How to re-create a lost part

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Techniques
1

Hi,

Yesterday I made something really stupid - decided to wash a part from my Tamiya Porsche Carrera GT kit under running water over the sink. Of course I dropped it and it went through the net (I still don’t understand how it fit there but it did). I took apart all the pipes under the sink, no succcess, the part is gone. I am really angry on myself and learnt a lesson but now I am stuck how to get the part replaced.

I know in USA it would not be a problem, I could just order the frame the part was in and done. However here in Mexico it is a bit more difficult. The local Tamiya dealer told me they don’t provide this service. I could still buy it in Europe (as I am not Mexican) but that will take me 5 more months…

So I am thinking - the part is relatively small and it is not unique, I have another one. I bought yesterday some epoxy glue and that thicker plasticine like one, too (two rods that need to be mixed together). In theory I could just make a mold from the epoxy plasticine and let it dry. Then I may use the same plasticine to make the missing model piece. It would be enough that the piece is perfect from one side, from the other I could grind it down. I am a little hesitant tho:

  1. Will I be able to get the epoxy piece out of the epoxy mold once the piece dried? Or should I take it out before?

  2. What adhesive do I use to paste an epoxy part to a plastic model part? I am scared it will keep falling off.

  3. Any better ideas?

Thanks, all comments appreciated!

P.

2

You should mold the part in soft clay that dries in the air . That way shrinkage is not much of an issue . Then just take your pliers and carefully break off the mold exposing your new piece . Glue the piece to another surface with cyanoacrylate glue (SUPER GLUE ) Slow cure formula and after about 60 seconds hit it with the ZAP .That,s a chemical that makes the " super glue " set up quicker . If you are not making a big part you can actually use aluminum foil as a mold . tankerbuilder

3

Tankbuilder’s suggestion sounds good and easy to do. I’ll give it a try.

Pocolashon, I live down here too and I share your pain with the Mexican Tamiya dealer. Unfortunately, they are the only one in the country and have no idea of what customer service is… they’re only good at raising prices beyond reach.