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Started by White Snake at 06-15-2008 10:26 PM. Topic has 8 replies.

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06-15-2008, 10:26 PM

White Snake

Joined on 05-27-2008
Posts 58

Question about Styrene

	I am looking to purchase some different types and sizes of styrene, and wanted opinions from those that use it frequently in scratchbuilding, especially on aircraft and armor. What sizes and shapes of styrene do I need to purchase for mostly 1/48 and 1/72 kits. What are the most common pieces to purchase? Thanks! On the Bench: Tamiya 1/35 Willys MB Jeep
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06-16-2008, 1:07 AM

spiralcity

Joined on 04-30-2008
U.S.A
Posts 230

Re: Question about Styrene

	It really depends on what your doing. I buy a lot of rod .015, .02, .025, .035 and such from Everygreen and plastruct I also buy plain sheet styrene; right now I only have .015 thick and .025. You may look into the flat strips also. I have some .02 x .125 and .015 x .250. I also have a few assorted packs of tubing and a couple pakages of channel in assorted sizes. I like to keep styrene on hand, you never know when you might need it. You'll find it comes in handy to fill large gaps and such. If you dont like to keep stuff in stock then figure what you will need on your next project and buy accordingly.
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07-03-2008, 7:30 AM

Gigatron

Joined on 01-19-2007
Posts 1,248

Re: Question about Styrene

	I find the best stuff to have on hand is square and round stock and sheets, all in varrying sizes. I get mine from towerhobbies.com as they seem to have an unbelieavably large selection. -Fred
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07-03-2008, 8:39 AM

HawkeyeHobbies

Joined on 08-29-2006
Neenah, WI
Posts 1,520

Re: Question about Styrene

	You're probably having free styrene delivered to you door. Check those junk mail envelopes for buried treasure. Gerald Voigt http://www.hawkeyeshobbies.com http://hawkeyes-squawkbox.com/ Its not the workbench that makes the model, it is the modeler at the workbench.
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07-03-2008, 2:10 PM

namrednef

Joined on 11-09-2007
The Grooveyard of Forgotten Oldies, CT. USA
Posts 2,449

Re: Question about Styrene

	Gerald! Are you thinking of changing your handle to Chameleon? We're getting the Family album lately.....but it's fun! LCdr Namrednef Navy Air WingGB....und...FAAGB, and Medium Bomber GB, y Classic Kit GB, et Pearl Harbor 2008 GB! "You needn't be alarmed.....we're only searching your rooms."
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07-03-2008, 3:14 PM

HawkeyeHobbies

Joined on 08-29-2006
Neenah, WI
Posts 1,520

Re: Question about Styrene

	Well, at least the name is the same. I'm one of those guys who also like to change the furniture around for a change venue. Gerald Voigt http://www.hawkeyeshobbies.com http://hawkeyes-squawkbox.com/ Its not the workbench that makes the model, it is the modeler at the workbench.
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07-05-2008, 10:40 AM

Woody

Joined on 12-09-2002
Third rock from the sun.
Posts 3,776

Re: Question about Styrene

	I keep a large stock of styrene from Plastruct and Evergreen on hand. It's nice to have the right shape at your fingertips when you need it. In addition to those products marketed to the hobbyist, I also put on my Styrene goggles before leaving the house. Anything made of styrene is fair game for the scratchbuilder. Next time your in a craft store that sells cake decorating supplies, check them out. If the store carries party supplies, look at the disposable place setting items. Dollar stores are another great source because Styrene is a choice material for making all those tacky little Chinese do-dads. Last of all for cheap thin sheets of styrene, look no farther than Wal-mart or the hardware store, "for sale" signs are mostly made of styrene. " I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast; for I intend to go in harm's way." --John Paul Jones
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07-05-2008, 12:05 PM

HawkeyeHobbies

Joined on 08-29-2006
Neenah, WI
Posts 1,520

Re: Question about Styrene

	I can source full sheets of styrene...4'x8', 3'x6' or 5'x11' plus a few other sizes...sizes also depends on thickness. The sheets I still have on hand were expensive 10 years ago...I hate to venture a guess what they'd run now. Get to be good friends with the various retailers in you area...many of the point of sale displays include styrene for the structure and/or signage. When they replace old for new, then you can probably pick them up for nothing. I have some old signage from a light display at the hardware store I use to manage... .8 inch in 2'x4' sheets...who cares if it has printing on one side, that wipes off with a little lacquer thinner. Check the various signs for sale too, many are good quality styrene...FOR SALE, HOME FOR RENT, DO NOT FEED THE TROLLS....lol Usually they are under a couple of bucks. Gerald Voigt http://www.hawkeyeshobbies.com http://hawkeyes-squawkbox.com/ Its not the workbench that makes the model, it is the modeler at the workbench.
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07-05-2008, 9:06 PM

tlivancso

Joined on 02-23-2004
Connecticut
Posts 234

Re: Question about Styrene

	Hello All, Believe it or not another good place to get a lot of inexpensive plastic to use is from window blinds. You can pick them up for about $5.00 from any department store, or if your replacing ones in the house they work great. Small ones are 23 inches in length x 1 inch wide x .015 thick. I replaced three in the house and got 75 slats to use. And if you replace any of the metal ones they can be used for scratch build material as well as cutting into thin strips and using the straight side as a scribing guide. hth Cheers, Thom Like Alice "I try to believe in three impossible things before breakfast"
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