glue type?

[Anonymous]

This is my first post. Actually, Today is my first day in the Model Train World. Is there a special kind of glue that is needed for building or structures? I bought a bunch of buildings and structures today and wasn't sure if super glue was alright to use. I also have Elmer's Glue, but it doesn't seem that that would be strong enough. Is there better glue made by a model train company that I'm not aware of? Need advice please. THanks.

[Anonymous]

welcome to the forum and hobby!
I use "testors" plastic cement for my buildings/kits. It works just well for me and is very strong. It comes in an orange tube and can be found at your Local Hobby Shop (LHS).
Elmer's would not work, dont even waste your time with that. Super glue may work, i havnt personally tried it. just make sure the super glue would not eat plastics, as some do.
-Jacob

[jecorbett]

I use both the liquid and tube type of Testor's. They are specifically made for plastics. The previous reply is absolutely correct about Elmer's. It might seem like it is giving you a good bond but it simply won't hold. Both type's of Testors work the same way. You apply a thin coat of the cement to both surfaces, this temporarily liquifies the surface of the plastic allowing you to bond the two together. The liquid and tube type each have their advantages. The liquid type is easier to apply neatly and is not going to ooze out of the seam the way the tube type will if you apply a little too much to the piece. Also, the liquid will not be as visible if you do accidently get it on the visible surface of the kit. I find that the tube type will set up more quickly and I think gives me a stronger bond.

[Anonymous]

Perfect? Thanks guys. My LHS is actually open tomorrow (Sunday), so I'll check into it. I just wanted to put something together tonight; but I can wait.

[colvinbackshop]

I too, have used both of the Testers products and prefer the liquid for all the reasons mentioned.
An other liquid product that I like even better, is Tenax 7R made by Hebco. It works great on every plastic (structures, locos, rolling stock) that I've used it on and is easy to use with an applicator or a very small (000) brush. A little goes a very long way!

[ezielinski]

Word of caution - the Testors "gel" glue in the orange tube will distort thin plastics if too much is applied. I personally use the liquid Testors styrene cement and Loctite CA.

[Anonymous]

You should be able to get "Testors model glue" at any store that sells plastic models.
ennout

[Janafam]

Often the model manufacturers recommend a glue type for the material they use in their kits. You did not mention the material type so it may be wise to look over the instructions before you run off to buy more glue. You need to be careful that the glue does not have ingredients to attack the surface of your kit material.

Also, many liquid glues work well and dry quickly but again, make sure it matches your material.

[Anonymous]

If you want to glue palstic to plastic you cant beat Ambroid Proweld. I t is sold out of the walthers catalog and at most hobby shops. The way it works...just hold the two pieces together and brush a small amount of liquid in the crease and capillary action will do the rest. It sets fast and holds forever...the best stuff I have found for plastic to plastic. If you want to glue plastic to metal super glue is the way to go...again i sugest loctite liquid you can get it walmart and it comes with a brush ...so much easier and neater than the squeeze tube.