Basing Material Idea - Balsa Foam

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**Nodri**

I stumbled across this stuff while browsing diorama materials for scale modelling and figured it would have potential for wargaming. It looks to be extremely useful for basing, terrain, and objective markers. It's also surprisingly affordable (starting at about $7.20 or €5.50). While made in the US, it is also available in the EU . In the US, you can get it at Dick Blick. In the EU, you can get it from Breveco Modelling. I've included some sample photos and video review below. Please post here and share your experiences if you've used it before.

From the Manufacturer:

Balsa-Foam® is different from other plastic foams because it carves easily with traditional and non-traditional hand tools and can be decorated with any paint just like balsa wood. Balsa-Foam® has a density of 5 lbs. per cubic foot and is great for students because sharp tools are not required. Balsa-Foam® II has a density of 10 lbs per cubic foot and is also easy to carve but holds intricate detail. Balsa-Foam® has no memory and holds any impression. Available in seven sizes (both densities) and class packs.
Balsa-Foam® is a registered trademark of American Foam Technologies.

Here's a review from Flory Models.

**Cleatus**

Neat. I might look into this. Thanks for the tip!

**Elbows**

I had seen it before, but I recall it being crazy expensive.

(runs to check)

Yeah, in the states it's $25+ for a block of 4"x4"x4" or so. That's waaay too much unless you need something like that.

**Vermis**

Nodri wrote:(starting at about $7.20 or €5.50).

Elbows wrote:I had seen it before, but I recall it being crazy expensive.

(runs to check)

Yeah, in the states it's $25+ for a block of 4"x4"x4" or so. That's waaay too much unless you need something like that.

Hmm. PCF 20 (the strongest, which I'd assume you'd want for the gaming table) starting at €7.50 at Breveco, for 9x6" (a bit bigger than A5?) x6mm. €12.50 for 12x9". Softer grades are a bit cheaper, but still, looks very interesting for bits and pieces but I doubt you'd want to build Minas Tirith out of it.