Question - Best glue/cement for tacking things down...semi permanently

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Just wondering - I have a few model details I’d like to tack down - cement pipe loads onto a flatcar, figures and model vehicles on a diorama, buildings which may need to be lifted to add/fix lighting, and such things of that nature; the idea would be some sort of cement that holds fairly well/strongly but can be separated if needed, peels off without any damage or staining of the model items, and doesn’t go down all gloopy and thick (kinda letting Rubber Cement out of the question - at least the cheap kind from Staples I always end up getting).

I see a few different items at the Hobby Shop, but not sure if they are just derivatives of white glue, or if they are different beasts (and closer to what I seek).

2

Silicone caulking.

3

I like Aileen’s Tacky Glue for this. It’s a cheap craft-store item. Comes in a brown bottle for a couple of dollars.

It’s particularly good for figures. It holds as long as you leave them there, but you can get them up easily without damage.

4

I’ll second the Tacky Glue. (Wal Mart craft section) Works great for making trees too.

5

I have used hot glue to fix a few things down with some success on non porous surfaces

however if glueing to a porous surface it does tend to damage when pulled up

6

This sounds promising - how strong a bond does it make (could it, for example, secure die-cast vehicles?) and does it leave any residue when removed?

Thanks

7

For figures or small freight loads (track-hoes, bull dozers, etc)I use a little white glue. It’s also handy for holding down structures. If I have to get into the structure later to change out a light I can just pop it loose. To reattach it I just wet the glue and push the structure back down onto it.

8

It has about the same properties as white Elmers glue, but is thicker and more tacky. Any residue is usually easily pealed up when you move something.

9

Miniaturists (dollhouse builders) use a kind of tacky wax (it comes in a can sort of like shoe polish) and also poster putty (http://www.shoplet.com/office/db/DUCPTY2.html). This stuff is a tacky putty that will hold stuff to a wall, but let go without leaving a mark.