STRIPS 0.50 X 3.00 X 350MM – STYRENE STRIP – (10 UNITS)

Styrene strip 0.50 x 3.00 x 350 mm from AK interactive

Ten pieces of plastic strip of rectangular cross section 0.50 x 3.00 mm; the length of one piece is 350 mm. The material is polystyrene, that is, the same plastic injection-molded kits are made of. It is not a model nor a set of parts for a particular kit, but material from which you cut and glue the parts yourself.

Three millimeters of width at half a millimeter of thickness is a versatile compromise. The strip is wide enough for making small plates and edging, and at the same time thin enough not to create a needlessly high step on a model. It is precisely this ratio that is used most often when something is added that is to look like a sheet-metal or plank band.

Where the size comes into its own

• the edging of hatches, superstructures and side panels
• flat bands, reveals and simple planking
• stiffeners inside a part, so that a large area does not bow
• adding features the kit does not hold or that have broken off

How to work with the material

Cut with a sharp knife against a metal rule, ideally in several light passes. Then level the edge with fine-grit abrasive paper, or a burr will stay on the cut and show once it is glued on. It is glued with thin cement for polystyrene applied into the joint with a fine brush - the plastic melts slightly and once cured the joint will take sanding. For joints with resin, photo-etched metal or metal wire use super glue. We recommend a primer coat before painting, so that the paint holds better on the smooth plastic.

Who it is for

• builders who add their own superstructures and modifications to a model
• makers of dioramas and sceneries
• modelers who repair older or incomplete kits

It is material for building, not a finished model. Glue, paints and tools are not included in the package.