Curved model

ENT2151 · Post by **ENT2151** » Sun Dec 24, 2006 8:40 pm

Hello, I am working on a scratch build model and I have come across a problem. The construction of it is a triangular shape, about 2 feet long. It has 1 layer of 0.08 inch plastic, with channeling on the sides, the channels are filled with plastic, then on the other side there is a sheet of 0.06 inch plastic, all of which is styrene. In between there are square prisms supporting it.
The problem that I am having is that along the length, it is slightly curved/ bowed.
Iâ€™m looking for a way to straighten it out, does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.

Sparky · Post by **Sparky** » Sun Dec 24, 2006 9:30 pm

One way I can think of is to build internal bulk heads, they need to all be the exact length of they will become appart of the bow or waves. I think this is called Lofting, it is how [wooden] boats hulls are made and I believe the same term applies to ariplane wings (sean in wooden RC airplane wings).

You will need several strips of styrene the right hieght and lenth. Some holes can be made in these pieces ot pass wires (lighting it maybe) and or brass tubing to further strengthen the structure.

ENT2151 · Post by **ENT2151** » Sun Dec 24, 2006 9:55 pm

I do not think that would work, it is already assembled. So I can not access the interior. And to remove the thinner sheet of styrene would probably destroy it, and would not work, because it is attacked to the rest of the model in multiple locations, some of which are in the middle, it is about 1 foot wide. Someone suggested laying it on a flat surface and piling heavy books on it, would that work? Also it is not a huge problem; I would say that if the entire curve were to be drawn out, it would have a radius of about 16 feet, maybe more.

Chacal · Post by **Chacal** » Mon Dec 25, 2006 5:27 pm

ENT2151 wrote:...Someone suggested laying it on a flat surface and piling heavy books on it, would that work? Also it is not a huge problem; I would say that if the entire curve were to be drawn out, it would have a radius of about 16 feet, maybe more.

It curved after you finished it? If so, it is because of different shrinking/dilating ratios between the upper and lower surfaces. Either that or it was built slightly out-of-whack (maybe because the prisms were of slightly different sizes). In any case, you're screwed, I think. If if bent because of material differences, if you straighten it, it'll bend back eventually. If it was built out-of-whack, it'll remain this way no matter what.

ENT2151 · Post by **ENT2151** » Mon Dec 25, 2006 8:58 pm

ok, thanks for your help. it's not a big problem, just something that could be fixed, though as i said the curve is very slight.