Fixing a bent LG strut

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
1

I am just about finished with my 1/72 Airfix P-51 and one of my LG struts is bent pretty bad. I am afarid I will break it trying to bend it back, any help is appreciated.

Thanks

2

Use a hair dryer to warm the part so that it softens a bit. A hair dryer allows more control Using an open flame is more drastic.

if more catastrophically bent go ahead and cut apart at the bend. Drill holes in each part and insert a wire for strength.

3

Thanks I will give it a try.

4

Hold it under hot running water and carefully bend it by hand.

5

I would make up a jig with the other gear designed to straighten the bent gear. Then plunge the bent gear into very hot water from a pan on the stove, and set it on the jig and let it cool.

6

There is a device known as a stamping iron, used by scrapbookers to make printing stamps. It is available at Micheals (where I got mine), and probably at other crafts/hobby stores. It is a mini version of a heat gun, with a lower temperature and airflow, but certainly enough to soften plastic. I find much less list of overheating the plastic. They cost $25-30 bucks. I find it nice for softening decals too.

7

All good ideas thanks everyone. I wound up using a lightbulb to heat it up and bend it back into shape.

This is my first plastic aircraft in 40 years but won’t be the last, I have the P-40 and Spitfire waiting in line.