While looking through a back issue of MR (July 1988, I think), I came across an article about different types of adhesives, and it included a great chart of the different types of adhesives and their usage vis-a-vis different types of surfaces, slow vs fast setting, smooth vs porous surfaces, holding ability and some of the brand names. Has anyone seen an updated version of this chart, or one which is similar?
There’s a lot of glue out there these days, and a chart like this one would be a great help.
It seems to me that CA (Super Glue) is the adhesive of choice for most model railroaders, regardless of what is being glued together. White glue is quite strong when used at full strength, and the bond can be easily broken when needed with water.
One good chart deserves another! Here’s the chart I found in the issue I cited, and I imagine the one in the '96 issue is probably similar, if the author used the '88 issue as a guide. Would love to see an updated one! Note the author’s comment about the E+ bond. Anyone out there have a copy of the April 96 issue with the updated article?
It takes a variety of adhesives I have noticed. One of my favorites is Aileens Tacky glue for most light purposes. However I also use plastic cement, JB Weld 2 part expoxy, white glue, Elmers spray glue even one of those glue sticks they sell to school kids has its uses.
Last night for example I used the expoxy to repair a dunmmy post war Lionel loco that the truckss were falling off of. I used the tacky glue to glue roadway patches down and the plastic cement to glue a loose brake wheel.
Most of the visiors to the back corner of my cluttered basement tell me that they see a railroad (operational,but in progress). If I look at it with a discerning eyeball, what I really see is a museum of adhesives in action, that just happens to look and behave like a railroad. Truthfully, there is not any single “best” product to bond all of the different components that hold a layout together.
Rather than relying on outdated charts, a better approach is to make a decision on what your project really is-- choose the materials, design, what types of forces will be acting on the finished result, etc. – then seek out a glue or an adhesive that gives the type of bond and the type of strength that you need. Some projects may well need several different glues to give the results that you want. To connect two sections of my Cascade Valley RR, I chose to build a "ricketty looking " curved trestle. The entire assembly has at least 5 different adhesives holding the trestle, approaching plate girder bridge and related scenic elements together.
Be brave- read directions and try things. Your preferences may well be different than mine. Be willing to learn and do over again if you must. Most importanr-have fun!
No doubt I will probably end up with several different types of glues, but as a retiree, I have to mind my pennies, and can’t be spending a lot of $$$ on some glue only to find out too late that it doesn’t work for that type of surface or material, etc. The main reason I found that chart so useful was that it provided a STARTING POINT for buying a glue for a given type of application or material. You said it yourself - seek out a glue or an adhesive that gives the type of bond and the type of strength that you need. How do you “seek” if you don’t have any idea where to start?
All charts become outdated eventually; however, Model Railroader would do us a great service to research and reproduce that chart again, and then update it periodically (every 2 years?), noting any major changes, additions or deletions. The initial update might take some effort, but what a great service to modellers to have this chart available again. Sounds like a great on-going project for an intern or two!
Model Railroader,probably will consider having a up-dated adhesive chart,if you would provide the salary to the people necessary to maintain said chart…
Most glues do indicate the materials that they will generally bond well, though there will be some differences between brands within a given category of adhesives. For example, most wood glues have very little adhesion to styrene plastics; styrene cements work mostly by melting similar plastics into each other, but tend to flake off of wood. CA (cyanoacrylic adhesives) will stick to a variety of materials-so long as they are not flexed severly; hot glues are quick-but can’t be relied to penetrate all but the most porous surfaces;epoxies can bond dissimular surfaces-if they can take the heat of reaction without distortion.
What is important to keep in mind is that no one type of adhesive does everyyhing well. Since budgets for modeling are important to very many of us, the wise modeler will ask what will do the task at hand, once that choice is made. Local hobby shops, even if they do not deal with railroad stuff, can be expected to have a good handle on those types of questions.
If no other options are open to you, feel free to ask specifics here in the forums-after all we model railroaders ought to stick together![;)]
Very funny, Frank. Just as soon as I win the lottery . . . .
That’s why I suggested that it might be a good project for a couple of (unpaid) interns!
However, I don’t think it would take much money to contact adhesive manufacturers whose products are used by modellers, and send them the chart template, asking them to rate their adhesives according to the parameters in the chart, and then publishing the results at some point, or as the replies came back. That could provoke an interesting discussion among the readers as to whether the manufacturer’s claims were correct, or full of baloney!
I can see all the discussion,about what’s best now…I would believe,a neutral party,would have to do the hands on testing,for most manufactures, surely,will say,‘‘My Dog’s Bigger Than Your,Dog’’,LOL…
