I am working on a Mig-29 and a SU-27 at this time. I wanted more detial in the cockpits, so I found aftermarket cockpits for each. The new cockpits are made of resin. I have never worked with this material and have a couple of questions about it.
What is the best way to attach it to the plastic of my kit? I guessed that superglue would be best but really have no idea what is the best bonding agent to use.
How does resin accept paint? Does it need to be primed before painting?
Also, The cockpits have photo-etched parts. You guessed it, I’ve never used them either.
What is the best way to bond the photo etched parts?
RS,
Priming the resin parts will help with paint adhesion (be sure to wash the heck out of them with detergent before you use them), make sure you use a respirator or mask if you saw or sand (can’t be too careful with the dust), and attach with superglue. You might need to slightly grind off bits of the fuselage wall to get the cockpit tubs to fit - just work slowly - and as they say in woodworking, measure twice, cut once. You can always take a little bit more off, but it’s hard to put it back.
With the photo-etched parts, superglue is the go as well, but sometimes, for really delicate parts that will be protected from fingers, I sometimes use thinned white glue, paint or even Future to attach them. Painting these parts should be just like painting any other part of the model - just use care and patience.
Be a little careful when detaching the etched parts from the frets - sometimes the little bits can become airborne and can either disappear forever or hit you in the eye - that can ruin your whole day. Maybe lay a piece of tape over the whole fret and when you cut, the bit simply detaches from the fret but stays stuck to the tape - easier and safer.
Good luck and post some pictures of the Mig29 or the Su27 when they’re done
Lee Tree
With those photo-etch parts, first wash them with laquer thinner. This will get rid of any residue from the etch process. Second, you may need to heat them with a match (especially if their steel) to anneal the part. This will allow you to bend them to the shapes you need. It also makes for sharper 90deg. angles. Super glue is good for most gluing. If you need to add a filler to the resin you will have to use an automotive filler or milliputt. The later is best as it will not eat the plastic like some car fillers and it adheres to everything. Very easy to sand and shape too. This was the only filler I used on a resin a/c recently. Any probs. e-mail me direct.
Drew