Scale Model Shop

Collapse

Attaching Clear Canopy to Frame

Collapse
X
 
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
  • GhostRider27
    • Sep 2023
    • 23

    #1

    Attaching Clear Canopy to Frame

    Greetings!!! I am going to use Clear Gorilla Glue to attach the canopy of a 1/48 F-15 to its frame. Here's my question. I know its a very long drying time, and while Im not worried about it drying clear, which it certainly does, my concern is holding the canopy in place on the frame until it cures. Taping and clamping is off the table due to the convex shape of the canopy and the two pieces being somewhat cumbersome the way it joins… I can see that actually becoming disastrous. I thought of uv clear epoxy w/ a uv led light, as it cures in 2 minutes or so, and I can simply hold it in place.. Anyway, are there any suggestions as to what some of you do?

    Thanks! -Ed
  • Flip
    SMF Supporters
    • Jul 2022
    • 257
    • John
    • Speyside

    #2
    Ed,
    If taping is off the menu, the only other suggestion I have is to put a couple of small pieces of white-tac (one either side) on each part, bridging from the fuselage onto the canopy to prevent them from walking. Once the glue has cured, the white-tac can be easily removed without damage.
    John

    Comment

    • Miko
      SMF Supporters
      • Feb 2024
      • 582

      #3
      Can I ask why would you use Gorilla glue? In my experience adhesives which are high viscosity goo like this and Humbrol's clear fix adds thickness to the join like cement, this can create fit problems. I've had good results with PVA white glue, it's thin and cleans up with a moist cotton bud, it's only down side is it's long drying time, it bonds well but can be removed if needed

      Miko (sticking stuff)

      Comment

      • Del640
        SMF Supporters
        • May 2020
        • 1151

        #4
        I use Transpa Fix from VMS, dries clear and is tacky enough to hold the canopy in place.

        Available in SMS!

        Del

        Comment

        • Easyrider5258
          • Dec 2023
          • 79

          #5
          Originally posted by Del640
          I use Transpa Fix from VMS, dries clear and is tacky enough to hold the canopy in place.

          Available in SMS!

          Del
          I'm trying to work with Transpa Fix from VMS, I find it's messy , stringy to use but ok once on, do you thin it at all? have read it makes it easier to handle

          Comment

          • Tim Marlow
            SMF Supporters
            • Apr 2018
            • 18882
            • Tim
            • Somerset UK

            #6
            I use this stuff Ed.
            Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1663.jpeg
Views:	18
Size:	2.0 KB
ID:	1220153
            I find it excellent for canopies. It’s also pretty good for coloured etch. It has good shear strength and is slightly flexible so stands up to accidental knocks pretty well.

            Comment

            • Jim R
              SMF Supporters
              • Apr 2018
              • 15641
              • Jim
              • Shropshire

              #7
              Tim put me onto that canopy glue a while ago. I can vouch for it being excellent.

              Comment

              • stona
                SMF Supporters
                • Jul 2008
                • 9889

                #8
                I'm always suspicious that a product like that might be a very expensively bottled version of what Blue Peter would have called 'rubber solution' glue.

                I'm not saying it's so, because obviously I don't know, but often there are cheaper alternatives.

                Any drummers here may remember Paiste's own brand cymbal cleaner (the one that came in the orange bottle). It turned out to be a German formulation of one of the Mr Muscle cleaners that cost a fraction of the price. It's not just model brands that can be, shall we say, unscrupulous.

                Comment

                • Waspie
                  • Mar 2023
                  • 3488
                  • Doug
                  • Fraggle Rock

                  #9
                  Originally posted by Tim Marlow
                  I use this stuff Ed.
                  [ATTACH=CONFIG]n1220153[/ATTACH]
                  I find it excellent for canopies. It’s also pretty good for coloured etch. It has good shear strength and is slightly flexible so stands up to accidental knocks pretty well.
                  That's what I now use, (again thanks to Tim). Had no problems using it.

                  Comment

                  • Mr Bowcat
                    SMF OG
                    • Dec 2016
                    • 4593
                    • Bob
                    • London

                    #10
                    Bob Smith Gold foam safe CA, it won't fog clear acrylics. Slightly longer dying time than normal CA, but still massively quicker than most everything else.
                    Si vis pacem, para bellum.

                    Comment

                    • Del640
                      SMF Supporters
                      • May 2020
                      • 1151

                      #11
                      Originally posted by Easyrider5258
                      I'm trying to work with Transpa Fix from VMS, I find it's messy , stringy to use but ok once on, do you thin it at all? have read it makes it easier to handle
                      Straight from the bottle but I use a needle to apply it.

                      Comment

                      Working...