Scale foam?

I have to agree with this sentiment, I'm basically a scratch scale builder although of late I've had a few excursions into other fields. I find that "stand off" scale is a suitable solution for most of my models - the 1,000 hr super scale job is an exercise in carefully balancing what is practical in a model against what the mad urge to "do the impossible" leads the builder to try. I'm currently building a 90" W/S Lancaster and the designer makes extensive use of foam and brown paper covering. Because I'm a nut case - and a traditional builder - I've scrapped most of that and replaced it with a conventional balsa/ply structure. It may not be a superior solution but I'm more comfortable with the materials I'm using. I'm already doing a careful watch on the amount of weight I'm building in and how much scale detailing will be appropriate to keep it looking - and flying - in a scale manner.

After some trials and tribulations which included virtually ripping the whole nose off.
Split from top to bottom on one side

Compression damage to the other side

At the end of a full day for the nose rebuild a short video of it flying in rather too much wind and poor light!

But at least it came back in one piece!

at least it flies, you must be chuffed to bits. i know i would be.