Woodland Scenic Molds

Hello, Everyone.

I was wondering about Woodland Scenic Molds.

I have the Strata Stone C1239 mold. It is made of a thick rubber.

Here's the question: "Can other plasters and joint drywall compounds be used in these types of molds, or does it have to be Lightweight Hydrocal?"

If you can substitute,

"What kinds of plasters/compounds would you suggest or used before?"

Has anyone here ever experimented with this?

Thanks so much!

~Mr. Larrison

Hi there Mr. Larrison!
I do love Woodland Scenics, but with they're molds you can't really mix other things in with it. The plaster that the kit comes with has a certain compound in it that makes it do specifically what it is made to do, and the plastic changes per kit. I believe you can buy more plaster from Woodland Scenics for that or other specific sets online. I wish you could put other plasters in it, but unfortunately I don't think you can. It MAY be possible, but I haven't seen anyway to do it.
Good Luck!

[Super]

I am familiar with a lot of Woodland Scenic items as I have purchased many but I am not familiar with these molds. Is it for scenery like rocks and mountains?

Yes. These molds are for pouring a hydrocal or compound into, and then it of course takes the shape of the mold.

Okay, Thanks!

My only concern is that a joint compound or even Plaster of Paris would stick to the mold and ruin it.

The true WS hydrocal is rather overpriced in my opinion!

I agree, but for smaller proportions you can get it for a steal in some places!

[Super]

I know that some plastic mold makers spray WD-40 on their molds first as a release agent so the product won't stick to the mold. Did find this information...

HydroCal is a plaster, though not the most common one. It is produced like plaster, but cooked more so as to drive out more water molecules. Plasters do not set by "drying" but by bonding with water molecules. They are made by baking lime to drive out naturally occuring water to produce a powder. When the plaster is mixed with water, the water bonds to the plaster creating a solid. "Ordinary" plaster such as Plaster of Paris has a moderate amount of water "cooked" out of it in manufacture. The more water left in the original lime, the weaker the bond when mixed, and the softer, more easily broken the plaster.

When HydroCal ™ is mixed with water, there are more water bonds, hence it is a stronger form of plaster. However, the same quality makes it resist absorbing coloring after it has set. So it is not exactly a "substitute for plaster," just as cyanoacrylate SuperGlue is not exactly a substitute for white glue (like Elmer's), nor is it exactly a substitute for 2-part epoxy resin adhesive or for Walther's/Hobsco brand contact cement. All of them are adhesives, bujt they have difference strengths and weaknesses.

HydroCal is often used for "hard shell" scenery support and for cast structure parts, ordinary plaster such as Plaster of Paris for surface textures which can take coloring and tinting more readily.

And according to another poster...

Call around to some cement dealers, you can get it in a big bag, like 80lbs,
for what Woodland charges for a small box.

Track master Rail Yard:

Are there any places you know of with good prices?

Super:

That passage was VERY helpful! Hmmm I am still debating whether to try WD40 or not. I think the part in the passage that described how the varieties actually dry really make the process understandable.





I'd like to find cheap or off-brand HydroCal but would be willing to try the compounds...

Would Lowes or Home Depot or a store of such would carry a type of HydroCal?

Thanks!

~Mr. Larrison

[Super]

I don't know if it will be cheaper and I don't know where you live but check out the Art Supply stores for Hydrolcal. Looking at Dick Blicks Art Supply they have it. It may be used in sculpting. There is also this web site http://www.plaster.com/HYDROCAL.html. Plus have you checked the Hobby shops in your area? They may carry the Woodland Scenic brand and you would save on the shipping if they have it in stock.

Okay!

I looked at the www.plaster.com. It looks great! Now, for about 10 sq feet of the molds, how much do you think I would need? 7 LB? 18 LB? 40 LB? Just wondering if you are familiar with estimating these quantities.

Thanks!

[Super]

Sorry Mr. Larrison, not having used it before I wouldn't be able to help you with the estimates although more is always better. But on the other hand if you don't have any experience using it maybe it would be better to start off with a smaller amount to test it out first in case you don't like working with it.