scratchbuilding 101

hey everyone .. if some of u rememeber i posted a thread about scratchbuilding a roll cage for my tamiya r33 skyline model .. well i have come back to the worktable to tackle this model again .. i havent had much cash flow lately and still havent gotten a good camera but i will work on photos ASAP

i am still a beginner in scale modeling but i love the hobby .. i need some know how from more seasoned modelers

this thread is asking anyone and everyone to talk about some scratchbuilding techniques and making parts from nothing but sheets of styrene .. i ppl can post different pics and techniques id appreciate it ... any tips on the roll cage would be great ... post some good websites to buy plastics, metals, and good tools from too since i have a vary small selection of hobby shops where i live .. thanks

mccormack

Welcome!

Take a look at scalewiki.com (particularly tutorials section) also search on here on AF for "scratch building seminar"(?) threads.

I've written several seminars here and on scale wiki.

i've tried to do a rollcage as well, and if you don't wanna go heating parts, try to look for sprues in clear gray (just avoid clear, they break easily and they're not bendable) or any other clear color and they can bend easily.

took mine from a clear gray/smoke parts runner from a 1/100 Master Grade EX-S Gundam kit.

For a roll cage, get some 1mm x 2mm styrene tubing, and some 1mm stem wire from a craft store. Slip the wire into the tubing, and when you bend it, it will hold it's shape without any heat.

thanks guys .. ill check some of those seminars out and see if i can sharpen some of my skills