In 1998, I witnessed a layout called “Swans Crossing”.

The “SOFT ROCKS” that covered this exhibition layout were made of Foam Rubber, the type used in lounge suites.

After a few years experimenting with the brilliant technique used by Mark & Angela Fry, I established another method, which has

been adopted by modelers around Australia and location around the world.

“FRocks” - Foam Rocks

Foam rubber can be purchased from stores, however, it is freely available from Upholstery Shops. The old foam rubber, I believe to be the best.

The newer rubber tends to be a bit more synthethic. But any type will do to get you started.

Place a quanitity of Joint Cement ( sometimes called Topping coat ) into a container and add a little water.

Stir for a few minutes and let it sit.

This will become a nice pancake mix.

If you put the container lid back on, the mix will not dry out and can be used at any time, days later.

NO Mess, NO waste.

To achieve the natural look of rugged rock,  just rip / tear small and large pieces of foam rubber.

Don’t even think about where to start tearing. Just tear in different directions.

You will be amazed at the various rock profiles that are formed. Cover foam rubber with one or two thin coats of compound, using a large paint brush.

This compound cover eliminates the sponge look and also gives a surface for painting and ground cover.

“Furlow” rock. Strata obtained by quickly running a saw thru the foam rubber.

Pull out bits and pieces of foam for additional contours.

Add topping coat, and while still wet, paint the whole area with highly diluted acrylic house paint.

When dry, add dirt or chalk dust. A number of these completed “FRocks” can be added to a diorama or layout at anytime.

Rock Strata obtained using a hand saw

If you are covering an area of the foam with dirt, woodlands scenics or any other ground cover, only a thin coat of Joint compound is required.

Just experiment...for the desired effect....

“FRocks” can be made quickly and with no mess.

Actually, you make and detail enough “Frocks” for a large layout, even before you start a layout.

If at anytime you decide destroy your completed diorama, module or layout,

the “Frocks” can be recycled without too much damage.

Sweetwater   Logging & Mining scenery will include many techniques that I have used in past projects. 

Rocks will be a combination of real rock, plaster castings & my own “FRocks”

Dense foam rubber, cut using a hand saw. Thin slices are to be used in some parts of the layout, due to restricted depth of  field.

Hand rip the foam to obtain contours. These sheets will end up as “FRocks” one day, but at the moment they will be used as a base to hold rock moulds and some other uses.