Question, I have a Atlas GP38 that I broke one of the tabs on the back that holds the long hood on to the walkway. When the shell is secure to the frame it holds pretty well with only the slightest gap. I was just wondering if it's best just to leave it alone or to glue the shell to the walkway? I was just wondering what others do when this happens. I know, maybe a dumb question but with cabin fever and the start of my retirement starting to reach a pitched level, I never had time before to worry about such important things Thanks, Ralph
If you still have the tab piece I would glue it back with plastic weld glue and leave it sit for a day before trying the reassemble. Otherwise I would just tack it on with a dab of plastic weld glue because at some point you will need to get that shell off again and a slight tack weld is easier to get loose.
John, Thanks for the quick reply. The tab has departed for a destination unknown I'm afraid. The tack weld you are talking about, is this something that I can use Tamiya Extra Thin Cement for or would white glue like Elmer's be better? Thanks again, Ralph
I would use the Tamiya but just the smallest bit because you just want to tack it in place. I doubt the Elmers would hold the plastic.
I would use something less permanent. Tamyia Extra Thin spreads all over the place. It will be hard for you to control where it goes. Even a tack weld can spread wide and far, leading to a more permanent self than you ask for. What I would suggest is something water based and not solvent based. Aileen's Tacky glue or water based adhesive caulking. Both hold tight enough and can be easily removed later on with no damage. Even rubber glue if you have any lying around.
Well, my concern was if I didn't do something then I would take a chance on braking the tab on the other sidewhile removing the shell again. I had tried Arleen's once on something similar and it didn't work. I use Arleens a lot and I really like it because I can always loosen the bond and scrape any leftover glue away and not damage anything. I do remember receiving two Atlas GP38-2s that I had preordered that arrived with the shell hoods glued to the walkways and yes the glue could be seen between the seems. My ScaleTrains C4 GEVos are like that also. I was just wanting to see what others would do before I messed up something that I wouldn't be able to fix, which I seem to be really good ar doing.I really appreciate your advice. Thanks, Ralph
I would try to find tube of the old fashioned plastic model cement. Put just a small amount from the point of a pin right over the broken tab. Eventually it may yellow, but at least you can scrape it off since it doesn't eat into the plastic like the solvent based glues we commonly use today.
Ok, got it done. I did use a extremely small dab of cement and let it set overnight and it's a good solid tack bond. We shall see what happens over time but it works well now. Thanks everyone for your help! Ralph
