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 Posted - February 13 2011 : 4:54:44 PM
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Hello, Just had a thought. Has anyone ever tried "autobody plastic filler" for use of making hills, etc on a layout?
Walt
Luck, usually comes dressed in work clothes...
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Posted - February 13 2011 : 5:03:50 PM
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| wow would have thought that would be heavy load for 8x4 layout,seen glass fibre used,ken
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Posted - February 13 2011 : 8:41:41 PM
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How strong would that be if it was a skim coat type deal?
Alco Fan
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Posted - February 13 2011 : 9:02:36 PM
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| Back in the day I used Bondo on one of my jalopies. I waited a bit too long before trying to sand it. That stuff is VERY strong.
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Posted - February 13 2011 : 10:18:34 PM
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As a bodyman of 30+ years, body filler is quite a stong product, unless it gets wet often. It has a bad image from guys over the years stuffing gobs of it in a rusthole where it holds up just long enough for the car to sell
The filler idea just came to me today when I posted so I have not had time to think about the pros & cons.
As Alco Fan asked, layering, I was thinking of using it over formed screen to make hills, etc?? Some filler has been made as "light weight" now. Filler is very durable even in a thin coat, and flexible, if case you would have to "move your layout to another location.
As far as filler weight VS another product, I don't know. I have never weighed a gallon of body filler, once dried.
As NYC mentioned, sanding can be an issue. Some brands now have a long sanding period before toally dry (days to a week). Actually, with a little practice, filler can be applied to look really good on such as a train layout, without sanding. This use of filler as the "ground" does not have to be perfectly smooth like an automobile application.
So, I threw the idea on the forum quickly with out thought. It may be the dumbest idea ever.. or , it might just work. I'm going to give it some thought.. Good to hear both pros and cons...
Last layout I had was in 1976 and at the time, I had never had body filler in my hands...
Walt
Luck, usually comes dressed in work clothes...
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Posted - February 14 2011 : 12:35:11 AM
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I really don't see how Bondo, ie body filler, could weigh any more than the Hydrocal , although there is some chatter on the Train nets about different versions of Hydrocal ( calcium sulfate, also used in dental plaster ), comes in various grades, and various densities, some have more adhesion and are tougher to break than others. Bottom line, I don't think Bondo is heavier per se than Hydrocal or other plaster of paris concoctions. I'd just think bondo is more expensive than the HC for a given quantity. Guess it all depends on your source of material, the Train net said the dental version can be had much cheaper than the commercial grade stuff found at Home Depot, etc. Just have to order it. I think the hot ticket would be the sheet foam base and use Hydrocal or bondo over it, to make lighter rocks. Our club used cardboard strips, newspaper, and Hydrocal to make the mountains on the club layout.
Jerry
" When life throws you bananas...it's easy to slip up"
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Posted - February 14 2011 : 9:12:21 PM
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quote:Hello, Just had a thought. Has anyone ever tried "autobody plastic filler" for use of making hills, etc on a layout?
Originally posted by walt - February 13 2011 : 4:54:44 PM
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Walt-
I've actually thought about using fiberglass resin and broad cloth (or paper towels) over wire -or- just Bondo and wire. Should be easier than using fiberglass mat (NO MORE SPLINTERS!!!  )
Hmmm... it might look kinda plastic-y since it doesn't yield itself to the appearance that plaster does. Also- won't start with a flat appearance and take water colors... but perhaps a white high build primer would work to compensate.
IDK- but I think it would be really neat to try. 
FWIW- I used Bondo and wire to join soda cans to make dinosaurs for a high school art project. 
Edited by - JohnnyKane on February 14 2011 9:14:37 PM
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Posted - February 14 2011 : 9:29:54 PM
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You know, Johnny If I was ready to set up my layout I would try this idea on some area. The filler will stick well to just about any clean surface. I think a guy could get some spray can epoxy primer to use over the plastic filler for good adhesion to the surface.
Fiberglass & matt is a great product but is messy and a little challenging to work with for some. The fiberglass really gets hard and is more difficult to sand & shape.
I think all cars should have fiberglass bodies!
Walt
Luck, usually comes dressed in work clothes...
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Posted - February 14 2011 : 9:57:34 PM
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You know... I have some Evercoat (from Corvette repairs) in my garage.
As soon as it warms up, I might try setting some up on screen wire just to see how it works.
What about rubberized undercoating and screen wire? I wonder if that would work.... hmmm.
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Posted - February 14 2011 : 10:10:11 PM
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It probably needs used in a well ventilated area if not outdoors. It's probably not practical for the house. :(
Alco Fan
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Posted - February 14 2011 : 10:18:19 PM
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Johnny, some of the modern day undercoating never really ever gets solid and dry. This leaves it always a bit sticky & gooey to handle.
Years ago the undercoating dried hard and stiff, and later would crack and hold water creating a rust problem That worked totally against it's own purpose of use.
The new stuff stays (rubberized) and flexable so it doesn't crack. But it will never completely get to where you can handle it comfortably.
But try a little to see what you come up with...
Edited by - walt on December 12 2014 9:51:15 PM
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Posted - February 15 2011 : 07:19:34 AM
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quote:It probably needs used in a well ventilated area if not outdoors. It's probably not practical for the house. :(
Originally posted by Alco Fan - February 14 2011 : 10:10:11 PM
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So true! Most of the stuff we're talking about has some definite fumes. 
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Posted - December 12 2014 : 10:00:51 PM
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Just wanted to update this thread for new members or visitors reading the thread. The body filler worked well for me and will last forever in a controlled environment. Most work was done in my garage but some in the basement. One time family members noticed the odor but both liked it... A pic or two of the bridge areas made & shaped with body filler. The edges will be molded in later...  
Edited by - walt on January 01 2015 12:53:07 AM
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Posted - January 02 2015 : 02:04:31 AM
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Trying a couple more methods of detailing. The first photo is a patch of land I have cut to fit beside the 7-UP building. Made from 1/4 hard foam board. Trimmed and sloped around the edges a little. Will paint and add scenic grass to the piece and use it somewhere on the layout...
2ND Pic is two pieces of foam stacked like a small mound, the covered with body plastic filler, then shaped some. Left a tiny bit rough for now. Will also paint, apply scenics and use...
3RD pic is the top side of the same piece. I don't think it looks good beside the 7-UP building. Again this small use of body filler was done inside the house, and this time no one in the family mentioned any odor..
  
Edited by - walt on January 02 2015 11:39:35 PM
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