...Sprue You !

Once a kit build is done, the sprues get reduced down to just the spare parts that I want to keep for the spares bin. The empty sprues are then tossed as they take up too much room. The idea of using them as "re-bar" for a base is intriguing though, have to admit. I've heard of others putting the scraps into a jar along with some MEK and creating their own filler substance but haven't tried it myself.

Makes you wonder though how much recyclable styrene is lost with these kits...think they'll ever set up a recylce program ala empty printer ink cartridges at your LHS?  

That could actually work, if the LHS's had a direct link to the manufacterers.  Wonder if this could be set up?  If we modelers were serious about it and recycled every sprue possible, I bet so much styrene could be reused that the prices might come down!

In a perfect world, that is.  Darn, it'll never work. 

A couple of years ago I had an alcove in my house that I could not keep free of spiders and their webs.

I used some old sprue and a spare Sherman turret to make a "deterrent"--"Spank" (SPider + tANK)--and I hung him up in the alcove. I haven't seen a spider there since!

...I think I saw that in "Arachnophobia"....LOL...

...I'll bet in some kits as much pastic is used for the sprues as for the parts themselves...and since polystyrene is derived from oil, I am sure there would be a market for recycling...I work in the carpet-making industry and we recycle nylon and polyester all the time, which are also derived from oil...

Jester75 wrote:

Dude, that looks just like that dudes head in John Carpenters The Thing!!

the doog wrote:

A couple of years ago I had an alcove in my house that I could not keep free of spiders and their webs. I used some old sprue and a spare Sherman turret to make a "deterrent"--"Spank" (SPider + tANK)--and I hung him up in the alcove. I haven't seen a spider there since!

Brumbles wrote:

You are wise beyond your years, Young Ian.

  Hmmm.  It's midnight right now and I have to go take my drivers permit test tomorow morning.  So....I can study, or get some late night modelling in.  Easy choice, the latter.  Smart, maybe, responsible, no.

wbill76 wrote:

Once a kit build is done, the sprues get reduced down to just the spare parts that I want to keep for the spares bin. The empty sprues are then tossed as they take up too much room. The idea of using them as "re-bar" for a base is intriguing though, have to admit. I've heard of others putting the scraps into a jar along with some MEK and creating their own filler substance but haven't tried it myself. Makes you wonder though how much recyclable styrene is lost with these kits...think they'll ever set up a recylce program ala empty printer ink cartridges at your LHS?

..."re-bar", that's the word I was looking for !!!...lol

I knew coming to the dark side (Armor Forum) was a bad thing. I have worse possible fear of spiders ever. Im now looking to the eaves for a whacking great spider throughout the house. You bad boy Dooger. lol.

I cant sleep if theres a spider above my bed. I used to put the cat in the room to eat the swine. Honest. He loved em.

My use for old sprue now is bond loads of pieces together. Then i have a 15ft poking stick to remove any cobwebs i find. Oh and to poke the blighters into submission. Only if they werent armed that is.

...Guy

Never in my wildest dreams did I think that "Spank" would be so popular! I'm thinking of making a whole bunch of 'em and selling 'em at the next craft fair at the local high school!

BTW, I'm  a total wuss around spiders myself--had a bad experience as a kid--but I've learned to appreciate the daddy-longlegs--keeps the ants out! 

Spank sends his regards!