Need help with misshaped plastic

Flight fan · 05-10-2013, 08:25 AM

When putting together my 1:144 Revell MiG-29 kit something happened to misshape the plastic. I don't know if the glue is to blame or if it has somehow been exposed to heat without me knowing, but the rubber bands i used to keep the pieces together have pressed them out of shape at those specific points.

Does anyone have any tips on how to get the plastic back into shape? Or is this model a write-off?

Pics can be posted if needed.

I-ALEX · 05-17-2013, 05:19 AM

Can you post some pics?
It will be useful in order to give to you the right suggestion

Flight fan · 05-17-2013, 09:27 AM

I was thinking after a while that i should have done that from the start. Pics will come shortly.

Flight fan · 05-17-2013, 10:18 AM

Here they are:

The damage can be seen in the upper portion of the pictures.

I-ALEX · 05-17-2013, 10:24 AM

Doh....

it seems to be an excessive usage of glue!!!!
The only way that you have to fix the damage is using "milliput".

Flight fan · 05-17-2013, 10:35 AM

Aargh! Having to use milliput makes this a write off...

But i honestly didn't use that much glue on the edges.

vince1159 · 06-03-2013, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flight fan

but the rubber bands i used to keep the pieces together have pressed them out of shape at those specific points.

See if you can get a pair of clamps,that way you can adjust the pressure on the kit...

Flight fan · 06-03-2013, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vince1159

See if you can get a pair of clamps,that way you can adjust the pressure on the kit...

The only clamps i can find at home are those used for hanging clothes to dry. Think that might work?

Also, got any tips on how to make the plastic soft so i can adjust it without damage?

EDIT: I have tried using a blowdryer on another model in the past, but that didn't work. That wing is a complete write off.

vince1159 · 06-03-2013, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flight fan

The only clamps i can find at home are those used for hanging clothes to dry. Think that might work?

Also, got any tips on how to make the plastic soft so i can adjust it without damage?

EDIT: I have tried using a blowdryer on another model in the past, but that didn't work. That wing is a complete write off.

I meant clamps from a DIY or hobby shop,they're plastic with foam in the clamp and with a plastic slide on the handles so you can adjust the pressure individually...You could try warm water and a lot of patience,have you joined any forums for kits....

Flight fan · 06-03-2013, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vince1159

I meant clamps from a DIY or hobby shop,they're plastic with foam in the clamp and with a plastic slide on the handles so you can adjust the pressure individually...You could try warm water and a lot of patience,have you joined any forums for kits....

Oh, i see. That kind of clamps.

Warm water might work, but i wonder if the glue will disolve... I hope not.

As for forums, i have, but i can't find the links anymore. I am however a member over at DA.C and there are quite a few kit builders that. I asked there aswell, but i can't remember getting any response.

tomek-czarnyszewicz · 09-29-2013, 02:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flight fan

Here they are:

The damage can be seen in the upper portion of the pictures.

Look at the secong picture, interior of the cockpit get yellow, due to much too much glue you have used to assemble both parts of the fuselage. Unfortunately there are only two ways to repair it, both very drastic:
First way is to buy a new model and use much better adhesive, e.g.: UHU Sekundenkleber (best in mini tubes 2ml) with special tools for application (stainless steel aplicators;
Second way depend of your skills... You can use epoxy putty and try to get the shape of thge fuselage back. It is hard and long way...

Personaly, I suggest first way. Is much simple. On damaged model you can train glue application, and some parts could be spare elements for second kit.

Regarding glues/adhesives:
Remember that all product based on acethone solvent are very very agresive to plastic model kits.
Acethone is dissolving plastic material (mostly styrene or ABS) and drying by vaporation of the solvent (acethone) confirming bonding of "melted" parts.
It is much better to use cyanoacrylate adhesives, due to easy removal of them by using debonders. Moisture speed up bonding process !!!

With this kind of adhesives (cyanoacrylates) you shall be very careful, due to extremly short bonding time.
DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING WHEN YOUR FINGERS/HANDS ARE WET WITH ADHESIVE.
Let the bonder dry and than gently remove it from hands/fingers.

Flight fan · 09-29-2013, 06:26 AM

I have been looking for a replacement kit. Sadly though it seems to be pretty rare. And when ever i do find one i am either broke or it's out of my pricerange.

Edit: Besides, this project has lost priority. I am trying to focus on 1:500.