I'm finishing up a structure model and want to include some model figures but I'm not sure where I eventually want them to go. What is a good way to temporarily mount them in the event that I either add more OR don't like the way they look the first time through?
Thank you!
dlm
Canopy glue dries clear & stays pliable
Back in the day, I used one of the 'glorified rubber cement' thiorubber adhesives like Pliobond or the old Walthers Goo. These weren't transparent, but provided a good flexible bond that could be cut easily for removal (and replacement).
There was a wide range of industrial silicone-type adhesive, like Goop or E6000. These seemed to work much better a couple of decades or so ago when they first came on the market. Perhaps there have been "formula changes" to reduce VOC etc.
An approach I used for architectural modeling is to use a soldering iron to heat a piece of fine wire and run it up into the base of the figure to make an 'armature'. Drill a fine hole where you want it; this will be relatively hard to see if 'left vacant' or you can easily fill it with a pin and suitable material if unused. I 'cheated' a bit and made a whole bunch of fine holes on places like station platforms where occasional 'changing up' of the figures added to the fun of "watching" the layout...
Woodland Scenics - Scenic Accent Glue
Mike
I use Aileen's Tacky Glue. It's cheap and available from craft stores and hobby shops. It has a long shelf life.
It dries clear but separates easily, even after months. Residue can be easily removed.
It has some setting time, so I support the figures with scrap material, model cars or tools for a while until the glue sets. Nothing fancy.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
I have a small tube of caulk I keep handy so I don't have to break out the caulk gun just to get a micro dab of caulk. I use caulk or rubber cement most of the time or low-temperature glue gun glue. If the figures have a base on them I usually, but not always remove that. The smallest dab on the bottom of their little feet will usually do the trick and I use the clothes peg of death while they are drying in place.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
https://www.amazon.com/earthquake-putty/s?k=earthquake+putty&page=2
dbduckCanopy glue dries clear & stays pliable
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
Hello All,
Micro-Mark Pressure Sensitive Adhesive.
Works well installing LEDs too!
Unfortunately, listed as "Out Of Stock" on their website.
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
I've used mortician's wax for years. Apply tiny amount with a toothpick, keeps figures in place. Will not leave a mark and just gently wipe off figure to remove without a trace.
I also use this wax on tip of my small screw drivers to hold tiny screws while I start them.
Joel
Modeling the C&O New River Subdivision circa 1949 for the fun of it!
Double-sided tape?
I've used both Alene's and the WS Accent Glue with good results. One tip for standing figures is make them as stable as you can first - lightly sand the feet to make them flat so the figure will stand pretty well on it's own.
I use silicone. It can be easily removed, and when in place, the figure tends to spring back into position when I hit it accidentally.
I always keep a tube on hand for various MR applications. Some makes have a longer shelf life...
Simon
CandOsteammortician's wax
The wax sounds interesting. Found two funeral parlor products online; Morticians Wax and Embalming putty?
Still, I wonder if there's anything that will hold well without leaving a stain of some sort. The Scenic Accents Glue held good, but when the time came to uproot the figures I wasn't able to remove all the residue, nor stains without marring the surface of my sidewalks and streets. In fairness, I suppose a year isn't really temporary.
Thanks and regards, Peter
I have used orthodontics wax (availaible at most pharmacies) sucessfully. If left in place in the heat for an extended time it can leave residue on the figures/layout and it isn't invisible, but otherwise it works well for temporary mounting.