Crafting Planes from Depron: A Guide to Foam-built Aviation


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Planes made from foam? What a peculiar notion! Yet, the world of model aviation has been revolutionised by this lightweight and resilient material. Depron, a type of foam, has become the favoured choice for many hobbyists and enthusiasts. So, why Depron? What makes it so special? Let's take a journey through the world of foam-built planes and find out why I (and many others) love making airplanes from Depron. It's simple, cheap, relatively crash-proof and, above all, fun!

Table of Contents

  1. What is Depron?
  2. Why use Depron?
  3. Types of Foam for Plane Building
  4. The Pros and Cons of Depron
  5. Working with Depron
  6. Depron vs Other Foams
  7. The Durability of Depron Planes
  8. Acquiring Depron
  9. Depron: Not just for Planes
  10. Conclusion: The Joy of Depron

What is Depron?

Depron is a brand of closed-cell polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foam originally developed for floor insulation. It's lightweight, rigid, and comes in various thicknesses, from 3mm to 10mm. It's most commonly found in white, but other colours are available. Its smooth surface and uniform density make it perfect for various crafting projects, especially model aircraft building.

Why use Depron?

As a material for crafting model planes, Depron has a host of advantages. It's light, implying that it's perfect for creating planes that can glide smoothly through the air. Its rigidity gives the planes structure and stability. Plus, it's easy to cut and shape, making the construction process a breeze – even for beginners.

Types of Foam for Plane Building

When building model planes, there are three main types of foam to consider:

1. Fan Fold Foam (FFF): Also known as Blue Core, this foam is sold in large quantities and is relatively cheap. It's often inconsistent, though, and it comes in different colours, indicating its density.

2. Depron: The most common foam used for plane building. It's stiff, consistent, and easy to paint and sand. However, it's more fragile and expensive than FFF.

3. Expanded Polypropylene (EPP): This foam is tough and flexible, though it's more expensive than Depron or FFF. It's difficult to sand, paint, and glue.

The Pros and Cons of Depron

As with any material, Depron has its strengths and weaknesses. On the upside, it's lightweight, which means your plane won't be weighed down. It's also rigid, providing your plane with the structure it needs to hold its shape during flight. The consistent density of Depron ensures that each piece you cut will have the same properties, providing balance to your plane.

However, Depron does have a few drawbacks. It's more fragile than other types of foam, which means it can break or crack upon impact. It's also more expensive than some other options, like FFF.

Working with Depron

Working with Depron is relatively straightforward. The material is easy to cut using a sharp knife or a hot wire cutter. It can be sanded to create smooth edges or intricate shapes. When it comes to joining the pieces together, Depron can be glued using a variety of adhesives. Just make sure to use an adhesive that won't melt the foam!

Depron vs Other Foams

When compared to other foams, Depron stands out for several reasons. It's stiffer than FFF and EPP, meaning it can hold its shape better during flight. It's also more consistent, so you won't have to worry about inconsistencies in density affecting your plane's balance or performance.

However, it's not as tough or flexible as EPP, which can better withstand crashes. It's also more expensive than FFF, although many hobbyists believe that the higher quality of Depron is worth the extra cost.

The Durability of Depron Planes

Depron planes are relatively durable, although they're not invincible. The rigidity of Depron means that it can crack or break upon impact, especially if the plane crashes at a high speed. However, many Depron enthusiasts find that the material is easy to repair.

Acquiring Depron

So, where can you get your hands on this miracle material? Depron is available from various online retailers, including rcfoam.com. It's also possible to find it in some local hobby shops, although it's less common than some other types of foam.

Depron: Not just for Planes

While we've focused on using Depron for model planes, it's worth noting that this versatile material isn't limited to aviation. Depron is also used in other crafting projects, from architectural models to DIY home decor. It's even used for meat trays in supermarkets!

Conclusion: The Joy of Depron

In conclusion, Depron is an excellent material for crafting model planes. It's lightweight, rigid, and easy to work with. While it may be more expensive and less durable than some other types of foam, its superior performance and ease of use make it a favourite among model plane builders. I love making airplanes from Depron, and I'm sure you will, too. Why not give it a try and experience the joy of Depron for yourself? Happy crafting!

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