Shape Sheet Learning Kit

There are a few non-plaster ways that were considered in creating a mountain and or tunnel for the layout. One self-imposed layout requirement is NO PLASTER. After some thought, decided to try the Shaper Sheet. Though it is sold alone, bought the kit because the design specified square area equaled approximately what is in the kit plus would be getting some desired earth tones to create rock. The shaper sheet is a 3-ply product consisting of an aluminum foil like base, a thin transparent layer with an adhesive on 1 side that enables shaper sheet pieces to be joined together, and a felt-like exterior. The shaper sheet was rough formed around the radius. It took almost 3 hours. The acute curve was difficult to work with resulting in more steepness in many areas than desired. Issue partially due to the layout’s curve, not necessarily the fault of the product however, the stiffer than average aluminum foil layer of the shaper sheet was also a contributing factor. Woodland advertises this product to be used with or without plaster and this is true. While the use without plaster is acceptable, creation of vertical rock surfaces, whether intentional or due to how the sheet randomly folds, are not nearly as realistic and hard, if even possible, to achieve satisfactorily look when applying the leopard paint technique to the un-plastered, felt like exterior of the shaper sheet. The felt absorbs paint differently than plaster or foam. Applied the same technique with the earth paint mixes to foam and the outcome was nothing less than spectacular. Whether the leopard paint rock coloring was performed incorrectly or the sealing wasn’t completely cured, there was significant leeching of color on the shaper sheet’s felt exterior. A minor negative is that the earth tone paint seemed to somewhat lack in viscosity. The leopard painting instructions along with mixing ratios references pigment and had to be adjusted, especially, the black color. Other kit contents; tools and plaster look ok but since this is a non-plaster layout, they are unused. This is a viable, light weight mountain creation option assuming acute vertical rises can be eliminated minimized by covering with landscaping when plaster is not applied as a shell to the shaper sheet. Less severe inclines and gradual rises in a mountain can use this without plaster, groundcover and landscaping, getting very good results. Woodland Scenics is very good in pre-sales specs and most relevant info about this product is on their website.