Hello All,

I usually post in Model forum under sci-fi.

I have been commissioned to build a large scale static dislplay of a modern tanker -type ship. The model, HO scale, will be about 6 feet long, 7" tall and 12" wide. It has to be light and sturdy!

The bow has been carved from dense foam. I intend to make the flat bottom and verticle sides from balsa and foam core board. An odd combination, but very sturdy!
What I would like to do is to then cover the structure with thin tissue or similar material and a resin or epoxy of some kind. I hope to give it strength and a sandable surface that can then be colored and decorated.

Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!
Regards,

Scott

Epoxy and foam core board, good.
Resin and foam core board, BAD, very bad.

Try a very light fiberglass (like 1/2 ounce) and water based Minwax polyurethane. I use this on my foam planes. I think you'll like it.

--
Mike N

I have flown Nitro airplanes for years and we seal Balsa the same way you could seal the foam. Make sure the foam has received a good finish sanding and blow ALL dust from model or you suffer from pimples.

Take the longest cure two part epoxy, Devcon, HobbyPoxy or whatever. After mixing both A&B together, thin it down to the consistancy of paint. "Denatured alchol".
NOTE> make sure that you do a test strip with the alchol thinner first but I don't expect any problems.

Then apply the mixture to the hull with a out of date creditcard. Then spread the mixture out thin, the thicknwess should be about three to four mills thick. This will give you a slick hull. The finish will be tough and repairable with very little effort.

Now paint away.

Hello All,

I usually post in Model forum under sci-fi.

I have been commissioned to build a large scale static dislplay of a modern tanker -type ship. The model, HO scale, will be about 6 feet long, 7" tall and 12" wide. It has to be light and sturdy!

The bow has been carved from dense foam. I intend to make the flat bottom and verticle sides from balsa and foam core board. An odd combination, but very sturdy!
What I would like to do is to then cover the structure with thin tissue or similar material and a resin or epoxy of some kind. I hope to give it strength and a sandable surface that can then be colored and decorated.

Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!
Regards,

Scott


Hi Scott,

I feel you are on the right track. How will the display be mounted for veiwing?

Nice ideas on the structure and stability. The right angle "I-Beam" construction technique can be formadible. Nice ideas on combining materials. I am contemplating many of the same issues in my current design.

Perhaps you could consider microfiber fiberglass mess, or even something as simple as women's nylon hoisery, over laid with a neutral expoxy resin. It would be lightweight, durable, flexible, and have a fine sandable finish if applied with apropriate thickness. I would suggest fine multiple layers of resin prior to finishing.

Would you be receptive to being a consultant in my design and adventure? I hope to hear from you. Best of luck in your commission.

Best Regards,
Bob in Mansfield