Styrene HELP

[model1:25th scale]

I need help to find the scale in Styrene? I am using the plastic trees left over to build a custom trailer. and I am looking for information to what scale or size in the styrene. thank you

[Ace-Garageguy]

This question, or something similar, comes up rather often.

An understanding of "scale", fractions, and their decimal equivalents can be helpful.

If you have a piece of "tree" that measures 1/8 of an inch, use your calculator to divide 1 by 8. That will give you the decimal equivalent of 1/8, which is 0.125.

Say you're working in 1/25 scale. Because 1/25 scale means that a real car would be 25 times larger than a model in 1/25 scale, to find out what size your part of "tree" would be in full-size, you simply multiply 0.125 by 25. That gives you 3.125 inches, or about 3 1/8 inches. Your piece of "tree" represents a full-size piece of tubing that is 3 and 1/8 inches in diameter.

If you understand "scale" and some simple math, you have everything you need to easily figure out any size, in any scale.

[model1:25th scale]

thank you for that. it is a big help

[LDO]

You can get styrene rod or tube from Evergreen in lots of different sizes. It will be consistently round and not have a mold parting line. I believe the standard length is 12 inches. That might make the project a lot more practical.

Edit:

Evergreen also publish a book on using their styrene products to scratch build and modify models. Definitely worth picking up...IMHO.

Edited August 15, 2014 by LDO

[model1:25th scale]

thank you

[southpier]

on most packages of Evergreen styrene the size is noted in decimal. if you're modeling in 1/25 scale, a scale inch is .040".

so, for example, if you want 1/2" scale rod, pick up a package of .020".

[model1:25th scale]

I have bought evergreen 020" thick, angle .100 and as soon as you pick them up they are flimsy they bent to easily, and afraid they wont be able to support cars. I notice a scale chart on back of one of the packages, and I am going to go with the scale chart. because the .03. .030 and .100 are nice made but to flimsy . I will post the picture and a picture of the chart. and you will see this for Reference purpose. and thank you for the help and getting back to me , no I am not calling you all out on. but this morning when I notice the chart, I will be going with that and thank you.

[southpier]

according to the chart, .040 is a 1/25 scale inch!

do I win anything?

[model1:25th scale]

no sorry and I am telling you that the .040 is so weak it wont support a 1/24 nascar on a custom ramp. it bends under weight. so the Admin can Delete this post. thank for all on the help

[GLMFAA1]

If you ever measured the thickness of scale model plastic it is 040 thick, Wonder what a real car would be like with 1 inch skin,

greg

[Ace-Garageguy]

A single one inch STEEL tube won't support a REAL CAR very well either, loaded in "bending"...it will bend under weight.

You MIGHT LOOK at some REAL structures, and see how the elements are arranged and HOW they all inter-relate to give a structure strength.

.040 plastic rod loaded in compression, tension or shear WILL support a model car, but NOT if it's loaded in BENDING..

A knowledge of structures and how they work might also be useful.

Modelers ROUTINELY build trailers, roll-cages, frames, etc....ALL from scale-appearing PLASTIC, with no problems.

Calling us out?? We've all given you CORRECT information. (PS. I'm an engineer.)

In the REAL world, structures are made up of combinations of "flimsy" pieces, put together in such a way as to "reinforce" each other and support loads that are MUCH greater than any individual piece could carry on its own. The truss is a simple example. Each element of a truss is a "flimsy" piece of material, and has limited strength.

Put together CORRECTLY, these little "flimsy" pieces will support a MASSIVE weight...

Edited August 16, 2014 by Ace-Garageguy

[model1:25th scale]

here is a few pictures that I have taken to make support ramps, but I have used the extra plastic trees from the Galaxie 38 foot fifth wheel trailer. and then I am trying to make a custom transport trailer, and then I took this ramp support apart, and the 3 4 AND 5 PICTURES WILL SHOW YOU. I JUST MIGHT ORDER THE EXTRA RAMPS AND EXTRA PLASTICE TREES FROM GALAXIE. THANK YOU ALL picture will show you what I am trying to do

[Ace-Garageguy]

Looks like you're moving in the right direction.

Bear in mind that, although many highway standards are specifying 17'6" clearance for new-construction underpasses, there are MANY in the country that are still 14'6". Many jurisdictions also limit overall vehicle height to 13'6".

This could be a problem with a car over the roof of the truck cab.

Edited August 17, 2014 by Ace-Garageguy

[model1:25th scale]

well if they can't read and over pass height sign, then they should not be driving 18 wheels, and I have seen car on top of the cab. and I alos hook up my daughter model trailer to the the tractor and it is the same height. plus I used to drive big rigs for a living I need to build the trailer. which no model company out their is going to re issue them ever again. and I don't like ebay, and but yes they have them on their too.

[southpier]

why was 13'6" selected for overpass height?

[model1:25th scale]

when I used to drive rigs their was sign post for 14' 5" in the back woods side streets are usually mark that low.

[Ace-Garageguy]

Real interesting rigs. I've never seen setups like that (or maybe I have and just didn't notice) so you sure taught me something.

Good luck with your project.

[1930fordpickup]

I like your idea about the car hauler . You might want to look into brass angle for your main supports. I have not use it but many guys have done some nice projects with it.

[Art Anderson]

why was 13'6" selected for overpass height?

13' 6" seems to be the height of overpasses either built before federal standards first came about with the start of the construction of the US Interstate Highway System (the Interstate Highway standard is 16'), certainly with highway overpasses first built back in the 1920's and 30's (lots of those still in use!), or due to either bridge settling or pavement overlaying (another helping of asphalt Mr Maindrag?).

All those lower clearances probably stem from the fact that when those overpasses and bridges were first bulit, trucks and busses were nowhere near as tall as they are today; and of course the full name of the Interstate Highway System is "The Interstate and Defense Highway System" meaning they were designed to handle just about any military equipment.

Art

[southpier]

right; tank on a flatbed truck. Eisenhower credited with the implementation of organization. back when we thought the Red scourge could be stopped on land. Sputnik put an end to that theory ... and the rest is history.

[model1:25th scale]

I agree with you on the buses today, but and average van trailers 14' 3" high, if you look on the side of them and don't get it confuse with these number 28' 48' 53' these are the length of the trailers.