Styrene rules!

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I just started to build my hanging bridge with styrene. And I love it! I can’t imagine using anything else now or in the future. Styrene rules! [swg]

2

Looks super so far, Electro. Is this a kit, or are your scratch building this one?

3

I’m scratchbuilding it from Evergreen sheets, strips, angles and thing like that. Everything is cut to size with NWSL Chopper II. That tool is really good. I’m gluing it with Ethyl Acetate and a little brush (000). I got 1 litre from my local drugstore for around 14 USD. I have glue for a lifetime…

4

Yes, one liter will last you quite a while, although you have many other structures to build over time…?

Very nice work, EL. I will be very interested in the final product.

5

I bought a sheet 4’x4’ for a few bucks and a jug of glue, the glue I found too irritating and dangerous so I use a hobby styrene glue, it’s much easier on the lungs etc. I’m a huge fan of styrene, it cuts like a dream, strong glue lines, etches very well, takes paint, an all around great building material and is very economical.

6

I used styrene throughout my time in engineering school. I agree, it is agreat material!

7

Is there a common name for ethyl acetate?

8

Look for a local plastics company for your sheet styrene. If you can’t find one, try a big guy like www.usplastic.com in the US. They ship big sheets, rolled up. I bought two big sheets a year ago, and I’ve just started cutting up the second one. It’s really great stuff for modelling, and you’ll find a lot more uses for it if you have a lot lying around.

9

It is the ester of acetic acid.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethyl_acetate

From my experience with the material years ago, it does not seem like it would be as effective a solvent for styrene as commercial adhesives. Does smell nicer than most commercial solvents, though it still should be used with caution.

You might check the strength of the bond to be sure it meets your need. If not enough of the styrene on both sides of the joint has “melted”, it may be just the dried ester that is holding the parts together. That may not hold up over time.

Jon