoam sheets are ideal for use in model train scenery as they are lightweight and
easy to carve.
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