Hi guys, you might say this post is jumping the gun on the start date a little but what I really want to show here is a product I have been using for a few years that has helped me a BUNCH. Most of my builds are started from a built-up of a kit I find for a cheap price or maybe is given to me. Sometimes this is a great way to get a kit or parts that would otherwise hurt the pocket book if you bought the kit new or bought a vintage out of production kit. I am sure some of you have tried to un-assemble a built kit or semi gloo-bomb and find that lots of parts get damaged beyond use. I have used the Freeze it method, soaking in Purple Power for days and some others but this has worked great for me. I use Testors Model Master Acryl, #50495 Dried Paint Solvent. I apply it to the joint with a small brush, just like you would liquid cement. Wait a few moments and pry on the part and presto! It takes care of the glue joint and I have a part intact. You then can file and sand the part and save much of you project. I don't know how this will work on super glue joints or heavy liquid cement areas but kits that were assembled years ago with tube glue come apart very well. If its a real gloo-monster, I would recommend you pass that example up. Here is a pic of the product.
Should you try this stuff and find you don't like the results, it is also a great brush cleaner for all kinds of paints. I have not found any it won't clean up. It will work on the plastic some but not like liquid cement or thinner. just rinse in some water when you finish your tear down and back to work.
Here is the 29 model A build up I started with. It had some heavy glue spots and thick paint.
I was able to break this thing down and only break one part, the rear bumper bracket, which I will not be using anyway. The whole mess went into the Purple Power bath for a day and much to my surprise I find it was molded in white!
The only thing I don't think I will be able to use is the wheels, which were assembled with at least a half tube of glue by the original builder. I have plenty of spares so that won't be a problem. With some sanding and files, I can have these parts ready for their new life soon. Next time you find that old built kit at the right price, pick up some of the Acryl and go for it. I have saved well over a dozen old bombs with this stuff. Next time, I should have some work done on the chassis of my 29 dirt racer.
Nothing ever fits……..and when it does, its the wrong scale.
To make mistakes is human. To blame it on someone else shows management potential.