Ok, ok…The IHC steamers may not be the most prototypical. But I am actually going to have time this weekend to put the itsy bitsy bag of detail parts onto my 4-6-4 Hudson that came with the loco.
But I was studying where the parts go…all I have to work with is the exploded view of the loco with the parts numbered… and it seems to me I may have to take this puppy apart, just to make sure I don’t DRIP any glue or CA down from the top of the boiler onto the motor inside.
What has been your experience with adding detail parts to plastic locomotives? Sparing use of CA or glue, yes I know that, but something may still drip down inside. I probably need to take off the boiler, huh?
John, Hobby shops also offer CA glue bottle lids with different size tips. The hobby shop in Tumwater has a nice selection. I’d add that to your strategy of controlled application.
Get yourself a 1/4 or 3/8 inch wooden dowel… What ever you would feel comfortable holding as a handle… Cut a length of it, again, to comfort, and insert a sewing needle (point first) into the dowel. Then with a file or a cutoff wheel on a motor tool (dremel for instance) file the top of the loop off of the sewing needle so all you have left is a small U shape on the needle… The smaller the U, the smaller the drop of adhesive (CA, Plastruct, etc) you’ll be able to apply… Literally, that is, with near pin point accuracy… Every once in awhile the U will clog with the CA, you can either replace it or clean it off with acetone or by simply picking it off using a knife. I only use liquid adhesives anymore… My last tube of testors plastic cement dried up years ago and I’ve yet to replace it… Got tired of all those stringys that always turned up… The point here is, touch the liquid to the joint and it’ll wick in with very little, if any, mess. Since there is only a micro drop it won’t run down the side of the boiler either.
This tool is also fantastic for oiling the running gear of the locos as well. The Best part is, you can make a dozen or so different sizes for about $3 or $4 total.
Yes, I’ve had to install tiny little detail parts on some of my locos, and what a pain in the rear it can be… Make sure you’re under a bright light, use a razor knife or single edge blade to cut the parts off the sprews and carefully use tweezers to install the parts. I’ve always used Super Glue - but very little, and only when I have to…
Thanks, everyone, for the hints. I have been “test fitting” and I like Jeff’s ‘chopped needle’ trick, so I’ll make one of those and give it a go. Yoshi…I’m not sure if this forum is ready for my photog abilities…almost as good/bad as my modeling. I’ll see how it comes out and take photos as I go, but these detail parts may be too small to even be noticed on the loco…[:D][:D][:-^]
An alternative is to test fit and then use an ACC “pallet”. I use old plastic soft margarine containers placed on the work bench upside down. Put a few drops of ACC on the pallet and then dip the pin that’s to be attached into the ACC. If you get too much the excess can be shaken off. Insert part into hole and that should be that.
There are liquid poly cements out there with “needle” applicators - I use a Revell one but I’m sure there are others. This allows you to put a tiny spot of cement just where you want it. My favoured trick for attaching parts to a bodyshell (where possible) is to add the glue from inside - it will be drawn into the joint by capillary action and this avoids the risk of glue marks on the outside of the shell.
Matt…that’s another good idea, but again would involve me taking the engine apart. I suppose I’m going to have to do that, just to get the boiler off. Oh well. I need to bite this bullet and do it…carefully…note where screws go…baggies for parts, etc. etc. Now I need to raid the junk drawer in the kitchen and see if I can find a large enough needle…