Hope this is not a goofy question but can anyone recommend a product to mount my figures on my layout but with the intention of moving them eventually? I have a small layout that I plan to build out in the not so distant future so I don’t want to mount my figures in a permanent spot.
The figures don’t have bases.
Ok this is from the old Weirdo. I use Super Glue (AC) to mount figures that need to be movable on the head of a straight pin then drill a .31” or #68 hole and drop them in. I glue all of my figures to the head of pins to make them easier to paint.
I stick the pin in a pencil eraser to paint them, that makes it super easy to hold the little ones and easy to rotate.
I use Amazing Goop to glue the permanently placed figures. The Goop remains a bit flexible so if bumped they don’t break.
&n
I just use a drop of Elmer’s white glue. Sometimes you have to prop them up with a vehicle or some other object until the glue dries.
When you are ready to move them they easily break off of the layout. The dried glue remains on their feet making them flat so they can now stand on their own two feet. A drop of saliva on your fingertip is enough to reactivate the glue and stick them to a new location or just place them there without wetting the glue. They should stand on their own.
I am right there with RR Mel on this one.
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I drill a #78 hole in one leg of each figure and super-glue in a piece of 0.010" steel wire. I drop the figures into #78 holes drilled into the layout. The holes are pretty much invisible when the figures are removed.
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-Kevin
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Aleene’s Tacky Glue is a bit stronger than white glue, but is also removable.
Another often used is Woodland Scenics Accent Glue, made spcifically for this purpose.
Handley House Quik-Stik is a somewhat different product, basically a soft wax also made specifically for this purpose.
I use what Mel usues, mostly the Aleenes stuff. It’s kind of like the consistancy of Vick’s Vapor rub, or a soft wax. Just a small dab with a toothpick to the feet of the figure.
Easily removable.
Mike.
OOPS! I meant what Mike Lehman uses. The tacky glue.
I’m right there with ya’ Mel, except maybe weirder in that I use a .021 dia. extra sharp stainless model makers pins and drill into the figures with a #75 drill before inserting a cut short portion of the pin (pointed end out) into the hole with a bit of CA glue. All the figures on the ground in this scene were mounted with pins, including the cyclists and motorcyclists, did help that the roadway was made of cork.
Regards, Peter
I agree with all of the above. When I want to place a figure on a styrene sidewalk, I use caulk. If you pull the figure off and there is a little residue, just roll it off with your finger.
Woodland Scenics “Accent Glue” is made expressly for that purpose. It comes in a plastic bottle with brush-in-cap…simply brush a little on the LPB’s feet, wait until this white glue turns clear, then place the figure where desired.
You can also pick up the figure and move it elsewhere, often without need to apply more glue. It leaves no trace or stain, and can be removed by simply rubbing it off with your fingers.
These folks swear by it…
…as attested to by Cletus B.: “Ah’ve bin standin’ here for a dog’s age, an’ ain’t never fallen under no freight train what’s gone rattlin’ by here, tho’ if’n Ah kin git muh feet free, Ah’d throw muhself under one, seein’ as passenger service ain’t all that rega-lur.”
Wayne
spirt gum used by actors to hold on beards and sech, no damage to plastic , think thats what the WS product is in reality but sprit gum not near as pricey.
Seeing the price of wee folk I’m with Wayne. The Accent Glue is perfect for them.
YMMV but,I’m all for protecting my investment.
I have a lifetime supply of T pins that I cut the head off of to stick figures scenic details and signs on.
You could probably use museum putty to hold figures in place. A tiny piece on the feet and you would be good, then move it wherever you want. They use it on glass tables and more so they don’t slide or move around.
Neal
Wow, and I was just expcecting a single answer. I would have never imagined there were so many options and all of them really excellent. The pin idea seems like the proper solution to use but I do like the simple Scenics Glue choice. thanks everyone, I think this forum should just be called “Ask the Experts”!
Well, I have to admit that I hesitated to reply, but only for a moment…after all, helping a fellow member of the model railroading fraternity trumps hockey allegiances. [:P]
Wayne
I use Scotch Clear Double Side Tape. I cut a small piece for the feet, and maybe a smaller one for the hand or arm if I need to mount on a railcar. Works great and I change the piece each op session.
[;)][;)]
Outside of the rink we should be able to have civilized train discussions. Inside the rink, a different story 
While you didn’t ask I’ll add this tool since its worth its weight in gold and has many uses. Again for me its a means to help protect my wee folk investment and makes it easier to place those wee folk on the layout.
https://woodlandscenics.woodlandscenics.com/show/Item/A200/page/1
[#offtopic]
Brakie
I find that using Plasti Dip you can coat your tool handles and the tips of tweezers, long nose pliers and screwdrivers to make great hobby tools. The downside of Plasti Dip is it’s shelf life after opening isn’t very long. Once applied it stays under a lot of hard usage.
Mel
Modeling the early to mid 1950s SP in HO scale since 1951
My Model Railroad
http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/
Bakersfield, California
[#offtopic]
Mel,Doesn’t Plasti Dip come in a spray can as well? Would that work?