Model Repairs

[Phrog74]

Anyone ever repair a model? I bought this on ebay and the model arrived with a damaged winglet. It didn't have a box, and the guy who packaged it did a decent job. But unfortunately the winglet was broken off. I tried super glue the other day, but it won't hold long enough to bond. Any suggestions? image widget

[Phrog74]

[Casey99]

I’ve used glue in the past and propped up the loose part with pieces of cardboard etc to get the angle right. Then gently added the glue. Bit risky but has worked well for me before

[CaptRicky]

I've had the best luck with SuperGlue GEL. It stays in place while you get it set in place and is easier to control the amount. As mentioned before prepare before gluing....

Get something round that is in the same height range as the repair (I use various sized cup or glass laid on its side). Adjust model height with a stack of paper or a book if needed. The idea is to use the curve to prop up or lean against the repair at the correct angle.

Get a good piece of cardboard or card stock paper to put underneath the work. Have Q-Tips and paper towels ready.

Apply small, thin amounts of gel glue to each side of the repair (spread evenly along each edge to be glued) using a pointed toothpick. The toothpick works great because you can get glue directly out of the spout and control the amounts. It also works well after gluing to scrape off excess glue along the joint (do that AFTER you glue and get everything place and resting against the support you create). Throw out the toothpick and use a new for every time you start work to avoid spreading glue where you don't want it and keep it off your hands. The gel should set up after about 30 minutes if possible leave it alone overnight once you are sure the repair looks correct.

Spills and excess glue will happen eventually. Get some Goof Off Pro Strength Remover (Home Depot about $7.00). This will remove excess glue - Wet a Q-Tip with remover, not dripping wet, and apply in low pressure strokes. The glue will come off in little particle so have a dry Kleenex or Q-Tip to wipe away residue. Beware - this remover will instantly remove any Tampo printed details, but not usually the base paint. Use sparingly - You only want this stuff to clean up any small areas of excess glue around the repair.

I've done this all too many times lately, but the results are good. Just take your time and use a light touch. Good luck!

PS - If you're going to collect these models a set of tools for dealing with the small parts is invaluable. The picture below is of some of the tools I bought that have made things much easier. There are many modeling tool kits available for not much money on Amazon.

[Phrog74]

Well, I have over 170 models. Thanks for tips. I've glued a few wings and stuff back on. But I've never had a broken winglet or the like before. This piece looked like a fatigue break from being bent before. The good thing is that I didn't pay a ton for this model. So I'm not out on a major investment.