Project: River-Taxi Project_Part 7_Model Making

The materials being used for the model construction are polystyrene and cardboard. The selection of these materials is based on the availability of the material, the reliability, affordable in terms of cost and the ease of handling. Polystyrene and cardboard are among the most commonly used materials for a model development and can be bought from any stationery shop. Although these materials have less strength compared to metal, wood or fiberglass, they are dependable and have some advantages for certain criteria. For example, the polystyrene does not absorb water (some wood does) and it also can easily float due to the lightweight (low density). These criteria are the beneficial advantage in the construction of the boat hull or the lower deck for the river taxi model.


Another reason for selecting polystyrene and cardboard as the material for model is the handling equipment. Handling equipment is a very important aspect to be considered in the construction process of the model. It is use to reshape, cutting or joining the material (polystyrene and cardboard) into the desired form. Among the handling equipment being used in the construction of the model is a penknife (cutter), scissors, hot glue, adhesive tape and double-sided adhesive tape. All these handling equipment are easily operated and available.


During the construction process of the model, there are a few methods of joint being used. Each joining methods used are choose based on the required type of joint, the effects on the worked surface (any reaction with material) and the flexibility. The joining method used is such as adhesive bonding, whereby a hot glue or adhesive tape is applied on the contacting surface to be joined. However, there is some type of adhesive bonding such as super glue could not be used as it will erode the material used (polystyrene) due to the chemical content.