Sheet Styrene questions

[Airacobra]

This question is for all the custom builders here. I am starting a project and was wondering if you could explain the differences in the thickness in sheet styrene. I am building a 1/18 WWII fighter and was hoping someone could tell me which size works best for building the structure versus sheeting the wings and fuselage. Any assistance is appreciated.

[normandy]

I use Evergreen Styrene. It is available from .010" to .250". There is a scale conversion chart on the back of the package, if your going to build to structure scale.
When I work on armor, all of the unseen/interior structure is thick or over scale just to make it sturdy. The outside armor is never to scale thickness, I use what I have.
Rather then tell you what thickness to use, I'd recommend a trip to a hobby or train shop. Take a look at the Styrene and see what you think will work.
Good Luck! I hope this helped.

Oh what are you working on?

[Airacobra]

Thanks for the info. I will make a trip to the local hobby store and check out the styrene there. I am just starting on a 1/18 KI-44. Not sure how it will turn out but I will post some pics once construction has begun.

[zhukov]

i would also add that when you compare the sheets, dont just look at sturdiness as there are other ways to reinforce them, like struts, several layers, etc...becasue you also have to think about how much harder it is (for me anyway) to cute precise and smooth ends on the thick styrene. i guess this also depends on how you cut, and what you use. for things like turret bases (turret rings) then i use a circle cutter, which is bloody hard to do well on thick styrene. i always have extra of the very thin styrene as it comes in handy alot for smaller parts, such as the ends of atgm tubes or missile tubes, sight covers, to make mudguards,etc.

its also easier ( for me) to make a skeleton of struts, etc then add very thin styrene sheet (which bends and curves very well) over that.