I am about to install some new figures on my layout.
In the past, I have used hot glue, and I intend to use it once again, but I am looking for some advice before I start.
I have used white glues in the past such as Woodland Scenics Scenic Accents and Aleene's Tacky Glue, but I prefer to stay with hot glue.
But, there are two problems with using hot glue. One, it leaves trails as it dries. Two, it sets fast that sometimes it is dried before the figure is affixed to the layout.
Any suggestions on using hot glue without encountering these drawbacks?
I typically apply the hot glue directly from the heat gun to the feet of the figure. Would it make more sense to keep the hot glue heated in a separate pot and then apply it with a tooth pick to the feet of the figures?
I look forward to your advice and hearing about your experience.
Rich
Alton Junction
I use Goop, a clear silicon adhesive that can be purchased at any hardware or big box store. It doesn't seem to matter whether it is labeled as automotive, craft, household, plumbing or other type, because they all seem to be exactly the same.
One advantage of hot glue is that it can be easily removed from the layout surface and from the figure without causing any damage.
Is Goop easily removable?
I find that Allene's Tacky to work well. Not sure if I would attempt hot glue for the reasons you have found. Liquid Nails also has a clear "contact cement" in the gold tube. This has worked great for purposes like this. I initially used it to place scale cedar shingles for doll house construction. Have since used it in place of Goo and other cements. For figures that are not nec permanent, you always can use the small clear styrene base.
Modeling B&O- Chessie Bob K. www.ssmrc.org
My objection to Aleene's Tacky Glue is that it takes too long to set up. The figures wind up falling over.
For all of its faults, hot glue is instant.
If you're placing figures on a critical position on a highly detailed piece, wood platforms, stairs etc, many times CA would be my choice. This way you get instant set and applied w/ toothpick will not show any "mess". Of coarse CA is brittle, has not flexing at all. The Clear Liquid nail will set quickly as Goo, and doesn't string like other cements.
Rich.
You can buy hot glue that sets at a different rate. I have 30 second and 90 second. It also melts at different temperatures.
My daughter uses the glue gun (you can just see it in the foreground) to attach people to these strips for painting. They break off clean and easy when done. I use a dab of CA for gluing them to sidewalks and places where anything else would be noticed. Sometimes though I have made a little island on one of these strips and set the little guy on top of it. I then run the exacto knife under it and the person will sit where I put him. I do cover the base with dirt or whatever so you can't see it. It makes for an easy move.
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Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
I also use Aileen's Tacky glue. When I set up a figure who wants to fall over, I pick up an automobile from nearby and use it as a support. A while later, I look at the scene and say "What's that old Chevy doing there?" Then I remember the new figure, put the car back on the street and the job is done.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
MisterBeasley I also use Aileen's Tacky glue. When I set up a figure who wants to fall over, I pick up an automobile from nearby and use it as a support. A while later, I look at the scene and say "What's that old Chevy doing there?" Then I remember the new figure, put the car back on the street and the job is done.
LOL
Mr. B., I recall that you are a fan of Aleen's Tacky Glue.
I just did an experiment with it by placing the glue on the feet of two figures, waiting about two minutes, then left the room. When I returned 10 minutes later, both figures had fallen over. I just do not like Aleen's, it seems not to have any holding power.
BATMAN Rich. You can buy hot glue that sets at a different rate. I have 30 second and 90 second. It also melts at different temperatures.
Now that is interesting. I will have to go down to the layout and check the labels. I have two different hot glue guns.
MisterBeasley When I set up a figure who wants to fall over, I pick up an automobile from nearby and use it as a support. A while later, I look at the scene and say "What's that old Chevy doing there?"
When I set up a figure who wants to fall over, I pick up an automobile from nearby and use it as a support. A while later, I look at the scene and say "What's that old Chevy doing there?"
Rich,
I tend to move things around a lot on my layout, including figures. So I use different types of glues, depending on what I want to glue down. Fro figures I like to use double sided scotch brand tape, just a little piece around the feet works fine for me.
Sam
How about Fly paper Rich??
All kidding aside, I use Hobby Tack and it works well for me and the switchman on a sw7 front railing,that hasn't fallen off in 4yrs.
Cheers,
Frank
I've got a feeling that I am the only one on this forum who uses hot glue to secure figures to the layout.
There is a real good tip in the latest installment of Cody's office where he glues figures on to small clear sheets of styrene so they can be moved around, I thought that was a good idea! I think he was using white glue.
soilwork There is a real good tip in the latest installment of Cody's office where he glues figures on to small clear sheets of styrene so they can be moved around, I thought that was a good idea! I think he was using white glue.
Cody used Scenic Accent Glue by WS. to glue the figures to the plastic.. I have used it without the plastic and along with Hobby Tack, have had good results..
Sorry about the double quote, didn't realize I did that until I posted,,,
I use Woodland Scenics Accent Glue, as I like to be able to move the LPBs around. Very easy to use and it leaves no mark when the figure is taken elsewhere. It's also useful when placing figures temporarily for taking photos.
I also used it for affixing bums to seats in my doodlebug. I'm not sure how often they'll get moved, but if I want to do an illustrated story involving passengers and trains, it may prove useful.
For the same reason, I'll probably use if for my loco crews, too, even though most will need to have their legs amputated at the top or even higher. These seated figures at least kept their upper legs:
Wayne
doctorwayne
Wayne, is that a brawl going on outside of that passenger car?
Liquid Nails brother, Liquid Nails
"The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination."-Albert Einstein
http://gearedsteam.blogspot.com/
Hi Rich,
I had seen Cody's Accent Glue tip as well. I have never used it and you mentioned that you where not so "hot" on it. What have been your issues with it?
Just wondering because I have never used it.
Derek
richhotrain Wayne, is that a brawl going on outside of that passenger car? Rich
There are several flavors of Aleenes Tacky Glue. The bottle I have in front of me has sort of as purple label and is called Fast Grab Tacky Glue. Label says it "holds item on contact". What is the surface you are gluing to? Or maybe the question should be what is on the surface you are gluing to? Is it a hard surface, or a surface that might have scenery material on it?
maxman There are several flavors of Aleenes Tacky Glue. The bottle I have in front of me has sort of as purple label and is called Fast Grab Tacky Glue. Label says it "holds item on contact". What is the surface you are gluing to? Or maybe the question should be what is on the surface you are gluing to? Is it a hard surface, or a surface that might have scenery material on it?
maxman, I suspect that is the problem. I use the Original Tacky Glue, and it takes too long to set.
Mostly, I glue the figures to styrene plastic surfaces.
I recall that when I bought Aleene's at a local Michaels store a few years back, there were at least 6 varieties to choose from. In my confusion, I went with the original formulation. I see now, in researching the product, that the Quick Dry or Fast Grab forumulation probably makes more sense.
Rich:
When you attach the figures are you looking for a permanent bond, or something that allows you to remove the figure later if you change your mind without damaging the original surface? If you don't want to damage the surface, then some additional thought as to the adhesive might be required. Or as mentioned previously maybe you'd want to attach the figure to a small piece of clear flat plastic to form a base.
I set up a Christmas train scene(Hawthorne Village Green Bay Packer train) about every other year or so, with lots of details. Bare trees, buildings, people and all. It's about 30 sq. ft. in size. I found a "waxy" kind of stuff at a Micheal's store, in the area where they have the village accessories. It comes in a little blue container, looks like a small hookey puck. It works great for temporary and permanent settings. You can use for trees, people, whatever. Just stick their "feet" in the stuff, and put them on the scene. Everything is packed away right now, or I'd give the name of the product.
Mike.
My You Tube
maxman, while it is not my intention to remove and relocate figures, there have been a few instances where I have done just that. So, the idea of forming a clear plastic base is a good idea.
mbinsewi I set up a Christmas train scene(Hawthorne Village Green Bay Packer train) about every other year or so, with lots of details. Bare trees, buildings, people and all. It's about 30 sq. ft. in size. I found a "waxy" kind of stuff at a Micheal's store, in the area where they have the village accessories. It comes in a little blue container, looks like a small hookey puck. It works great for temporary and permanent settings. You can use for trees, people, whatever. Just stick their "feet" in the stuff, and put them on the scene. Everything is packed away right now, or I'd give the name of the product. Mike.
Interesting, I need to check that out.
Rich, any particular reason why you found the WS Accent Glue to be unsatisfactory? Or why you'd want to place the figures permanently? The latter seems somewhat akin to never moving vehicles to other locales or trains that never leave the station. While our trains are, of course, intended to move, people and vehicles should do the same, even if they require help from the big hand.
doctorwayne Rich, any particular reason why you found the WS Accent Glue to be unsatisfactory? Or why you'd want to place the figures permanently? The latter seems somewhat akin to never moving vehicles to other locales or trains that never leave the station. While our trains are, of course, intended to move, people and vehicles should do the same, even if they require help from the big hand. Wayne
Wayne, the WS Scenic Accents glue definitely set up faster than Aleene's Tacky glue, but I have found hot glue to be the easiest adhesive to remove from the figures although hot glue sets up almost instantaneously.
As far as moving people around, or cars for that matter, most of my people and vehicles have remained in the same position for nearly 10 years. That is surprising to hear that some of you move people around. On a regular basis?