I am about to install some new figures on my layout.
In the past, I have used hot glue, and I intend to use it once again, but I am looking for some advice before I start.
I have used white glues in the past such as Woodland Scenics Scenic Accents and Aleene’s Tacky Glue, but I prefer to stay with hot glue.
But, there are two problems with using hot glue. One, it leaves trails as it dries. Two, it sets fast that sometimes it is dried before the figure is affixed to the layout.
Any suggestions on using hot glue without encountering these drawbacks?
I typically apply the hot glue directly from the heat gun to the feet of the figure. Would it make more sense to keep the hot glue heated in a separate pot and then apply it with a tooth pick to the feet of the figures?
I look forward to your advice and hearing about your experience.
I use Goop, a clear silicon adhesive that can be purchased at any hardware or big box store. It doesn’t seem to matter whether it is labeled as automotive, craft, household, plumbing or other type, because they all seem to be exactly the same.
I find that Allene’s Tacky to work well. Not sure if I would attempt hot glue for the reasons you have found. Liquid Nails also has a clear “contact cement” in the gold tube. This has worked great for purposes like this. I initially used it to place scale cedar shingles for doll house construction. Have since used it in place of Goo and other cements. For figures that are not nec permanent, you always can use the small clear styrene base.
If you’re placing figures on a critical position on a highly detailed piece, wood platforms, stairs etc, many times CA would be my choice. This way you get instant set and applied w/ toothpick will not show any “mess”. Of coarse CA is brittle, has not flexing at all. The Clear Liquid nail will set quickly as Goo, and doesn’t string like other cements.
You can buy hot glue that sets at a different rate. I have 30 second and 90 second. It also melts at different temperatures.
My daughter uses the glue gun (you can just see it in the foreground) to attach people to these strips for painting. They break off clean and easy when done. I use a dab of CA for gluing them to sidewalks and places where anything else would be noticed. Sometimes though I have made a little island on one of these strips and set the little guy on top of it. I then run the exacto knife under it and the person will sit where I put him. I do cover the base with dirt or whatever so you can’t see it. It makes for an easy move.
I also use Aileen’s Tacky glue. When I set up a figure who wants to fall over, I pick up an automobile from nearby and use it as a support. A while later, I look at the scene and say “What’s that old Chevy doing there?” Then I remember the new figure, put the car back on the street and the job is done.
Mr. B., I recall that you are a fan of Aleen’s Tacky Glue.
I just did an experiment with it by placing the glue on the feet of two figures, waiting about two minutes, then left the room. When I returned 10 minutes later, both figures had fallen over. I just do not like Aleen’s, it seems not to have any holding power.
I tend to move things around a lot on my layout, including figures. So I use different types of glues, depending on what I want to glue down. Fro figures I like to use double sided scotch brand tape, just a little piece around the feet works fine for me.
There is a real good tip in the latest installment of Cody’s office where he glues figures on to small clear sheets of styrene so they can be moved around, I thought that was a good idea! I think he was using white glue.
Cody used Scenic Accent Glue by WS. to glue the figures to the plastic… I have used it without the plastic and along with Hobby Tack, have had good results…
I use Woodland Scenics Accent Glue, as I like to be able to move the LPBs around. Very easy to use and it leaves no mark when the figure is taken elsewhere. It’s also useful when placing figures temporarily for taking photos.
I also used it for affixing bums to seats in my doodlebug. I’m not sure how often they’ll get moved, but if I want to do an illustrated story involving passengers and trains, it may prove useful.
For the same reason, I’ll probably use if for my loco crews, too, even though most will need to have their legs amputated at the top or even higher. These seated figures at least kept their upper legs:
