Styrene modeling: How to build, paint, and finish realistic styrene models

by Bob Hayden

Styrene Modeling

88 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2000

Reviews

[Frank Van Geirt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book at the model building shop as I wanted to start experimenting with styrene for model buildings on my HO railroad. It is a very good resource. Well written. A lot of examples. It gives a good overview from the basics of styrene handling to the very complicated uses of the material. For me the book was especially interesting because I got a very good view on the needed tools.
The book will be a reference during my next building projects.

[Phil Giunta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent reference book for new and intermediate modelers covering a variety of topics from conversions and kitbashing to detailing and painting using sheet and strip styrene. The second chapter alone is a gem, explaining many of the supplies and tools needed for model building including Exacto knives, plastic cement, CA glues, sanding sticks, sprue cutters, etc. Chapter Four touches on techniques for scratch building basic structures (box cars, churches, restaurants, houses) using sheet and strip styrene.

I was glad to see a segment in Chapter Five on using thicker strip styrene as reinforcement for joints, seams, and larger hollow areas inside of kits as well as adding some detail on the exterior. In fact, just before writing this review, I used a thin strip of Evergreen styrene to repair a damaged wing of an AMT/ERTL Jedi Starfighter kit from Star Wars Episode III. Often when kitbashing, I use sheet and strip styrene of various sizes to reinforce parts that do not normally fit together.

In chapter eight, painting techniques--my favorite part of model building--are discussed with most of the attention on airbrushing, but also on brush painting, weathering, and clear finishes (dullcote, glosscote, etc.) as well as acrylic versus enamel paints.

[Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

Way better book on modeling in plastic than I thought it would be. Many techniques are covered. It is a book put out by Evergreen, but is replete with helpful and specific solutions to problems we all come across.