Model Railway Forum

New here, see the into section.

Xmas time I bought some card building kits to make up during the down time. These were Metcalfe kits in N gauge. Really nice kits, and I put them together using UHU clear adhesive. They then got put away as it will be a long time before I'm at the stage to use them.

Looking at them recently, they're in a tin with tweezers that I needed for something else, and I find various parts of them have sprung open.

This is exceedingly disappointing. Is UHU not really the thing to use? Obviously I had to apply it very sparingly.

I've use UHU on card kits in the past, but due to the stringing nature of the glue I now use either PVA woodworking glue or Roket card glue.

I'm guessing, but if the UHU was only applied very thinly and sparingly then it may come apart, as the card will suck some of the glue into itself.

Rocket card glue best for Metcalfe kits IMHO

Deluxe Speed Bond is another good option.

PVA wood glue for the card/paper and UHU for plastic bits like window glass. Lasts for ever. Very important to hold the surfaces firmly together until dry. Bulldog clios are good. I have some over 40 years old still in one piece.

OK thanks chums. Looks like a different pick for a suitable adhesive should be on the cards (see what I did there?).

I'll have to see if the buildings I've done so far can be saved, they seem to have kind of set in their new positions. I've got a set of steps up to the signal box that even a Dalek could manage now dammit.

BTW - N gauge is a lousy pick for someone with these sausage fingers.

I use PVA as it is a LOT cheaper than Roket Card Glue. Also it is easier to use, you can just splash it on and wipe off the excess!

Roket card glue example.. https://deluxematerials.co.uk/products/roket-card-glue Note there is no "C" in the name.

PVA example ..
https://www.bakerross.co.uk/mini-washab ... VA example
But any woodworking PVA will do and works well.

UHU make a solvent free glue which is not stringy and seems to hold ok after period of time.

The problem I have with glues in general is finding solvents that I can use to clean out the Metcalf glue bottles with the thin spouts; otherwise the glue gets more grungy every time I refill. PVA and water are OK, bur balsa wood , UHU etc are a pain.

Rgds

I tried those bottles, found them to be worse than useless. I stick with (pun intended) Roket glue applied with a cocktail stick on small parts.