Here's a quick list of some useful terrain-type links.
http://www.plastruct.com plastic, metal and other materials in precast designs as well as sheets, rods, etc etc etc.http://www.hirstarts.com molds for making plaster casts of buildings, etc. These casts are assembled and go together like blocks http://www.hotwirefoamfactory.com A company that sells all sorts of tools to use with polystyrene.http://www.demandproducts.com/foamcut.html
Another resource site for all sorts of tools to use with polystyrene.http://www.terragenesis.co.ukA resource site with instructions on building all sorts of terrain pieces.Personally, I think that posters here should check in with the local gurus and workers before being shifted to terragenesis, but it should be listed in the resource list.http://www.doll-houses-miniatures.com/rose_html/flooring.htmand
http://www.oakridgehobbies.com/2000_new_dollhouse/handleyhousepages/flooring.htmAs the link implies, doll house flooring. It makes a quick, easy and relatively cheap alternative to hand carving your own designs.http://www.woodlandscenics.comWoodland scenics is by far the best company for natural terrain modelling materials. flocks, grasses, trees, water effects, etc. You name the natural terrain feature and you can probably build it with Woodland Scenics stuff.http://www.gatorfoam.com/products/products.htmA supplier for gatorboard, foamcore and other similar materials. https://www.charrette.com/scripts/wgate/zshop/!?~language=en&v_direct_dept_code=MC08&~Okcode=ZDTD&~target=_top&~forcetarget=yesAn art supplier. This store has alot of architectural design pieces. Architectural modellers in my area get many of their material at this store.http://www.thefiguretrader.co.uk/pages/products.shtmlThe Figure Trader seems to have precast walls, floors, and some other thingsA note on material definitions:
-- Foamcore is polystyrene foam covered by a sheet of paper on each side. This can usually be purchased at any art supply store, craft store or even Walmart.
-- Gatorfoam or gatorboard is polystyrene foam covered by a sheet of plastic and then paper on each side. This is somewhat superior to foamcore in that it won't warp. However, it is more expensive and harder to find.
-- Polystyrene is a rigid foam substance that comes in varying densities. Blue and Pink polystyrene are a form of the material that can be purchased as "rigid insulation" at most home improvement stores.
-- Floralboard or floral foam is that green foam stuff that florists use to hold flowers. It is not dense at all and tends to crumble and deform, but is easy to mold and will not melt with aerosol sprays. (Polystyrene WILL melt if spray directly!!)
-- Plasticard is just what it sounds like, plastic card stock. It comes in varying thicknesses and can be purchased like cardstock or corrugated cardboard.
-- Cardboard ranges from cardstock (the stuff they use to make cereal boxes) to corrugated (the stuff they use to make shipping boxes).
-- Bass Wood and Balsa Wood are two lightweight woods that are very useful in terrain making. Bass wood tends to be slightly denser than balsa. (Balsa can be easily marked with finger pressure) Both types can be found at nearly any art supply or craft store.
-- MDF (Medium Density Fiberboad) belongs to the hardboard family of products which are made from wood fibers glued under heat and pressure. Medium Density Fiberboard typically has densities between 33 and 50 pounds per cubic feet. I found an excelent resource, which although not terrain related, details exactly what MDF is and how it can be used:
http://www.lungster.com/l/speakers/mdffaq/mdf.html-- HDF (High Density Fiberboard) also belongs to the hardboard family of products which are made from wood fibers glued under heat and pressure. High Density Fiberboard ranges between 50 and 80 pounds per cubic feet. Is typically referred to under the brand-name "Masonite"
-- LDF (Low Density Fiberboard) is what most home imporvement stores sell as "Hardboard". This is the stuff that is put on the walls in garages as "hardboard pegboard".
== One note about fiberboards... They are held together with various chemical glues and sometimes include other chemicals such as formaldehyde. As such, one should be EXTREMELY careful when cutting, sanding or otherwise causing fiberboard dust to be in the air. Wear a respirator or at least a dust mask when working with the stuff!!! ==
