Plasticard?

dougrail · Post by **dougrail** » Thu Mar 17, 2011 3:25 am

Hi chaps

I am just wondering whether if Plasticard, if wrought 'right' is a suitable material for SM32 rolling stock? I'm talking generic coaches here, nothing super-detailed or prototypical here. I ask because a set has come up for sale online and I have made first bid/intentions on it but am wondering what to do if Plasticard is not good enough?

Cheers

spooner · Post by **spooner** » Thu Mar 17, 2011 10:09 am

Plasticard is OK for rolling stock as long as it strong enuff to with stand handling.

peterbunce · Post by **peterbunce** » Thu Mar 17, 2011 10:36 am

Hi,

The thicker grades are OK, but do paint it inside and out to stop UV light getting at it, that makes it brittle.

I use it all the time. and re coaches the .060, and .040 are most used - Squires Tools do large (as post allows) sheets.

Better still is if you can get to an exhibition where they are is Eileens Emporium who have larger sheets.

MuzTrem · Post by **MuzTrem** » Thu Mar 17, 2011 10:38 am

I've almost completed an SM45 bogie coach in plasticard (just got to finish the roof - a clerestory, because I'm a sucker for punishment!). I've found it to be OK as a material as long as you reinforce the joints with wood. I think wood would be better really but I find it a difficult material to work with with the limited tools at my disposal; plasticard is much easier.

Here's a picture of the vehicle so far - you can clearly see the wooden strips reinforcing the joints at the back corners.

dougrail · Post by **dougrail** » Thu Mar 17, 2011 11:16 am

Thanks chaps - having made first bids on a whole set [4 x 4wheelers, 1 4-wheel Guards and 1 x bogie] in Ebay I'm hoping I can win. Then once I get them home I plan to repaint them - either at least into choc and cream or retain the plum livery and paint round the windows for an LNWR look.

I will remember to consider 'reinforcement' as stated here provided I can prise the roofs off.

The reason I've gone for the set on Ebay is that I understand plasticard is a lighter weight - which means my Mamod-in-rebuild and my Ruston might have a better chance of pulling a decent looking train!

Narrow Minded · Post by **Narrow Minded** » Thu Mar 17, 2011 11:43 am

Instead of wood, you could always use lengths of plastic angle strip (available from most model shops or online) for the reinforcement.

dougrail · Post by **dougrail** » Thu Mar 17, 2011 11:51 am

Could do.

Less yap, more winning first though. Have to wait til Sunday.

Please God let me win these

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Plasticard?

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