As I own and manage a small model train store, I would like to add my observations on this subject.
I carry the bulk 50 lb bags of Hydrocal (I would love to carry the 100 lb bag if it was not so difficult to get it into country), Plaster of Paris in 25 and 50 lb bags and the (lightweight) Hydrocal in the Yellow 1/2 Gallon containers.
I have also re-packaged the Bulk stuff and marked it up by about 10% in order to cover the cost of time, labor and Plastic Bags used to hold it.
The bulk bags tend to leave the store at a rate of 1-2 bags per month and are sold mainly to serious modelers building a large layout or several modelules (BTW we have Seven (7) active clubs in the Victoria Area).
The repackaged plaster would sell at a rate of 4-5 bags a month and most customers seemed to regard it along the same lines as second hand product at best
and as Antrhax Powder at worst.
The more expensive yellow 1/2 gallon containers sell at a rate that defies logic: 45-50 boxes per month and I am often caught short, desipite being only 24 hours away from my distributor
Granted, we have a lot of wargamers (Warhammer) making small scenes and model railroaders building modules, most of which do not require large quantities of plaster.
One reason that the yellow boxes seem to sell so well is that it is "Lightweight" plaster to which the manufacturer has added (I suspect) a Cellulose filler to make it lighter and seems to be preferred over regular plaster on modules.
I have 2 NTrak modules each measuring 6ft x 2 1/2 ft covered in bulk hydrocal with a total of 137 rock castings (again with bulk plaster) and weigh 96 Lbs and 117 Lbs respectively.
I am often forced to resort to "beer bribes" in order to enlist help from other club members in moving my modules whenever we have a show.
The people who supply the yellow boxes do so because it sells, and while some hobby shops do repackage the bulk product into smaller, more managable and affordable bags, in my experience, at least, the yellow boxes continue to outsell all other products as it is lighter, and packaged in a smaller, sealed, easy to carry, easy to store (read "Conveniant") container.
In short, "Conveniance over Cost"
As I said before, "Just my ovservations based on my experience"
Cheers!
Terry
