Large Scale Central

Dumb plastic questions

Modeling
#1

I’ve used “hobby plastic”, styrene, quite a bit. I’m looking to buy larger sheets of plastic as its probably more economical that the stuff at the LHS.

dumb question #1- Is ABS like styrene as far as cutting (score and snap) and gluing (Plastic Weld, Tenex, etc)? It seems that the local plastics companies have ABS more often that styrene.
dumb question #2- Is the hobby stuff we get HIPS (high impact poly styrene)? That seems to be what is carried.

Thanks guys,
Dave

#2

DQ-1 yes on score and snap, but ask company about solvent. Although you can get cement with plumbing supplies for ABS pipe

DQ-2 don’t know

Dave M

#3

Dave,

Yes, ABS is ‘scratch and snap’. If my memory is correct, you can use MEK (available at the Orange box store) either in a needle type applicator or with a small brush.

Bob C.

#4

Yes you can and I have used MEK on ABS …But I still favor my (automotive) 3M plastic and emblem adhesive for outdoor use.

#5

Dave,

Does that stuff have fillers?

Bob C.

#6

Thanks for the replies guys.
Bob, I have no idea, I’ll do some more research.
Dave

#7
Bob Cope said:
Dave,

Does that stuff have fillers?

Bob C.


nossir- MEK [Methylethylketone] is a highly volatile liquid - it sublimates as you watch in open air, but will be drawn by capillary action into the smallest crevices - hence the use in plastic modelling where, with care, it will go completely unseen.

I have in front of me a Kibri mobile crane that i built in the late 1970’s and which has followed me all over the world on many H0 layouts - it is still perfect.

tac
www.ovgrs.org

#8

I used MEK as a kid… maybe that explains it… :slight_smile:

#9
Steve Featherkile said:
I used MEK as a kid... maybe that explains it... :)
I still do
#10
David Russell said:
Steve Featherkile said:
I used MEK as a kid... maybe that explains it... :)
I still do
That explains it............;)
#11

Even used Carbon Tetrachloride as a kid. Smells nice.

(http://www.outsidetrains.com/smile/nerd.gif)