KenP

I've only just started this card modelling stuff. Reason is that I am building a Fleetscale Missouri at 1:128 scale and the GPM Card Model at 1:200 scale goes a long way to filling in numerous details.
Having said that, I also want to build the card model.
The instructions call for "backing" card of 0.8mm togeter with the printed card to give a thickness of 1.0mm for the decks , superstructure etc.
I can only get 0.4mm card, made by Canford, so I guess I will have to use two thicknesses of this plus the printed card. What is the right glue to use to stick large sheets of card together?. I am preparing to use PowerPritt glue sticks, is this OK? This appears to be the only paper/card glue available from the normal hobby/stationary shops.

paperjerry

I suggest to go with UHU glue (you know, the yellow tube). I always use that one for everything on paper models.
I think PowerPritt glue sticks may form an uneven coat between your cards, creating little "bumps", unless you really do it in the most careful manner.

Bunkerbarge

I think as with most things a bit of experimentation is important.

The trouble is with water based glues such as PVA there is a tendancy for the card to warp with the moisture. However with spirit based glues such as UHU you don't get as good a coverage and the glue dries out when you are covering a large area.

If it was me I would use a watered down PVA glue and clamp the card flat with either weights or clamps whilst the glue sets.

GEEDUBBYA

Howdy Ken, guys,

UHU is good, and really anything that will give a good even coating will work, Some people use the adhesive aerosols. I personally have even used wood glue when I was out of everything else and I knew that it was not going to be in an area that would show.
As for thicknesses, well, card models are forgiving for the most part, getting as close as you can get is usually good enough. and again, if you mess up a part, you just print anopther part out and work from there.
If you dont like the colors of a particular model, you can take it to a photo editing program and change the colors. For the most part, nothing is an "Absolute" with card models.
Now when you get into internal formers in aircraft, and you have to use a strip of paper around the former to glue the "aircraft skin" onto, then thicknesses are abit more important and I guess that could be said of ships internal formers also, but, not being a ship builder myself, I havent dealt with that problem before.
So, get as close to the thickness as you can, use whatever adhesive works best for you, some people just work better with certain types of materials including glue.
If you have any more questions feel free to ask, I may not be on at the time, but I will respond to any question I can answer..... and even some I cant answer lol.


Have a good day,

Greg aka GW


ps, if you want a more widely varied answer to any questions on cardmodels, visit www.cardmodels.net They would love to have you there and will answer any questions they can. I am currently trying to show modellers from each site (this one and the other) that the members are welcome at both sites and each site has something to offer the members of the other.

thewoodengraver

I use good ol' Elmers Glue All. You can "clamp" your parts between a heavy book for example and there will be no warpage.

wonwinglo

I think that Elmers must be the equivalent of one of our PVA white glues here in the UK ? there is another variation on the PVA stuff which dries a bit more rubbery,more of a schoolastic type adhesive that is generally available from stationers shops.
The other variation is the aliphaetic resin type of adhesive,this tends to have a yellow tinge to it,but the grab factor is excellent,for internal work this would work very well on card.
I Always find that UHU yellow/black tubes makes a good general purpose and card adhesive.

__________________
'And there I was oil on my goggles from a broken pipe,then I looked at the altimeter,all I could see was the makers name !'
www.wonwinglo.scale-models.net/

BigJBB

Hello all, I think the glue Barry is thinking of is "Copydex" usually in 250ml & 500ml bottles with a built in application brush to the lid. Fond memories of getting this stuff everywhere ! also has a lovely aroma (maybe this is where kids pick up the glue sniffing habit ) and can be found in any good commercial stationers. Come to think of it I'll just have to go and get some to re-live my youth as I've progressed to CA and Evo stick types now :grin: which is great working in an industrial supply company.

All the above irreverent references are meant in a light-hearted manner.

cheers

Jim

__________________
enjoy model boating on www.paddleducks.co.uk and www.edinburghmodelboatclub.org

Amazyah

Hello All,

I've had a lot of trouble getting good card board at various thickness' so I also have been making my own for a while.

I use a spray adhesive from a company called Duro. It comes in a can like spray paint and applies pretty much the same way..

You can get a nice even coating of glue fairly quickly so I usually make a dozen boards at a time so I will have some for quite a while. After putting the boards together I press them under a large stack of books over night.
The result is a flat, sturdy board that remains consistent from one to the next.

3M makes a spray adhesive also, called Super 77 but it usually costs twice as much as the Duro.

These sprays, if not available in a hobby store, can usually be found where you get home building supplies.

As Bunkerbarge mentioned, experimentation is important, to find what works best for you and what you are most comfortable with.

Hope this helps some.

Russell

GEEDUBBYA

Howdy Russel,

Thats a very good tip that I am sure will help someone, especially people new to cardmodeling.

Have a good day,

Greg