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Landships II -> Landships WW1 Forum -> Modelling -> Glue for Polyethylene
Post Info TOPIC: Glue for Polyethylene
JamesH


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Glue for Polyethylene
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I don't know if anyone has tried this (nobody replied to my earlier post on the subject) so I've given the Loctite "All Plastics" glue a try.


Apart from the recent Emhar Americans and HaT German Artillery and Heavy Weapons, which can be glued with polystyrene cement, plastic soldiers have traditionally been made from polyethylene, which has always been considered unbondable. Loctite claim you can overcome that, and it seems to be the case.


The pack contains a tube of superglue and a sort of magic marker containing the primer. The method is to wipe the primer pen over both the surfaces to be glued (the instructions urge you not to handle the actual areas) and allow it to dry for 30 seconds. The primer is invisible, so you have to be as thorough as possible and hope for the best. Then apply the superglue to one of the surfaces and press the two together. They recommend leaving the item for an hour before handling.


I've tried it on the Emhar FK96 and the results are remarkable. The weakest spot is where the trail meets the shield, and this now seems to be as strong as any polystyrene joint. The spade likewise has bonded firmly to the trail and the barrel to the axle. Haven't tested them to destruction but the finished gun is certainly robust enough for everyday handling.


I'll try it on some figure conversions. This could mean the end of pins and pliers, but time will tell how long the tubes of stuff last. Further report to follow.


I got mine from a DIY superstore for £4.74 - under 7 euros. (Probably about the same in dollars)


Anyone else had a go?



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Peter Kempf


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James! I will surely have a go now, after your report. This looks like a small miracle, surely! I will get back when I've tried it.


Thanks for the report and for putting the spotlight on this product!



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Roger Todd


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Yes, it's something I've never heard of - thanks James!


Peter, at the risk of piling more work on you, maybe you could have a Hints 'n' Tips section on the main Landships site? James' suggestion here could kick it off.



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Peter Kempf


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Roger!


An excellent idea! I will look into it, and see what I can do. There is some material of this type on the site now, but it's a bit hidden away.


Thanks!


PS Did you get my e-mail? I am - as before - very positive!



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/Peter Kempf
eugene


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thats a great idea Roger & Peter!

could you add a little "how to" on dio's as well?
yours look great!

Eugene

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Mario Wens


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That Glue sounds great! If only it had been around in the late sixties / early seventies when my Airfix horses never wanted to keep stuck to their bases...


Any idea as to availability in Europe, anyone?


Mario



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Centurion


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Now we can glue them but does anyone know a way to stabalise polyethylene so one can carve and sand it without getting all that horrible plastic 'fluff' and paint it without eventual flaking?. Back in the late 1970s there was a guy in the BMS (British Model Sodier Society) who produced some very good figures converted from standard commercial polyethylene toy soldiers but he could never be persuaded to part with his secret.

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aka Robert Robinson Always mistrust captions
Peter Kempf


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Roger!


I've followed your fine suggestion and started a Tricks & Tips page, with the Glue posting on it. Plus some older material, that previously was a bit tucked away.


Contributions to this page is greatly welcomed!



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/Peter Kempf
Roger Todd


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Nice one, Peter, I've just seen it! I hope it's not much bother for you, the site is certainly expanding! I'm trying to rack my brains for any top tips of my own, but I can't think of any...

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Peter Kempf


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Roger, you are - as always - too modest. Thanks for the idea!

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