How do I attach a horse and rider figure to my layout?

There are a number of different options for attaching figures such as a horse and rider to a layout. Perhaps the first thing to decide is if the figures in question are to be permanently glued in place, or should they be removable. If the answer is that they are to be permanently secured then there are a number of options to achieve this. Most figure manufacturers produce their own glues which are specially formulated to secure their own products to a layout, this may be the ideal place to start.

If this is not an option then Polyvinyl Acetate or PVA glue is a practical alternative. There are a number of these glues that have been formulated for modelling environments such as Speed Bond by Deluxe Materials. As with all PVA glues it has a strong bond and will dry clear so will not offer a tell-tale glue join on a layout. It also cures more slowly than other glues so will allow for precise positioning of a figure. PVA adhesives are generally cheap compared to other glues and are versatile and efficient at securing different materials together.

Another versatile glue that is used by many modellers is UHU. This is a general-purpose adhesive and similar to PVA is relatively cheap and offers a slower curing time allowing for precise positioning. When used it can produce noticeable strings of glue which can be messy and be more difficult to clean up. The key with UHU as with all adhesives is to use small and precise amounts to fix any figures to the layout.

Superglue derivatives tend to offer a strong but brittle joint, especially if the attachment points are small, such as a horse and rider. Superglues have a quick curing time so the figure may be quick to attach to a layout but would be more vulnerable to being knocked off due to the brittle nature of the joint. Superglues tend to have low shear and elasticity in their joints which makes the joint especially vulnerable to changes in temperature.

If the modeller has decided that they like the flexibility to move their figures around then Tacky Wax by Deluxe Materials could be the solution. This is not glue but a sticky wax solution. It can be used to temporarily secure figures in place which can be easily removed when required. The added advantage is that the wax can easily be cleaned without leaving residue on the figures or the layout. This could also be an ideal option for a modeller who wishes to play around with various alternatives to positioning their figures before finally securing them in place.