White glue for test fit

[fcriscuo]

I currently use masking tape to perform a basic test fit before moving on to painting and assembly. I have seen comments and videos recommending using white glue (e.g. Elmer's) to perform a more thorough test assembly. Before trying this technique, I would appreciate help with the following questions:

1. How do you disassemble and clean the test assembly?

2. How complete should you make a test assembly? I've seen videos where the modeler used every non-clear part. I can't see much value in test-fitting most of the smaller parts and I imagine that it could be especially difficult to remove them later.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[jaymcminn]

Elmer's is fine. "Aileen's Tacky Glue" is better. The nice thing about white glue is that it doesn't sink into or otherwise react with the plastic and a lot of the time you can pull the assemblies apart and peel the glue off. If it's a bit stubborn, warm water will loosen up the glue. 

I mostly test assemble for clearance of major assemblies, stance, etc. No need to test-fit every little part unless you're concerned they may interfere with overall fit (air cleaners, radiator hoses, etc...) I'm actually surprised that anyone would exclude clear parts such as windshields from test-fitting as they can often be the biggest culprits in causing an interior tub not to fit!

[DJMar]

13 minutes ago, jaymcminn said:

Elmer's is fine. "Aileen's Tacky Glue" is better.

Agreed. Tacky Glue is a great temporary assembly adhesive. It is tacky and holds parts in place well. You don't need to use much, and that makes removing the dried glue afterwards that much easier.

[fcriscuo]

Thanks for the recommendation. I ordered some Aileen's Tacky Glue.

[Straightliner59]

10 hours ago, jaymcminn said:

"Aileen's Tacky Glue" is better.

Couldn't agree, more! It has better surface tension, I think. I also like that it remains pliable.

[Matt Bacon]

I haven’t tried it for trial assembly, but the Formula 560 Canopy glue I use for clear parts softens and is easily removable with water. It’s a clear PVA variant, same as white glue and Tacky Glue, so I suspect whichever you use, if you leave your trial-assembled build up in a washing up bowl of cold water for a few hours or overnight it’ll come apart and clean up really easily…

best,

M.

Edited November 28, 2024 by Matt Bacon

[Mike 1017]

20 hours ago, jaymcminn said:

Elmer's is fine. "Aileen's Tacky Glue" is better. The nice thing about white glue is that it doesn't sink into or otherwise react with the plastic and a lot of the time you can pull the assemblies apart and peel the glue off. If it's a bit stubborn, warm water will loosen up the glue. 

I mostly test assemble for clearance of major assemblies, stance, etc. No need to test-fit every little part unless you're concerned they may interfere with overall fit (air cleaners, radiator hoses, etc...) I'm actually surprised that anyone would exclude clear parts such as windshields from test-fitting as they can often be the biggest culprits in causing an interior tub not to fit!

I agree windows are the biggest culprits