glue types

[Scott K]

have purchased the Revell "visible V-8" engine model and the instructions state to use "epoxy" glue for the clear parts as "styrene" glue will "fog" these parts ...what glue should I purchase Thank you

[Mark]

Epoxy will be two parts, that must be mixed fully in the correct proportion (usually 1:1 of each) in order to properly cure.  Look for one that dries clear, and steer clear of "dollar store" stuff.

[SfanGoch]

Use methylene chloride, which is used as a a solvent cement to bond plexiglass when constructing clear display cases. Weld-On 3 is available in hardware stores and real arts & craft supply stores.

[peteski]

While Methylene Chloride results in crystal clear joints on  Plexiglas, in my experience it will craze clear polystyrene (makes it crackled/frosty).  It wont fog the parts, but if the joint area is visible, there might be some crazing.  I suppose that if it is applied very sparingly, it might look ok.

Instructions are correct that epoxy adhesive will not "fog" the clear parts, but using epoxy is a bit of a hassle. Its 2 parts have to be thoroughly mixed, and it takes some time to set, so the parts need to be taped or held together until the glue hardens.

Edited September 16, 2021 by peteski

[SfanGoch]

I don't believe there are any clear parts in the kit which require cementing together in a horizontal manner; so, any visible joint area will be negligible. Most. if not all, joint areas will be perpendicular to each other. Brush the mating surfaces with the methylene chloride. Clamp or hold the two parts tightly together and carefully apple the solvent along the joint. Capillary action will draw the solvent into the joint. Whatever crazing there is will be limited to the immediate area of the bonded joint. This can be polished out and make it nearly invisible.

Edited September 16, 2021 by SfanGoch

[Dave G.]

Back when dinosaurs were roaming the earth I put one of those together. They didn't have good clear parts glue that I knew of back then so probably epoxy was the recommended glue. Even at that back then most epoxies yellowed in relatively short time. But today I'd just use what I use on all my clear parts, Testors clear parts glue.  Simple one step solution, holds well, dries clear.

Edited September 16, 2021 by Dave G.