Profil „L“ 2,0 mm

A 2.0 mm styrene angle

A profile with a cross section in the shape of the letter L, both legs of which are the same length of two millimeters and meet at a right angle. It is extruded from white polystyrene, so it can be shortened with a knife, sanded with abrasive paper and formed with heat over a candle flame without crumbling.

In modeling practice the angle is the most versatile shape of all. On its own it represents corner braces, the frames of windows and doors, the rims of hatches, the mountings of steps or protective strips on edges. Joined into a pair back to back it gives a T or an I cross section, and four pieces assembled into a rectangle make a frame with an internal stepped groove into which glazing or a hatch is laid.

Where it is useful

The dimension of two millimeters suits load-bearing structures in 1:35 scale, lattice masts and cranes in dioramas, the frames of trailers, the perimeter strips of containers and the railings of ship superstructures in larger scales. Railroad modelers use it to build ramp supports and the lattice girders of bridges.

Recommended procedure

It is best cut with a single pass along the blade against a hard surface, not by sawing back and forth, so that the leg does not lift. Level the ends flat with a file. The joint is made with a solvent cement that melts the surfaces of both parts and lets them weld together, so that once dry it holds more than any glued joint. Glue longer straight runs in sections and keep checking the right angle, because a thin profile bows easily under finger pressure. Finally lay the finished frame on a sheet of glass and check that it does not rock anywhere.