DW_Crash

Hello All,

Over the last few years, Depron sheets to build planes with have become extinct up here in Canada. It is rarer than hen's teeth. So I was wondering, where do you buy your depron from? I'd like to get some 2mm or 3mm sheets to build with.

dw_crash

crxmanpat

The actual Depron brand is no longer made or sold. About 4 years ago a bad batch came from the manufacturer, and a lot of companies complained and tried to return it, and the company decided to stop making it. All you can find now is old stock, and once it's gone it's gone for good. There is another foam being sold now called Model Plane Foam, but it only comes in 6mm. It's at modelplanefoam.com, or Flite Test. Tower Hobbies sells sheets of 3mm foam similar to depron as well:

https://www.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...YaAprLEALw_wcB

solentlife

Pat ... I will not argue if that was the case in USA ... but I can tell you that Depron is alive and well in Europe.

Depron as you know is actually a Copyrighted Brand name and was produced to create a superior insulation product ... slighter denser and thinner than conventional. The parent company allowed the development of a more stricter grade and was sold to model makers / artistic creative factions.
Just a few years back - it was found that the 'building' industry required an increase in production and it was announced that 'Model Grade' Depron was to be phased out and only 'Floor Insulation Grade' would be available.

Here where I live - I can buy boxes of 3, 6mm Depron direct from the retail outlet of the factory, which are same as the Model Grade - still in production but boxed as Floor Grade. The main advantage with it now - its in larger sheets than the previous Model Grade and I can cut wings etc. in one piece. The sheets are supplied in 1200cm x 800cm form, 20 sheets per box

Pricing in Euros delivered to me :

80.10 per 6mm box of 20 sheets

60.16 per 3mm box of 20 sheets

Here's the box and label :





I have had a number of people online tell me its not same ... but having had both 'grades' - I can say that what I get today is so close to the Model Grade - that I cannot tell the difference.

The original Communique sent out by the Brand Owners of Depron was that only Floor Grade would be produced, all production lines were to run at higher capacity and only produce FG to meet the demand. It advised that in comparison with Model Grade - it may have some irregularities and surface may not be as smooth.
My comparison shows it to have same surface, same density and prone to dents if pressed .. cuts same .... can be formed same.

So if you want Depron ... come to Europe !!

DW_Crash

Thanks guys. The info is helpful.

DW_crash

crxmanpat

Nigel,

I had no idea Depron brand was actually still available, at least in Europe. Thanks for the info.

solentlife

Very much alive and well .....

Wrench66

Looks like I'll have to move then if I ever wanna do anymore Depron scratchbuilds like the old days
That Flitetest board just isnt the same
-- Ray

solentlife

What I am confused by ... is why you cannot buy Depron White / Grey board in USA / Canada ...

I understand that Aero Board is not available anymore ... but standard White is so similar ...

riverrat

That Flitetest board just isnt the same
-- Ray[/QUOTE]
CONCOUR!!!
Wish they would offer WHITE!!!

Jimmy

solentlife

Is the Depron Brand Name stopped completely over that side of the 'pond' ?

DW_Crash

Still curious. I like 2mm for indoor fliers. Is that available anywhere?

dw_crash

solentlife

3mm is norm over here for indoor stuff .. and yes still available

solentlife

Here's a build I just completed today ... (6mm Depron)