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Using extruded insulation material for "cliff" side?

Paint a base coat of latex paint then you can use spray enamels such as Rustoleum. If you don't put a base of latex the enamel will dissolve most of your work. The method I use is to first paint everything black then follow with two shades of gray lightly sprayed at an angle to leave "dark" shadows in the rocks. To get a good feel for the process, make a one foot by one foot test peice to experiment with.

Ward Hammond
November 12, 1998

If you choose to use the insulation material. Quikrete's Vinyl Patching Cement will stick to it
and allow you to model the material to simulate any strata you wish. Some time ago Garden Railroading had an article on modeling structures using this technique. I've used it to simulate a stone foundation, applying it over treated 2 x 4's, and it works great. Plenty of time to model the material after it's applied, and it sticks to the insulation as well. Good luck.

Bill Williams
November 12, 1998

If you are planning to use white styrofoam as a building material then Bill has the right idea. The foam can be cut with a knife but a "hot wire" works best. There are a number of styrofoam cutting tools available or you can make your own (the coils from an old toaster). You need to search for a foam safe adhesive - check the caulking section at your hardware store. Then you need to cover it with some kind of ready to use plaster or vinyl patching compound. This will give it texture, cover the joints and protect it from sunlight if used outdoors. Finally, paint with a base coat of latex paint the finish with color. I have used these techniques several times on outdoor railroads with good results.

Ken Stanfield
November 16, 1998