What alternatives are available for securing Photo-etch parts to plastic models ?

Conventional plastic model cement is not an option for attaching Photo-etch (PE) parts to plastic models as it will not form a bond between these two significantly different materials. Many modellers use Cyanoacrylate (CA) glue which is a form of superglue that works well securing a bond between different materials such as plastic and metal. CA glue will generally cure very quickly and so parts may need to be quickly positioned.  This can be used when a quick join is desired such as securing wing struts on a biplane. CA glue can form a strong bond but does not necessarily have good characteristics for parts with a high shear factor such as ship railings which can expand or contract with temperature changes.

In this case, PVA or Gator glue would be useful options, they also have longer curing times allowing more time for part alignment and the glue has a little more elasticity meaning it may deal better with shear than a CA glue join would. Another option that would be available is Epoxy, this typically provides a strong and enduring bond but generally has a longer curing time than CA glue thus allowing a modeller sufficient time for fine-tuning and positioning when attaching components.