The Ship Model Forum

Hey folks,

got a question regarding some bigger PE pieces like bulwarks. There are some AM companies like Flyhawk, LR or Five Star, that include some complete bulwarks that go straight on the plastic walls after cleaning the later completely from any plastic detail on them. Now, I know the theory of applying PE parts with either CA glue or white glue, or even the combo of those but sometimes using CA glue for example doesn't give you enough time to properly place the PE piece onto plastic when accuracy of less than a mm is needed for a 1/700 piece. Would a thin layer of white glue that could provide extra time for adjustments secure the PE onto plastic permanently? And maybe after that was dry, some extra application of CA glue with a thin needle would finally finish the job? I know I may already answer my question but I was wondering if there is any specific tip or idea I'm missing to add in this procedure.

These PE pieces looks super nice when finally applied correctly, transforming the bare plastic to the real thing, but I find it so difficult to do them without messing with pools of glue or a badly placed bulwark that after messes with my will to even bother to finish the project on hand, killing all the fun.

Any tips would be much appreciated

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Best Regards
Skiper

As long as the PE parts don't come under any stress, I've never had a problem with using just PVA.

John

Skipper, have you looked into a product called Gator Glue? It's very much like PVA glue but many people seem to like it better. Here is the link: www.gatorsmask.com/gatorglueorder1.html. The vendor also sells paint masks in various scales and the site is a wealth of information. I'm sure you will get a lot of input on this product from other members of this site that have more experience with it than I do. Also, have you tried Gorilla Glue? I've personally had good luck with Elmer's Wood Glue.

Hope this helps some. I do tend to agree with you that CA glue does not provide sufficient working time for things like PE bulkheads.

Bob M.

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Give me a fast ship, for I would like to get out of harm's way!

Me too on the Gator Glue. You get easily a full minute to move things around, and probably another minute or so to clean up ooze with a damp cloth (or, if it's small, with a damp brush). Just don't use it for something like, say, masts - especially if they have rigging. Gator works really well for attaching watertight doors, etc. Gator comes in two styles, regular and "thin." I have them both, they seem to work about the same for this kind of stuff.

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... Brian