I'm almost done with my transport builds and am looking for a good place to get high density foam to build superstructure with? or any other suggestions for bb resistant superstructure making thanks, Jason
BBs go into the foam and stay there. Over time they'll add weight to the ship. I could not believe how many bbs I took out of The Bike's SS when I replaced it. Use ABS plastic. Light wieght, easy to use and bb proof.
I'd second Bob's opinion on this, but if you really want to get into the foam, contact Stephen down at Strike Models, he may be open to selling you uncut pieces of the stuff he makes superstructure kits out of.
There is a place here in Minneapolis that supplies 4'x8' sheet. Enough to make a couple ships, or 6... I'm sure there is a place in your area that sells it. Look around the web. http://www.thomasnet.com/illinois/plastic-fabricating-abs-59300004-1.html I use 1/16" sheets.
What about light balsa with plasticard sheeting? The Balsa should help reinforce against damage whilst staying light enough to stay stable.
Balsa can't stand up to bbs, no matter the thickness. Syren, syrin, styren (SP?) the white plactic you get at the hobby store will not stop bbs. Lexan (SP?) will stop bbs for awhile but does crack over time. You can use Termite Armor, ABS, or 1/8" 5 layer plywood to be bb proof. You could cover the foam with Termite armor or even shower pan liner to bb proof it.
Hmm, fair enough, seems like no matter what you will be rebuilding the superstructure from time to time...
Give your car an oil change, chop up the empty oil bottle and use that for cladding. They're made from pretty tough plastic, plus if you get the right shape bottle, the corners are already made.
Plastic pop bottles are bb proof too. A lot of people use them for interior armor. Might be hard to "sheet" superstructure with them.
The high density foam is great. I been using it for over 20 years. The best thing is it is so light that it it's great for narrow ships, or ships with a lot of top superstructure. You can now sheet the foam with Termite armor which protects it very well and makes it look good. My old superstructure has a tremendous amount of bbs that have penetrated and you won't get that many bbs to cause any significant weight impact. Most bbs will bury and exit the foam depending on location and size of the foam part being penetrated. You can sheet the exterior of the foam with impenetrable material to cut down on the weight instead of solid blocks. I find it very good for this hobby.
Ah poppycock! use foam! I like having all the battle scars! LOL It gives the boat character! Heck when I rebuilt Jeff Lipps Baden we specificly kept the two funnels from the old super because they had so many bb's inside that they rattled when ever the boat moved! Click here for larger view
