Master Tool HIPS Plastic Sheet (0.3, 0.5, 1.0mm)

[Mike]

HIPS Plastic Sheet (0.3, 0.5, 1.0mm)

Master Tools via Pocketbond

 

 

Master Tools is the hobby tool brand of Trumpeter, and they have a large and ever-growing range of tools for modellers that probably isn't as well-known as it should be.  They have some cool tools that I quite fancy.  You're probably wondering what HIPS is, or like me had guessed that it stands for High Impact PolyStyrene.  Now – we all know that polystyrene is an aromatic hydrocarbon polymer… no, we didn't, but some smart alec probably did.  It's one of the most widely used plastics due to its working properties and to the fact that it is pretty cheap to acquire, which is probably why most councils don't recycle it because they can't make any money out of it, despite the fact that it doesn't biodegrade well or quickly.

 

Straight styrene is a bit brittle however (Tactic polystyrene is even more so, but that's another story, and why it isn't used much in industry), so adding a substance such as polybutadiene (synthetic) rubber during polymerisation adds much needed strength and flexibility to withstand our clumsy ministrations.

 

Ok – that’s that over with, now let us talk about what these little packages are.  Firstly, they arrive in resealable bags backed with cardboard that folds round the front to form a header and footer to the package, keeping the two sheets of plastic safe from damage.  On the back of the card sheet are instructions on use in English and Chinese, giving a few hints and tips, as well as telling you about some of their other tools you could use in your modelling.  The sheets themselves have a matt side and a glossy side, with a sheet size 295 x 210mm, times two of course.  The sheets are cleanly cut and flat, and the more observant amongst you will have noticed that they are grey, rather than the more usual white, so will match up with a lot of the models out there if you're doing conversion or upgrade work.  Grey is also just a bit easier to cover up with primer, but otherwise it's a fairly cosmetic choice.

 

 

 

How does it handle?  I've only had time for a quick play with a few pieces that I sliced off the sheets, but it cuts well enough, the thicker 1mm sheet scores and breaks easily, and sanding it is just as you'd expect.  It's akin to sanding a piece of Trumpeter plastic, so no surprises there.  I also glued a few bits together with some Tamiya Extra thin cement, my weapon of choice for plastic welding.  I glued a piece of 0.3mm flat against the 1mm sheet on the shiny side, to see whether it would crinkle and melt like some thin sheets do.  It didn't.  +1 for Master Tools HIPS.  Then I butted a chunk of 1mm against the side of the 0.3mm and ran some glue along the joint.  It's currently still standing upright and likely to continue to do so until I squish it with my elbow, which is highly likely given the clutter on my bench at the moment.  That's another +1, so we're doing well.  Having since tried to pull the assembly apart probably 10 minutes after bonding it, there was a LOT of resistance before it came apart.  I reglued it, and a couple of hours later it was as tough as old boots, or as near to it as styrene gets.

 

 

Conclusion

I didn't really have any doubts that this sheet styrene from Master Tools/Trumpeter would be good enough for use, but the fact that it comes in its own protective package adds a bit more likelihood that it will arrive in good shape from your favourite online retailer, if you're like me and don't go out much.  A quick Google doesn't show up much on the net yet, but now Pocketbond have got stocks, you should start seeing it soon in shops online and in the flesh, so give it a try.

 

Highly recommended.

 

Review sample courtesy of

UK Distributors for