Storm-sewer catch basins

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

Hey everyone,

I am attempting to make roads using Lou Sassi’s method in his volume 1 and 2 books of How to Build Model Railroad scenes. In both books, he uses Weld Bond to glue the Storm-sewer catch basins by SS Ltd. Is it okay to use CA instead of Weld Bond to glue the Storm-sewer catch basins to the styofoam?

Thanks

Andy

2

I would recommend that you do not use CA to bond anything to styrofoam, unless you can appreciate how effectively solvents can dissolve styrofoam. While I have my own preference to make abond like you are desiring , what you really need is one of the “tacky” craft glues . These glues are water based, and are safe to use on styrofoam. If you have protected the styrofoam with a thin layer of plaster, for example, using a CA type adhesive for a speedy bond will work quite nicely. The bond will be brittle, but the styrofoam will be intact.

3

Styrofoam is not all that easy to work with. Here, Br. John Pat tries to remove a wall between a former freezer and an existing walk-in cooler. After working most of the afternoon, this is all that he was able to remove. And there is another 4" of foam on the other side of that tar covered 2" cement block wall.

Silicone Caulk. That is the LION’S universal do everything glue.

ROAR

4

You could use CA safely as long as the foam is painted. Other adhesives mentioned would be a better choice. Also if using CA, do “wick” any excess immediately especially if the detail has openings or screenlike. I will set grates/ screening w/ CA, but on painted plaster, Durham’s Water Putty or Durabond 90.

5

Do you think that Aleene’s Original Tacky Glue would do the trick with the storm basins?

6

That would be one reasonable choice. Another, stronger ( at least on my layout) choice would be Ultimate Tacky from Crafter’s Pick.

Don H.

7

You write about using CA to glue storm-sewer catch basins. Stealing your thread for distantly related topic: Would you believe using CA CAPS (from Elmer’s Super Glue) to model concrete box culverts and storm drains?

The inset at top left is another kind of super glue cap which could be entrance to Kiddyland Castle park or part of a miniature golf course.

Disclaimer: I have no financial interest in Elmer’s Glue. It’s just inexpensive and available at supermarket.

8

I like it! Very nice repurposing of an ordinary irem for modeling use.[tup]

Don H.