Tip O' The Day

Category:

   Construction

Submitted By:

   Buck Hedges

Tip:

   I was thumbing through an old model railroad book when I found this trick. For filling gaps in models, and giving the parts an unbreakable bond at the same time, try this:

Fill the gap with baking soda (Arm & Hammer works fine--I keep a small jar of it in my paint box). Once the gap is filled, brush away any excess baking soda that might be around it. This is important for a good finish.

Now, drop one or two drops of super glue onto the baking soda. Liquid super glue works far better than super glue gel, I 've discovered. In about five seconds you'll have a gap filled with something you can't even scratch with your fingernail. This works because there is a chemical reaction between the glue and the soda, which creates heat. This heat makes the glue dry even harder.

I've found this works well on lead and pewter miniatures, as well as styrene models. For kitbashing and construction purposes, it also works with plastics such as soda straws, ping-pong balls, wood, cardboard, and if you're not careful, your fingers.