I have never used Sculptamold as I could not understand what was so special about it based on descriptions from magazine articles. It was described as a paper-mache like product. The only thing I could remember about paper-mache is that it smells and sometimes molds due to its organic nature. I used regular plaster to blend the rock castings and create the terrain in the past. A wet paintbrush worked good to provide a nice smooth surface. Using plaster presented two huge drawbacks: it can weigh a ton and installing trees usually required drilling.

I decided to take the plunge with this layout and give Sculptamold a try. I was amazed at easy it was to effectively use. Obtaining Sculptamold is not easy as my local hobby shop, Caboose Hobbies, does not carry it. This is the first thing I have not been able to find inside the store as they seem to carry just about every Model Railroad product known to man. Amazon carries it through Joann’s and I ordered it through them.

Here is what I like about Sculptamold:

• Light weight but rigid when dried.
• Easy mixing. It almost mixes itself.
• Easy to work with and finishes nicely.
• Easily fills in the inevitable droops of plaster cloth scenery.

I highly recommend using Sculptamold as a finish coat over the plaster cloth scenery and to blend the rock castings into the scenery.

UPDATE 2008-03-24: Caboose Hobbies does carry Sculptamold, they just happened to be out of stock when I was looking for it previously.  Another great option if you don’t happen to be in Denver is to order from Joann.com.