Some common materials used in scale model scratch building include:
Plastic Sheet Materials
Plastic sheet materials are commonly used in scratch building due to their versatility and ease of use. Some popular options include:
- Styrene sheets: Thin, flexible, and easy to cut, styrene sheets are often used for constructing walls, roofs, and other structural components.
- Acrylic sheets: Clear acrylic sheets are great for creating windows, glass panels, and other transparent elements in scale models.
- ABS sheets: ABS plastic sheets are known for their strength and durability, making them ideal for building sturdy model parts.
Wood Materials
Wood materials are another popular choice for scratch building, offering a natural look and feel. Some common wood materials used in scale modeling include:
- Balsa wood: Lightweight and easy to work with, balsa wood is often used for creating intricate details and small components in scale models.
- Basswood: Basswood is a versatile wood material that can be easily carved, sanded, and painted, making it suitable for a wide range of modeling projects.
- Plywood: Plywood sheets are commonly used for constructing larger structures and baseboards in scale models due to their strength and stability.
Metal Materials
Metal materials are valued for their durability and realistic appearance in scale modeling. Some common metal materials used in scratch building include:
- Aluminum sheets: Thin aluminum sheets are often used for creating metal roofing, siding, and other metallic details in scale models.
- Copper wire: Copper wire is ideal for adding fine details, such as piping, railing, and antennas, to scale model structures.
- Brass rods: Brass rods are commonly used for creating sturdy support structures, such as beams, columns, and trusses, in scale models.
Cardboard and Paper Materials
Cardboard and paper materials are cost-effective options for scratch building, offering a lightweight and easily accessible alternative to other materials. Some common cardboard and paper materials used in scale modeling include:
- Cardstock: Sturdy cardstock is suitable for creating templates, patterns, and building facades in scale models.
- Corrugated cardboard: Corrugated cardboard is great for adding texture and dimension to model surfaces, such as roofs, walls, and flooring.
- Printable paper textures: Printable paper textures can be used to replicate realistic textures, such as brick, stone, wood, and metal, in scale model buildings and structures.
Adhesives and Fasteners
Adhesives and fasteners are essential for assembling and securing various materials in scale model scratch building. Some commonly used adhesives and fasteners include:
- Plastic cement: Plastic cement is specifically designed for bonding plastic materials together, creating strong and seamless joints in scale models.
- Cyanoacrylate (super glue): Super glue is a fast-drying adhesive that is ideal for bonding metal, wood, and other materials in scale modeling projects.
- Double-sided tape: Double-sided tape is convenient for attaching lightweight materials, such as paper and cardstock, to scale model surfaces without leaving a messy residue.
- Pins and clips: Pins and clips are useful for securing parts together while glue or adhesive sets, ensuring precise alignment and stability in model construction.