Search Tips

Tips categories

Latest Tips

How can I secure cardboard or plastic models to a layout baseboard?
Posted in: Assembling and gluing
6th January 2023
There are several options for securing plastic or card model buildings to a baseboard: Using a strong adhesive such...
Read more
Can you get decals for all gauges of model railway rolling stock?
Posted in: Decals / Transfers
30th June 2021
Undoubtedly, 00 gauge is the most common gauge for modelling in the UK, so it stands to reason that 00 gauge...
Read more
What is the difference between Peak Classes 44, 45 and 46 locomotives?
Posted in: Model Railway, Rolling stock
12th April 2021
British locomotive classes 44, 45 and 46 were an early design of diesel-electric locomotive intended for mainline...
Read more
What are BEMO couplings?
Posted in: Model Railway
28th May 2024
BEMO couplings refer to a specific type of coupling used to connect rolling stock on narrow gauge model railway...
Read more
What is a private owner wagon?
Posted in: Rolling stock
16th September 2024
In the world of model railways, a private owner wagon refers to a freight wagon that, in real life, was owned by a...
Read more

What to do when plastic cement doesn't cement!

Plastic cement is a formula that temporarily softens and melts the surface of most plastics. This makes it very useful for constructing plastic kits because two surfaces can be bonded together permanently and neatly without the use of messier glues. But now and then, you may come across a type of plastic that simply refuses to bond.

These are often much harder types of plastic such as the kind used on a lot of older model railway locomotive chassis, and often the only way to know (without being a plastic expert) whether plastic cement will work, is to give it a go.

That all seems straightforward enough, however, what you may not know is that plastic cements have different strengths, so it could be that you don't need to throw in the towel just yet.

Plastic Magic is a brand of plastic cement that sits nicely in the middle of the strength range. It is an accomplished product for everyday uses such as building plastic kits. If you require something a little stronger, try Plastic Weld, or stronger still, Mek-Pak. Mek-Pak is about as strong as you are going to get, so if it still doesn't work on plastic, alas, it's time to break out the cyanoacrylate (Super Glue).

It is extremely unlikely that a mid-range plastic cement such as Plastic Magic will be that strong that it causes damage to your model, but, if you require something weaker to give you a little more positioning time, Revell's Contacta Cement or Humbrol's Liquid Poly are a good option with Poly Cement coming in at the bottom of the potency table.

Although it is unrealistic to have every single tool, formula, solution, potion, widget and gadget in your toolbox for every conceivable eventuality, it may be worth your while having at least two of the plastic cements to hand, a stronger one for repairs, and a weaker one for kit building.

Posted in: Assembling and gluing

Click here to receive the tips weekly in your mailbox. You can unsubscribe at any time.