How to Build with Styrene

A quick intro to the wonderful and exciting world of scratch building bodies with styrene plastic! In this video I cover the basics of construction for beginners to our awesome hobby. Our thanks to the fine members at the www.scalebuildersguild.com for sharing their incredible builds with us.
I'm happy to answer any and all questions! Please post below, and thanks for watching!

[@fuse557]

Dude. this video is 6 years old. You should definitely do an updated video incorporating 3d printing. Obviously people are still getting info from this informative video, been watching you for a couple of years now and was starting my own styrene scratch build and was so happy to see a SBG vid pop up on my search, I knew I could trust this guy lol.

[@scalebuildersguild]

I've done many videos on 3D printing, you should check them out!

[@MODELMIND72]

Scratch building is like therapy for the soul.

[@Jfitzroy1]

Thanks for taking the time to put a video like this together.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Happy to! Thanks for watching!

[@chamindavithanage6172]

super cool intro covering the big picture of it. Thanks!

[@scalebuildersguild]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching!

[@jessicasmith627]

agreed, im attracted to the hobby because posabilitys of building the trucks own way. "upgrades". thats what makes it cool. still have so much to learn though as far as electronics. thats why your here

[@scalebuildersguild]

Hahah, happy to help!

[@rcguy2532]

Great tips! Never worked with styrene but this gives me more confidence to give it a shot thank you

[@pacbeltrr38]

This is something that many more people really *should* do!! That was a good overview.... I gotta agree with you on Styrene melting or forming with heat. 😫😬😬😣 I've done it. I believe that the best way of doing it is - you need to carve, in any multitude of ways, a wood block, to the exact inner shape of the part. Then, heat up the Styrene, and drape it over the forms you made. Works great for wheelwells!! Carmine 🚂

[@scalebuildersguild]

Sure does! That's how I do a lot of the more complex shapes that require smooth, round edges. I'm sure people will benefit from this tip! Thanks for sharing.

[@OldManGoatHair.6985]

Just got back into RC after being away for several years. Liking the trucks, crawling, and the scale look. Found your channel watched some videos, now I'm subscribed!

[@scalebuildersguild]

Welcome back!

[@GIJha]

Starting scratch building. Keeping an eye out on this channel. And the SBG is really outstanding! Some unbelievable builds there.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thank you and I hope the videos are helpful. Good luck with your builds!

[@barrybartlett8554]

Very comprehensive and well presented. A credit to you.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thank you very much!

[@jeremiahyahnke2773]

Thank you for the tips and tricks on how to do and work with styrene, really helpful

[@scalebuildersguild]

Always happy to help, thanks for watching!

[@sammym.belfastchild]

Great Video , Love scratch building , truly bring anyone's hobby experience to who different level of personalization... and satisfaction of know its all yours . Cheers , thanks for sharing.. 🖖

[@tmdario]

cool tips, as a newbie on this hobby this video goes directly to my favorites. saludos desde mexico . keep strong !

[@scalebuildersguild]

Amazing, thanks for the feedback!

[@smallfact0ry921]

Great video Matt. I learned things.

[@davidz.2984]

Thanks for taking the time to share these helpful tips & tricks. You gave me some great ideas for building :) Thanks again.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Awesome, I hope that you go for it!

[@dirtyfingersninja]

perfect, and exactly what i needed, gotta do some stuff to the barrage cage on the scx24

[@Bruce_Warren]

Wonderful info and vid SBG!

[@scalebuildersguild]

Cheers, happy to help!

[@Clipsvr2329]

Thanks for taking time out of your day to pass these tips and techniques on i had heard of this type of building when my grandfather was building rc air planes. And fogot about it. And am now going to give a shot at building a "box" maybe a 4x4 camper Of sorts. Again thank you

[@scalebuildersguild]

My pleasure!

[@Kammmm]

great video! i work with smaller models but the techniques you described translate well! 👍 thank you

[@fredhenschel2517]

So glad I found this vid ... Thanks for the information

[@sergioenriquez4419]

Love it , i am trying to work with it for my first build . thanks for the kick ass tip.

[@scalebuildersguild]

That's great! More people need to try it.

[@jonlaird5082]

Very informative and helpful. I never worked with styrene before and you covered alot of basics,so thank you. I just got back into the rc hobby about a year ago after a long break and alot has changed since the mid 90's 😂. I just picked up a brand new RC4WD Desert Runner/Hero on ebay as I love to true scale of it even though my friend said I should've bought a trail finder for the same price I paid for it but I like the ultra scale look of the hero,even if its not a performer,lol. The only thing I hate on it is the front and back seats not being finished. So being it doesn't look to complex I'm going to order some styrene and use your techniques and try to finished what they started,thanx. I need sumthing to do during qurateen besides drivin my wife nuts,lol.

[@toyotaguy1984]

Thanks for the video. Still fairly new to rc. Haven't tried a scale build yet but it's definitely on my to do list. Would love to see more videos on building with styrene.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thanks for watching! I've got plans to shoot a second video showing more advanced techniques in the near future!

[@toyotaguy1984]

Awesome! I'll be looking forward to it.

[@ckthai2002]

Very good info ! Thanks !

[@scalebuildersguild]

No problem! Happy to help.

[@matk4731]

Excellent stuff mate What no skipping 😂 Thanks for sharing 👍🏻👍

[@scalebuildersguild]

No skipping today, I think I just managed to film around it. Ha!

[@layoutdeluxe]

I could watch your videos all day. You need a TV channel! ;-)

[@scalebuildersguild]

Felix Bittmann That's a very kind thing to say! Cheers!

[@jahmenrcbuildingasone4254]

My 1st attempt at some simple mods with styrene is going to happen this week already have purchased what I will be using. So thank you for doing this video✌

[@scalebuildersguild]

My pleasure, thanks for watching!

[@vintagebluesmann]

Great vid thanks for sharing!!

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thanks for watching!

[@949Designs]

Good stuff Matt 🤙🏼

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thanks!

[@chrisfigiel9547]

So glad I stumbled across this video.

[@bobbynip66]

I’m not building trucks but your videos are helpful and impressive! I love scratch building ‘props’ for my man cave. Currently working on a 1:48 scale Saturn V rocket. The 3rd stage (top) is a kit but I’m building stage 1 and 2 from scratch. Going to be right at 8 feet tall when completed. Thanks for the styrene tutorial!

[@scalebuildersguild]

Glad I could help! Good luck with your builds!

[@chasehf36]

About to attempt a 1934 Chevrolet DB Rat Rod body for a comp rig in place of the very popular Pro Line Power Wagon

[@OneWheelTwoSkis]

Thank you. Thank you so much.

[@twissted1277]

I build one off stuff and it not been posted Scale builder's Guild. Great work there. 3D printing is taking over. There is a art in that also.

[@scalebuildersguild]

There will always be a place for scratch building! Thanks for watching.

[@bonards29]

Great video! 👍

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thanks very much Neil!

[@skinanbonesOG]

Great intro into our world of scratch building.

[@scalebuildersguild]

That's very kind, thank you!

[@bucksrcworld8119]

great video, i have to try building with styrene one day.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Do it! Nothing more rewarding than building it yourself.

[@dogcrick]

Good stuff.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thanks very much.

[@chuchuchip]

Very good video. These same techniques are used in model railroading. Plastistruct & Evergreen are readily available in the railroad & model sections of a hobby store. You will also find brass & aluminum rods and sheets for experienced builders to make bumpers, skid plates, axles, roll bars, etc... MicroMark sells a 90 degree "skinny" square perfectly suited to mark thin styrene. I own several, I have in different boxes. I also use balsa & basswood for my railroad cars. Planking for pick up truck beds. I like Testors Model Master styrene liquid glue in the black bottle, it's a little thicker than Same Stuff, sets a little slower that will allow for adjustments, very large pieces or laminating sheets together.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Awesome, thanks for your feedback!

[@pacbeltrr38]

John Sulsenti - That's exactly where I started! Being a long time Model Railroader, especially in the 70's, there was quite a few scratchbuilding skills that I nearly HAD to do, because I didn't model ATSF or Pennsy in the 1950's!! At that time, the Transition Period was the one most catered to.... Now I do it mainly due to lack of funds, which makes scratching and kitbashing very valuable skills! Carmine 🚂

[@verigone2677]

The skeleton technique is a great way to do your first tin body as well. I find an oven on your lowest temp setting is good for pre heating the styrene and for final curing of your bent styrene.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Nice, I’ll try that!

[@matthewchin6454]

For curves in thicker styrene, you can use a very fine toothed coping saw or coarse-toothed jeweler's saw and a V block screwed to your bench. If you're doing a ton of curve cutting you could think about a cheap scroll saw from Harbor freight if you don't have a bandsaw.

[@wouterb9996]

very helpful. thanks for this video.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thanks for watching!

[@FarmerFpv]

The gluing of Styrene is the same way I glue Plexiglass aquariums together. I'm going to have to try building a body with styrene. Thanks for all the useful tips and info, sir.

[@scalebuildersguild]

You can do it! Thanks for watching!

[@leniere309]

Hi, Just an idea that I use sometimes when sanding, depending on what I'm doing, I collect the sanded dust so I can use it as filler, I mainly do this when working with wood. I like to keep the saw and sanding dust of the type of timber I'm working with so that the filler matches the worked piece better, you could also use the dust from the styrene for the same purpose. Great video, Cheers. From Neville in South Australia.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thanks for the idea! I already collect styrene scraps to make filler!'

[@vipxj1]

Vey informative video. Thanks for posting.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thanks for watching!

[@cherroxrcnorway4708]

I'm having a hard time finding a right angle. I only find left angles

[@RCCrawlerWorkbench]

Good tips. Thumbs-up

[@scalebuildersguild]

Good thanks! Thumbs way up!

[@IVIenac3]

Thanks, some good information there.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thanks very much, glad the SBG could help!

[@josepenate7367]

wow,thanks for the info.

[@scalebuildersguild]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@meirdeaph]

Awesome ❤

[@mcvaluemenu]

All i have is left angles....

[@rc412scaler]

I want to make my own inner fenders and a fan shroud to hide the servo in my Blazer's engine bay. The time to learn styrene has come.

[@lunchboxproductions1183]

Respirator is the word you were looking for concerning handling MEK. I'd also add that gloves should be mandatory when handling MEK.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Yes, definitely. And don't drink it.

[@fookitrc74]

Also Foamex is cool to build with, easy to work with and is quite tuff when on a truck

[@scalebuildersguild]

I’ll have to look that up!

[@JacobHayden]

thanks for the advice pretty cool

[@scalebuildersguild]

You're welcome!

[@barharborbasher249]

Well worth the time!! Time to order up some materials 👍🏻 hopefully I can get the hang of it before Axialfest 🍺

[@scalebuildersguild]

Nice! Try to buy in bulk to save money.

[@barharborbasher249]

Scale Builder's Guild will do I know I’ll eventually use it regardless 🍻 thanks again

[@DirelectRC1]

great info

[@scalebuildersguild]

DirelectRC Glad the SBG could help!

[@johnc.4871]

I would say the skeleton method uses a buck, the pattern, and laying polystyrene over it in narrow enough strips that it lays on the buck. Much like making fenders for an automobile that you can't buy parts for. Cool. Ketone is the class of chemical bond. Organic chemistry stuff and that's about all I remember about that stuff.

[@flushot6513]

Pretty cool did a bomber kit had fun i like building more than driving think doin this would be cool of course never would turn out way i have it in my head those diorama are cool as well.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Sometimes all it takes is a bit of practice. You might be surprised when you see what you're capable of!

[@Baldamaniac]

I know mek very well i was a flat roofer for yours and one of the membranes we used mek was the cleaner we had to use before heat welding it together the smell of the stuff we used is definitely very very strong but thanks to this video im going to try and build a replica of my old 84 c s15 to put on my redcat gen8 i miss the truck so much at least ill have it again in a way lol

[@scalebuildersguild]

Yikes, hope you wore a mask!

[@Baldamaniac]

@@scalebuildersguild no we didnt because we were outside thankfully

[@PhiddyPford]

Many different set speeds with solvent cement. Tenax , Bondine, Tamiya fine(fast and regular) As filler goes, two part glazing compound, drys without shrinking, sand within the hour.Never use the one part.

[@xavierbaldwin-jones8554]

hey i was just wondering if you could provide a link to where you can get cheep "mek" because I'm only thirteen and trying to get into the hobby and start building stuff. thanks

[@Just_AnotherPlayer]

I’m planning on building a Grumman LLV (mail truck) out of styrene, it’s my first time working with it. Any tips? It’s probably going to go on a redcat marksman chassis

[@bcrrc6527]

Nice video

[@BJ40films]

Nice video Guy! Laughted about that right angle part, it's used to make right angles (duh). Sandwiching isn't a word?! We even use it here in Holland.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Maybe sandwiching is a word! Ha!

[@blkft]

On thick pieces of plastic I use the Fletcher Scoremate and a steel straight edge.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Very good option!

[@davidspinney7344]

Does this make angle cuts?

[@0005324594]

Thank you so much, you make me understand how to start this hobby. I have a question please, is there a place to buy stuff like the base of the car the Shassi, wheels, rear and front lamps etc. ?

[@scalebuildersguild]

Yes of course, a good place to start is RC4wD

[@petersmith6423]

Really good video, thanks so much, new sub...........

[@scalebuildersguild]

Cheers!

[@boltthr0w3r29]

IMO you have a great sense of “spacial geometry” like a draftsman or an engineer which is a good quality when making these builds👍🏼

[@scalebuildersguild]

That's very kind, but I think I'm more, trial and error, than spatial geometry. Haha!

[@boltthr0w3r29]

Scale Builder's Guild haha! Right on man you do excellent work regardless

[@jamesn.449]

very helpful for me, someone who hasn't worked with styrene before. I really think building a new bed will be easier for my project instead of trying to modify 85% of the bed on my Blackfoot.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Definitely give it a shot! Sometimes starting from scratch is easier than modifying.

[@4lowrc837]

WOW, Thanks so much for sharing. I saw your styrene work on your Honcho week 2 and after that I really want to try it myself on my model and this tutorial was such a good introduction for me. Question: I live in Nelson BC, small city and is super hard to find those materials. Do you recommend a online supplier?

[@scalebuildersguild]

Gosh, try Amazon for large sheets. I've always just bought locally. Good luck!

[@tajhayes7841]

MEK is a product tht kicks off resin, it's a hardener. U may B able 2 get some at a boat repair type shop, or boat builder's business

[@jeepmanxj]

I know this is old, but could you do a series on working with hard bodies. From out of the box to assembly and paint. I see so much on-line about how to do it right, but I'm not getting good results.

[@rc-ingaroundamerica8792]

Not going to lie, I'd love to do a build this way, but I'm not sure I have the patience for it, thanks for the ideas, tips, and tricks

[@scalebuildersguild]

Happy to help, but you've definitely got to try it!

[@forrestcrabbe]

🤘🏻

[@alexanderking9462]

Styrene is the best, you can literally build anything with it.

[@scalebuildersguild]

So true! It's extremely versatile!

[@craig8159]

I want to build some roll bars for back of my Proline dodge truck 1/10 scale . Any recommendations on material?. Was thinking of using plastic from parts trees and gluing together in shape I want.

[@scalebuildersguild]

You can definitely use parts trees! A little heat to bend, then drill some holes and use screws to keep everything together!

[@ramp-hasrcs3199]

I'm attempting to start my first ever interior build on one of my rc's. A gen 8. This video help with a lot of my questions. What would you recommend for the thickness of styrene.. Thanks Ramp-Ha's Rc's

[@scalebuildersguild]

.060 is a great place to start for a strong interior.

[@pellesomethingsomething]

Good stuff, inspiring. Also, I appreciate your honesty on how toxic this stuff can be.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Totally. Be careful!

[@jesvinjoy2122]

Thanks for the video. I've always wanted to build my own NASCAR diecast car, since I could never afford to pay $100+ on a 1/25 car. I just have a few questions. Firstly, how hard would it be to make curved surfaces, like for example, a NASCAR diecast car(post 2013)? Is it even possible for a first-timer? Secondly, where do you buy styrene from, especially in bulk? And thirdly, where do u get the chassis parts from, such as wheels, frames, etc.?

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thanks for the questions! Curves can be achieved by building up in layers and then sanding away the contours. That's usually what I do. Anything's possible for a first-timer, you have to be willing to make mistakes and experiment, it's the only way to learn. Chassis/tires/wheels/etc. can be made from styrene or perhaps you could look at static models in the scale that you want to work in. Good luck!

[@MrJmak223]

How strong are the styrene bodies? Do they hold up to roll overs like a polycarbonate shell will, or should I look at reinforcing it with some thick gauge wire inside the pillars and sides sandwiched between the layers 🤔 opinion on this would be appreciated!!

[@scalebuildersguild]

Depending on your construction techniques, they can be very strong. They tend to crack rather than explode.

[@mikehogan27]

Can I attach Styrene to Lexan, and how would I do that. Want to build out the fenders to my JK CRC. Thanks awesome video's.

[@thescalefactorypl9932]

I think CA glue will work

[@maxlundquist]

That defender body in the back, looks like a Chelsey truck co/defender Kahn truck... any content on that which I can check out?

[@scalebuildersguild]

Sadly no, other than the body unboxing. The wheelbase was so long I never got into finishing it.

[@juddydonk6570]

Sorry. Love what you do. Very interesting and inspiring. I want one. Perhaps you have a suggestion for a first scale r/c? Saw this bog foot thing on eBay for about 250 USD. Yay or nay?

[@scalebuildersguild]

Without a link, I can't help you.

[@danipujols9577]

Basically building a buck metal Shapers use

[@RickBuilds]

This is kinda off topic but kind of related, I’m having a samurai body and interior 3d printed with abs, I’m quasi concerned about the durability of it, do you think doing a layer of carbon fiber on the body panels would be a good idea to add some strength to it?

[@scalebuildersguild]

If it's printed in ABS, it's just as strong as any hard body. If you want to reinforce with drywall tape and Shoe Goo on the inside, that might be a quicker, cheaper, lighter way of doing it.

[@pebblesthecat3625]

Whats the best way of storing all the different rods, bars, lengths ?, and whats best way for storing the sheet styrene ? I keep misplacing stuff when I need it, then finding i have 3 or 4 sheets of the same size later on when I'm not looking for it ! How do I keep it sorted and not just in a big box ?

[@scalebuildersguild]

I have a few clear bins that I store everything in. I’ve gotten to know the thickness by eye after a few years.

[@bmc_rc6212]

Great video! Do you think I could build a camper for the back of a pickup?

[@scalebuildersguild]

You'll never know until you try!

[@bmc_rc6212]

Scale Builder's Guild ok cool i will try then

[@ricgruber9185]

Want to build interior for the orange toy. Seats ,trans cover etc... now to find styrene in calif and the glue.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Should be easy to find, especially in bulk!

[@juddydonk6570]

Link? Bought a scx10 II yesterday. LOVE IT.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Then you made a great choice! Congrats!

[@juddydonk6570]

@@scalebuildersguild Yes. The Big Foot I was considering is made by Traxxas. 1/16ish scale, 2wd. So glad I sprung for the Axial though. Bought it from my local hobby shop that I have never stepped foot in, before yesterday, in my 28 yrs on earth. My goal is to build something like Pardonmynoob's Cherokee. So good. Thank you for your time.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Glad you got some inspiration, n00b's Cherokee is beyond good.

[@juddydonk6570]

@@scalebuildersguild I am in south eastern Massachusetts so, same as Ohio, every Cherokee still bombing around looks like that. Lol.

[@donniewagner3947]

What thickness is best to build with I'm new to rc hobby it's getting fun I like to build full size pickups to

[@scalebuildersguild]

Hey Donnie, I like working with .060.

[@justiceforsethrichwwg1wga160]

How much heavier is this material compared to something like balsa wood or basswood?

[@scalebuildersguild]

Styrene? Heavier. And infinitely more workable and versatile.

[@bboss8048]

Can you tell me what/where is a good starting point to obtain reference photos (front,rear,side view) Thanks.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Google is your friend!

[@samrebert6410]

hi buddy i have a odd ? the putty that ur useing i was lookin for ut on amazin and cant find ut could u tell me if it the 801 901 or witch it is tuvm

[@scalebuildersguild]

Here's an Amazon link for you: www.amazon.ca/Tamiya-Epoxy-Sculpting-Putty/dp/B000BMTGX4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1516898477&sr=8-1&keywords=tamiya+epoxy+putty

[@sween187]

CA glue and baking soda for filler

[@thesickhorseranch1930]

This is a fantastic video with so many questions answered! I have one question though, in terms of durability, how will a styrene build hold up to "bashing" compared to lexan? I am a crawler so our crashes (I know you know this, just speaking for clarity) are not the wild cart-wheeling of E Revos and such, but sometimes I get a bad bounce and I am surprised to find nothing broken. If I build a Defender will it blow apart when I roll it? Would it help if I made it thicker rather than thinner? I know lexan survives so well due to it's thin flexibility, but the styrene builds I have seen look like they're much more rigid. I'm not afraid of adding war wounds when I trail it, I would just rather avoid full reconstruction every time it falls a foot or two. Sorry for all the questions, I just haven't seen anyone driving a styrene build, let alone crashing one.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Glad you found it helpful! Yes, styrene will inherently be more brittle than a lexan, flexible body, but, with the right building techniques, they can be extremely strong. Thicker is better, but then you end up with a very heavy truck.

[@thesickhorseranch1930]

@@scalebuildersguild Thank you so much! It's as if lightnin' has just struck my brain! Ha Ha

[@emilflognoid1532]

7:27 are you going to make a video on that door that opens in your shop? How did you get it to do that? Does it open all the way?

[@scalebuildersguild]

I don't think so. It'a a trap door that was cut into the concrete so we could get large objects in and out of the basement. The staircase is narrow, so this was the best solution.

[@slowcrawler2695]

Do styrene and lexan mix at all? Wanting to add a hood scoop on a lexan body

[@airwolfie100]

No they don’t. You can use superglue or epoxy to glue them together, but it won’t last. Static models maybe, but if there’s any movement, it will come apart

[@lylekehrer6159]

Do you make bodies for people, or just personal builds? I don't really have time to figure out how to do this. I looked and looked, I can't find what I want to get. Could you or recommend someone that could do a project for me? It's a Bronco ll - with that I can buy the bigger Warn winch and have a scale of the one I had, which I bought from my Grandfather's estate.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Sorry, don't build bodies for others. Check out the forum though, tons of Vendors there that could help you.

[@jenswarbrick8513]

i have been wanting to build an fj60, and i saw yours, was the model hard to build?

[@scalebuildersguild]

Well, not so much hard, as time consuming. A better part of a year was spent on the body and interior detailing. I estimate about 350 hours went into it. And I'd do it again! Cheers, and thanks foe watching!