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Hello.

I've seen all these great coversions/scratch builds using Plasticard, but I either can't find the stuff or get warned away. Apparently it's very expensive?

Anyhow, I was wondering how hard it is to use and paint. Looking at the tank conversions, and even a Wraithlord scythe, makes me think that it can be indespensible.
I live in the UK, so whilst outside comments are obviously very welcome, i'd love to hear any suggestions of where I should pick this stuff up in England.

I want to get a general idea of what plasticard is about before I experiment. Hints and tips, pictures, painting advice would all be great.

Thanks all.

It's just sheets of styrene plastic in various thicknesses (and shapes - like tubes and rods) - the same stuff that's used in many model kits.

The thinner stuff can be shaped into curves without too much effort. Thicker stuff can also be shaped into curves but this does take more work.

Most "good" model stores should stock it, failing that, one that specialises in model railway WILL stock it.

This is where I get mine: http://www.mainlytrains.co.uk/

Bear in mind it may be under the name of sheet styrene.

If you have previous modeling experience, it's not difficult to work with at all, and glues well with poly cement. As for painting, just paint it like any other plastic mini, don't worry about it.

I'd suggest getting a few sheets in various thicknesses and just play around and see what you can do with it, you won't regret it. Having even minor skill with plasticard means your potential to create amazing and unique pieces expands infinitely. Good luck.

You can also use plastic "for sale" or "garage sale" signs that you can find at any hardware store.

I've been directed towards (but have yet to use!) the following places:

eStreetPlastics, TX

http://www.estreetplastics.com/Styrene_Sheets_s/23.htm

Industrial Plastic Supply, CA

http://www.indplastic.com/index.cfm?id=%3C!id!%3E&fuseaction=browse&pageid=63

Interstate Plastics, AL

http://www.interstateplastics.com/materials/detail.aspx?ID=StyrenesheetGP-SW1041

And of course, there's always eBay, with the right keyword searches.

While it doesn't have a webstore, don't forget evergreen. The website is cool just for ideas, and to get a list of what is available.

http://www.evergreenscalemodels.com/

Excellent help, thankyou all. I agree with plasticards potential; I've seen impressive vehicles created with it and would like to try the same.

I'll revisit this post if I produce any results; I'm a decent modeller, mainly because of my wild imagination! I guess that this is half the work already. In the meantime, further suggestions are always welcome.

Cheers

also try -

http://www.barrule.com/workshop/
click on 'scratch-builder paradise' tab

my local model raiiway stores also carry good ranges of plain & embossed sheets.

it's expensive-ish. but a little can go a long way. it is basically polystyrene (as in model planes not tv packaging) so sticks with standard poly-cement.

unless very thin, i use a medium weight crafty knife as opposed ti a scalpel. for the thicker stuff i even use one of my sculpting tools and score over & over again. a quick polish with wet & dry paper takes care of the burs.
i have a metal rule with a rubber insert to prevent it slipping and causing bloody fingertip syndrome.

i also use a permanent marker - mark up the area you are going to cut then mark with out the shape you want with a scribe - this way you can make sure of sizes before you cut and correct any mistakes without wasting too much card.

Go to your local sign shop and ask what sort of plastics they have. Sheet styrene in a couple of thicknesses should be found at a much lower price than in the hobby shop. You might even get to dig through some of their scraps and left over bits.

Speaking of searching through garbage. Materials for scratchbuilding is all around you and a lot of it is free. Maybe you have some local ice cream place that sells tons of ice cream during the summer? Im sure you can ask them for the used ice cream boxes. Its plastic and free.

Oh the joys of digging through garbage...