How hard is styrene to work with?

Garden Railroading
1

I am new to scratchbuilding and I want to know How hard is styrene to work with?

thanks

2

TIZ EASY

Basic tools: Xacto knives, razor saw, jewelers files, metal straight edges and small triangles, cutting mat. have since also added Dremel tool.

3

Probably the easiest stuff there is to work with. I use tin snips to cut the thinner stuff, table saw for thicker. Glues easily, you can buy all sorts of shapes to help you out.

4

Very easy to work with!

I build onto a plywood “chassis” as they have to take the knocks from small enthusiastic users…

regards

ralph

5

Thanks for the help…

another question: What type of paint and glue do you use on styrene?

Thanks again[:)]

6

Ralph: OK, I’ll ask the question. What is it? That “car” looks like something sheriff john would use to transport prisoners. Or, is it a “money transport car”?

7

Tom,

You are missing the rest… That “Car” is the centre section for a Krokodil type locomotive(!)

I normally use Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) and Thick Super Glue (CA) for building my ABS sheets with. You can use epoxies on large areas -but be warned the heat from “curing” can warp thin panels.

regards

ralph

8

Yup, fairly easy to work with even with basic tools -

Like Ralph said - MEK based solvents work best (use in well ventilated areas). I like Ambroid ProWeld and Plastruct Bondene and PlasticWeld (one sets faster). CAs (super glues) work too especially for plastic to metal.

I usually use ordinary spray enamel paints. Washing the plastic first with soapy water is a good idea.

Acrylic paints (good spray or brush on) work well too.

-Brian

9

another question: can styrene be left in the rain?

10

So it’s a Kroc! Good work, but since I’m not into krock’s, I still like it as a “gold bullion” car.

11

Yes, but depending on the thickness and construction sun/high heat can warp it.

-Brian

12

Styrene is waterproof but ultraviolet can damege it–it should eb ainted

for glue it’s really easy to just use ordinary laquer thinner. It fuses the pieces together. You cqn put a little on a brush and it will wick into the joint

13

As others have said, styrene is extremely easy to work with. I only started using it extensively over the past year or so, and I now consider it my favorite material. . . . . . . Yes, it’s weatherproof. Sun will warp large thin sections unless they are adequately braced. UV will destroy styrene quickly but painting protects it considerably. I also top off with a coat or two of Krylon’s UV clear, either in matte or gloss as desired. . . . . . . . BTW, styrene can even be used to simulated heavily weathered wooden structures. Here’s a building I’m currently working on for my desert-themed layout: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

14

Styrene is easy to work with and can duplicate nearly any material. You can saw it and cut it with a modeling knife or shears, but I usually lay a straight edge along the cut line and scribe it a few times and snap in it two. I always paint styrene, usually with spray cans. Have fun, Rob

15

where is the best place to buy styrene

thanks

16

Try your Local Hobby Shop (LHS) first. You just might see something else you need while there. He/She needs your business. Secondly, try the vendors that advertise in the mag.