What size styrene would you use to fill in a gap?
It really depends on the width of the gap. I’d find either square our round rod slightly larger than the gap. Starting at one end, apply liquid glue. This will soften the rod to the point that you can work it into the gap. Keep applying glue as you work the rod into the gap. When the glue has completely dried (hard), you’ll be able to sand it to blend it into the adjacent areas.
Or, you can use a slightly smaller rod, then fill the smaller gap with squadron putty. After everything has set up, then sand to blend.
I love questions that are loaded with information. [:|] Makes answering questions and providing help and ideas sooooooo much easier.
Mike.
I’m assuming you are speaking of small openings. I use .02” & .03” Styrene rods dipped into Testors Liquid Cement, it is like soldering or brazing with Styrene.
Mel
My Model Railroad
http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/
Bakersfield, California
I’m beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
Given that this is a layout and layout building part of the Forum I assume you mean, what thickness of styrene to close a gap that has been cut in rails for insulation purposes, such as a block. No magic thickness but it is easier to work with if it isn’t tissue paper thin. About the thickness of a light cardstock, such as a manila folder or 3x5 card, so that it can be cemented into the gap and then carefully cut to match the rail head profile. .010" should do.
If that isn’t your question, then I guess that isn’t the answer. [D]
Dave Nelson
LOL
Two questions for crisco1. One, how wide and long is the gap? Two, what material forms the gap, styrene, wood, plaster?
Rich
What size gap?
Sorry crisco1, I couldn’t resist. Unfortunately my mind reading skills aren’t what they used to be. Perhaps you could elaborate a bit more.
Dave
A gap-sized piece would probably fit quite well. You should be able to find one at any gap-filler store
Wayne
Well, I would use a piece of styrene that fits that gap with a clearance of 0.000" to 0.003" and then shape it to match the contour of the surround model.
It sounds like you have a gap that needs to be filled… Lets get to work on that.
This is a difficult situation to resolve because there are just so many unpredictable variables that will effect the choice of the best filler size to use for each individual gap you will encounter. Since I cannot see your gap, I will do my best to move this towards a solution.
I hope you have a good supply of various sizes of styrene on hand. When it comes to filling gaps you will need a well stocked supply or you will be making an awful lot of trips to your friendly local hobby shop.
You first need to purchase a Mitutoyo brand (or comperable quality) dial caliper graduated in 0.001" increments. Mine is 6" working length, but if your gap is wider than 6.000" you will need a larger caliper.
Use the inside measurement teeth (Blue Circle) to measure the width of the gap.
If you cut the gap with a saw, there is an alternative way to use the caliper to determine the filler size to use. Use the outside measurement teeth (Red Circle) to measure the width of the saw blade. Be sure to measure across the kerf offset of the teeth or your styrene filler will not be thick enough.
If it is a very narrow gap, an alternative to figure out what size styrene to use would be to use a set of feeler gauges. This set of Snap-On “go/no-go” gauges are the most accurate. The red circle shows one blade marked 0.014"/0.016". If the 0.014" portion of the blade will pass through the gap, but the 0.016" will not, then you know you will need a 0.015" piece of styrene plastic
Geesss …[(-D]…Kevin, the Gap Master! [(-D]
Jes’ funnin’ [swg]
Mike.
I had no ideal feeler gauges were a MR tool.
Can we please get less specific?
Would love to help but are we talking gaps in track, in buildings, where?
I dunno, the original question was about as unspecific as a question could be…
…is it a missing tooth, a gap in one’s memory, a gap in their employment history, or simply a gap in the information of the original query?
Wayne
Hello All,
A slightly smaller piece than the gap to allow for adhesive. [;)]
Hope this helps.
Hello All,
Only the left-handed ones. The right-handed ones are on the wrong side.
Hope this helps.
I really hope that does not become my nick-name!
-Kevin
Not if you stand upside down!
Sorry, couldn’t resist! [swg][(-D][(-D][(-D]
Where is the OP? I hope we haven’t offended him (her).
Dave
Hello All,
Or are in Australia[;)]
Hope this helps.
Agree. It feels almost a bit like “click bait” because you gotta click on it to found out what its all about.
My theory is, whether consciously or unconscouly, people make vague titles try to get more people to click on their topic. [banghead]