Help with Modeltown Engine Shed

JimmyB

JimmyB

Now retired - trains and fishing
Country flag
I have a Modeltown engine shed, and thought it was time to start assembly. On removing the parts (as suspected) most of them are bowed, and the "Tips" suggest heating in a an oven at 50C for a few minutes until pliable, place on a flat surface and apply a heavy weight - easy!!

So the sides were treated to 50C for 5 minutes, then 10 minutes, and the temperature rising to 70C for 15 minutes, and though slightly pliable not enough to get them completely flat. So my questions are:
  1. Is method correct.
  2. Is the temperature correct.
  3. Is the time correct.
  4. What do YOU do.
  5. Or, am I expecting to much.
So any advise on getting these parts flat would be appreciated, also a supplementary question, I was going to use a two part adhesive to stick the parts together, what do YOU use. Many thanks for all the anticipated answers :) :)
 
I thought the instructions say run hot water over the offending pieces.
I use Uni bond Repair Extreme, seems to last well (5 or 6 years outside, so far). It's also flexible to allow for expansion and contraction
 
Last edited:
Instructions from my moldings supplier, CMA Moldform, 20 years ago, when dealing with a distorted resin molding was to place in hot water on a flat surface (in a kitchen sink) so that the molding would return (no manual intervention) to its intended shape. We are assuming that on some part of the molding there is a flat reference plane. I would think that placing in an oven might be a bit aggressive and could risk damage to some resins.

I was told quick cure resins, like the now commonly used Polyurethane types, have a "memory" so if distorted after molding they will always return to the shape as molded with this method. No guideline temperatures were advised, I just used the the hot tap water as it came, though and would top up with some water from a freshly boiled kettle if necessary. Once the molding has settled back to its intended shape just add cold water gently to allow it to set.

I've pulled the same trick with some old built Pendlebury resin buildings that had been out a bit too much in direct sun, where the differential rates of expansion (bits in full sun bonded to those in shade) had caused distortion - I disassemble the buildings first. Hope this helps. Max

P.S. You could ask Modeltown for their their recommended method. They probably have had to rectify moldings at some point or another,. It's one of those things that can happen to the best suppliers.
 
You forgot to baste regularly and fill the rear door with sage and onion stuffing.

David
 
JimmyB said:
As you will see from the attached Modeltown instructions it is clearly in an oven at 50C, I will ask Modeltown as suggested.
Click to expand...
50 deg C is quite mild for an oven - but it's roughly the same as temperature that a boiler on E (as in economy / efficiency / green) mode will produce for your hot water.
 
JimmyB said:
As I said in the original post, I mover the temperature up to 70C as 50C is quite cool.
Click to expand...
Yep, I was just thinking aloud that either the oven method or the hot water are both working at similar temperatures.

Probably not a lot of help as neither 50 deg C nor 70 deg C have done the trick so far :rolleyes::rolleyes:
 
JimmyB said:
The post is here :)
Click to expand...

It might be better if you could indicate the "page" number Jimmy - there's nearly 1500 postings on the thread! Me, with my poor internet and carp Win10, couldn't find it!
 
JimmyB said:
Mike, click the link and it takes you to the post, but it is #883 :)
Click to expand...
Jimmy - you are right. I was thinking it was this year that you posted the pictures! Sorry!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom