Scratch-building: Basics

Scratch-building is one of the most fun and challenging aspects of modeling. Yet, it's also one of the most feared for those who just don't know where to start. I thought I would begin with some thoughts and tools that make the job easier. A review of specialty tools are on another page.

Now, to do scratch-build you need some "scratch" - aka styrene. There are 2 main sources for modeling-type styrene: Evergreen and Plastruct. Evergreen tends to have more stuff in various sizes, but Plastruct has more unique shapes like ladders, etc. However, you can also buy signage at a hardware store if you want big, thick, cheap styrene sheets.

• Sheets - .5 mm to 2mm thick is great
• Strips - .25 mm, .5mm and 1mm thick in varying widths
• Channels - these have MANY uses
• Rods - solid round pieces used for piping
• Angles/L-shapes - great for structural support
• For dealing with the super thin .13mm sheets to create thin panels, see this post on using a paper cutter.

Now, cutting and shaping styrene is pretty easy. You can slice most of the thin stuff with a Hobby Knife and smooth the edges with sanding sticks. Yet, the easiest way to cut styrene (especially sheets) is to score it and then snap it. It's also good therapy. All you do is use a Scoring Tool to do a few passes creating a shallow snap line, then snap the sheet in half. Of course, you will also need some straight edges, rulers, etc. so your snap line is even:

• Tamiya Plastic Scriber II
  • Get this for scoring - it is the best
  • Two passes are enough to score most styrene
• Steel Rulers
  • various stainless-steel rulers are great to have
  • I like a triangular ruler as well, like the Zona one
• Ustar T-Square
  • Very nice, and essential for square cuts
  • Most T-squares aren't shallow enough for styrene, but this one is
• General Tools Protractor and/or GemRed Digital Protractor
  • For specific angles
• Spring Calipers (inner & outer)
  • These allow you to transfer dimensions from one place to another, like from drawings to styrene or from one side to another
• Dymo Label Tape
  • This thick tape is a good backup for scoring styrene, especially uneven surfaces

1. Measure where you want the cut line.
   • Use double-sided tape to hold the styrene to the table if needed (highly recommended).
2. Drag the Tamiya Scriber along the edge of the ruler.
   • Don't press too hard, let the tool do the work
   • 2 passes are usually enough
3. Fold the piece along the score line
   • Fold it inward with the score line facing outward
   • Keep the pressure even along the whole styrene sheet
4. Snap the piece back against itself if it didn't already separate
   • Clean up excess with a hobby knife or gentle sanding

The only additional tip I would offer is this: align your ruler against the factory edge whenever possible. If you make a cut that is the least little bit off and use it to align your ruler - all of your cuts will be off.

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