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Using Hot Glue To Secure Figures to Layout

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  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: 4610 Metre's North of the Fortyninth on the left coast of Canada
  • 9,352 posts
Posted by BATMAN on Tuesday, March 19, 2013 10:39 AM

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.

 ">

Brent

"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Weymouth, Ma.
  • 5,199 posts
Posted by bogp40 on Tuesday, March 19, 2013 9:27 AM

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. 

Modeling B&O- Chessie  Bob K.  www.ssmrc.org

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Dearborn Station
  • 24,281 posts
Posted by richhotrain on Tuesday, March 19, 2013 9:19 AM

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.

Rich

Alton Junction

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Weymouth, Ma.
  • 5,199 posts
Posted by bogp40 on Tuesday, March 19, 2013 9:14 AM

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

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Dearborn Station
  • 24,281 posts
Posted by richhotrain on Tuesday, March 19, 2013 9:11 AM

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?

Rich

Alton Junction

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
  • 13,757 posts
Posted by cacole on Tuesday, March 19, 2013 9:07 AM

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.

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Dearborn Station
  • 24,281 posts
Using Hot Glue To Secure Figures to Layout
Posted by richhotrain on Tuesday, March 19, 2013 9:02 AM

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

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