Chemistry model kits

[Elmo]

right, i've tried and struggled with my kit for just over a year now, and i just cant get the bits apart. Does anyone know of anywhere that sells decent molecular model kits? the one i've got's from waterstones (they also got it on amazon) They dont have any in the uni branch book shop (stupid i know) till next term, and i REALLY need it over the next 3 weeks.

so, anyone know where i can get one? or any chemistry graduates with one lying around? (preferably with all the bits )

ta for your help!

[megah0]

try WD40 to seperate the bits, its not stuck together until WD40 fails to unstick something.

[Elmo]

lol it's poo anyway, i need my molecules no coloured straws! balls and sticks! not straws and joiny bits!

please help me guys i'm trying to understand solid state and it's just not cutting it with oranges and apples they keep rolling away!

[Moby-Dick]

what are you trying to understand - I might be able to remebr some of my materials engineering degree is prompted

[Elmo]

just different crystalline structures, close packing, octahedreal and tetrahedral holes. I just need a model that i can look at. 2D pics in books are boggling my brain a bit!

[Moby-Dick]

grab a copy of a freeware 3d modelling package

I can rember all the hcp (hexagonal close packed) etc. My knowledge is more metallurgical based tbh

[Elmo]

right, i need to know how to work out the relative size of a tetrahedral hole....

i've got the octahedral holes sorted... but i cant get the tetra ones... :/

[Swafe]

er, that does sound hard to do with oranges