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For fast, clean, accurate cutting of Styrene Shapes, Tubing, Strip and Rod, simply scribe with a hobby knife and snap. When cutting Sheet Styrene, make all scribes first and then bend downward one side at a time until it snaps clean.
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For professional quality painting of structures, it is recommended that, when possible, construction of the main components be completed and painted assembled. Paint sub-assemblies and other detail parts before attaching to the main structure. Use solvent cement sparingly during final assembly so paint will not run.
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ABS hand rails and stair rails may be curved to fit circular applications by softening them in warm water or heating with a hair dryer. Stairs may be modified to fit the circumference of a tank or other curved surface by cutting off the stair stringer from the side to be cemented. Tape the stair in place. Attach each stair step separately.
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To avoid gluing your model to your work surface, especially when working with a fast acting solvent cement like Bondene, we recommend you do all cementing on a sheet of polypropylene. Even better, purchase a few serving trays (cafeteria style) and cut the polypropylene sheet to snugly fit inside. This way, the sides will capture any spilled solvent cement before it spoils furniture, and you can use different trays for different in-progress projects.
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To create realistic welded (or riveted) tank seams, use a radiator hose clamp as your horizontal guide. Tighten the clamp around the tube, and using a hobby knife, lightly scribe lines every 8 scale feet around the tank. Scribe vertical lines using a straight edge.
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For smudge free bonding, apply a small amount of solvent cement with a blunt tipped syringe needle at one end of the parts to be joined and allow the cement to flow, through capillary action, the entire length and breadth of the joint. This will provide a "weld" as strong as the surrounding areas. Be sure to use PLASTRUCT Plastic Weld or Bondene Cements.
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All Acrylic Rods may be cut using a fine tooth saw blade. Cut ends should be polished using a flame or WET & DRY fine grit sand paper. Bending may be accomplished by carefully softening the Acrylic using a torch flame or electric stove burner.
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Wood structures are the most common found along older and rural railroads. Modeling with wood is easy, and more preferable to plastic among many seasoned railroaders. There is no better way to achieve wood grain than by using wood. However, wood does have its disadvantages. While wood accepts most "white" glues, it takes much longer than plastic for the glued joints to set (usually a minimum of 20 minutes) and dry. Most woods have a "fuzz" that should be lightly sanded unless a rough finish is desired. Wood accepts most paints, but should first be primered. Sanding is suggested after a primer or first coat is applied. Wood can easily be stained and weathered using Minwax. Because stains will quickly be absorbed in wood, care should be taken to not over-soak wood sheets so that they do not warp. Cutting wood can be accomplished with most common hobby tools, including a hobby saw or knife.
To represent building elevations (floors) or glass panels on glass skyscrapers, scribe the front side (reflective side) of Mirrored Sheet with a hobby knife using a straightedge. Trace the grooves with an ink pen or bullet-tipped marker of the appropriate color until the desired effect is achieved.
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For best results in landscaping, plant in groups and use different heights of trees to represent varying ages of the trees as well as for creating depth of field. As you move further from the viewing point or higher in the mountains, use shorter trees. Shorter trees may also be used for potted or tubbed trees. |
