i got the the actual weight problem fixed, i just cut the hooks off a bunch of extra lead fishing jigs and put them in the nosecone, BUT, late last night i had the bright idea to FILL it with MEK glue. Needless to say I’m now watching the nose slowly dissolve and collapse into itself.
The model is 1:48 hobbycraft a-4b and my questions are :
Are there any companies that do replacement parts? (i have already sent hobbycraft an email about this and am waiting a response)
What would i use to adhere the weghts? (i think i already know the answer and its probably to put them in 1 at a time with a drop of glue and slowly build it up until full) Or do you let them just rattle around?
Polystyrene does not like MEK. I usually fill the little gaps with a medium super glue. For large spaces I’ll use silicone caulk but you have to be very careful to not get any on the exterior or you will have serious paint problems. I also use the silicone for mounting small electric motors when needed.
Well, i got the part problem fixed. HC responded within an hour and is sending me the necesary stuff. Now that i’ve gone and done it, i realized i read somewhere that people were melting plastic forks in MEK to use for filler D’OH!!
Hey killer! Buy a Dial-a-weight tub of lead squeeze-on lead sinkers at your local tackle shop-you can clamp them on or use CA glue. BTW-I’ve had surfaces collapse with styrene glue-happens to the best, and worst of us.
I generally use 2-part epoxy to secure the nose weights in aircraft that have tri-cycle landing gear.The Expoxy is strong,bonds metal well,and will not harm the plastic in any way.
Well, I get my nose weights from Terry Dean, whenever I can. The fit is as close to perfect as you’ll find. All I need to do is add a couple drops of CA and its a done deal. No muss, no fuss.