Scratchbuilding ultimately offers us the opportunity to make a model unlike anyone else’s, or a model of that subject that you love but no one makes; …… It is the pursuit of perfection in what you make with your own hands, eyes and brain, and the challenge of constant problem solving and visualisation, and it is deeply rewarding!

Fernando Vallejo in Introduction, AK Learning Series 15: Modeling from Scratch (EN)

Have you ever admired the architectural models of high-rise buildings or even the section of a city at exhibitions? Or even how detailed some models are and you wish you can have them on yours too? The common material in such models is styrene (or polystrene as it is sometimes called). Styrene is a colorless, oily liquid and through polymerisation, it becomes solid. Commercially significant products include polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), styrene-butadiene (SBR) rubber, styrene-butadiene latex, SIS (styrene-isoprene-styrene), S-EB-S (styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene), styrene-divinylbenzene (S-DVB), styrene-acrylonitrile resin (SAN), and unsaturated polyesters used in resins and thermosetting compounds. These materials are used in rubber, plastic, insulation, fiberglass, pipes, automobile and boat parts, food containers, and carpet backing [Wikipedia]

AK Interactive Learning Series 15: Modeling from Scratch gives a good insight into scrarchbuilding and the use of styrene as modelling material, among others. The 88-page booklet explains the materials, basic and advanced tools for model-building as well as basic techniques.

Armed with the basic techniques. you can start making various models from styene or any materials of your choice. The booklet gave 2 simple examples of making a box and a ladder. There are 7 other pictorial examples and explanations of more complex models.

I commend AK Interactive for their Learning Series. The series are packed with useful information for any beginners as well as advanced modellers. These booklets like the one above are contained inputs from professional modellers; thus, you have all the good advice and tips for a great modelling start.

Get hold of a copy (English AK527 or Spanish AK528)