streching styrine

[evilone]

Ok im working on a model of the bismarck and i was wondering how to strech the styrine to make it look thin enought for the support cables? What styrine do i use the hallow tubing or the solid bar? can i use sheet styrine or do i have to use the round stock?

[Mike Kucaba]

Use the sprue from the kit.

[Harry P.]

Or... don't mess with stretching sprue at all and just use thread for the rigging. MUCH easier.

[Brendan]

I'm with Harry. It's a lot easier in the long run if you're running long lines that have to go around corners and such.

[38 Crush]

Don't forget to run the thread thru Bee's wax first. It will hold in all the fuzz.

38 Crush

[Modelmartin]

To stretch styrene you hold it a few inches above a lit candle. You need the heat and not the flame. If you put it in the flame it will burn! Hold each end of the sprue with your fingers and when you feel it go soft wait a few seconds then slowly pull the ends apart until you have the length and thickness you like. Be patient.

A tip: if you want a certain shape to the stretched sprue just file or scrape into a square or whatever shape you want. Then stretch it and the shape will be retained.

There are advantages to sprue. When you have the ends glued in place and there is some slack you don't want you just place a hot screwdriver tip very close to the sprue and it will shrink up. Make sure it is securely glued first.

[WagonII]

Look for some clear thread at the local fabric store. It is great for rigging 1/700 or larger diameter 1/350 scale ships. For any thing larger they even have elastic thread.

Superglue one end, stretch the thread, then attach the other with a drop of glue.

Ken