Styrene cement drying time

I use Tamiya Extra Thin,I assemble the whole side minus a couple of links,apply the glue,wait 30 minutes,then flex the entire run around the roadwheels,sprockets,and idlers,work in the sag if any,then I allow to dry overnight.The next day I carefully remove the run,paint,weather and put back on the tank,if it needs a link or two I will add them and close the loop. Here is an example

I never would've thought about your idea. Sounds like a wonderful creative solution. Thanks so much!

KnightTemplar5150

The "Magic Tracks" in that kit were designed to snap together, but they won't hold together long using that method. I remember forming short lengths of track to curve around the idler wheel and drive sprockets using Tamiya extra thin cement to bond things together, but with the long runs on the top and bottom, I used standard Testor's liquid cement. Allow it to sit for around 15 minutes to firm up, but remain flexible enough to form properly over the road wheels. With particularly stubborn links, just a touch of cement can be used to re-soften the bond to allow you to reposition the link a bit.

 

   Your suggestion sounds reasonable enough. My particular concern is being able to get the tracks in the shape required and then painting, weathering, etc. I plan on doing this by building up two separate track lengths per side. In this cas an upper and lower. This would allow me to avoid trying to mask off idler wheels et al. , with the tracks installed. 

Hello!

I think lacquer thinner should be just fine for you. Not all of them are the same, though, so it's worth it to make some test before the first serious use. Such thinner evaporates and dries more slowly than pure acetone or MEK, because there are some cheaper components mixed in and most of the time it makes it perfect for glueing plastic parts. Hope it helps, have a nice day

Paweł

The "Magic Tracks" in that kit were designed to snap together, but they won't hold together long using that method. I remember forming short lengths of track to curve around the idler wheel and drive sprockets using Tamiya extra thin cement to bond things together, but with the long runs on the top and bottom, I used standard Testor's liquid cement. Allow it to sit for around 15 minutes to firm up, but remain flexible enough to form properly over the road wheels. With particularly stubborn links, just a touch of cement can be used to re-soften the bond to allow you to reposition the link a bit.