Profil „H“ 4,0 mm

An H-section beam

A profile four millimeters high stands in on a model for a rolled steel beam with a web and two flanges. Builders of bridge structures, factory roof trusses, gantry cranes, ramps, scaffolding and ship superstructures all reach for it. Converting the size gives a good sense of scale: in 1:35 the section matches a real beam about fourteen centimeters deep, while in 1:72 it is already a solid structural member of more than a quarter of a meter.

Working the material

The material is white polystyrene, the same plastic as in ordinary kits, so the profiles and the kit parts bond without trouble. Cut it with a sharp modeling saw or knife and true the cut faces with a file. Joints are made with liquid cement for styrene, which softens the plastic where the parts touch and, once the solvent has evaporated, leaves a strong weld with no visible seam. Bolt heads, gusset plates and riveting are added from thin slices and from drawn rod.

Painting and the size range

Degrease the profile before spraying and lay down a thin primer, otherwise the paint chips easily off the edges of the smooth plastic. Apply solvent-based primers sparingly, since a heavy coat could distort a slender profile. This size is part of a range that starts at one and a half millimeters and ends at six point three, so on a single structure you can step the main beams, the cross members and the bracing and keep a faithful ratio between their thicknesses.