Page 12 - June2018

The first step to a successful build is planning. After The popular choices to secure PE parts into place are
doing my research, I start by reading through the superglue (cyanoacrylate), epoxy and sometimes
various instructions. If adding aftermarket parts, you soldering. If there is a large enough bonding area,
will have multiple sets of instructions. The kit should superglue usually works well for tiny, light parts that
have an instruction set as well as the aftermarket parts aren’t subjected to any load that would cause them to
kits. Decide which kit parts you want to replace or pop free. One downside of superglue that I really don’t
augment with photo-etched parts. Don’t feel like is that it can “fog” clear parts like cockpit canopies so
compelled to use all of the photo-etched parts. you have to use caution. Epoxy usually provides a strong
hold, but it can be stringy and difficult to work with. Also,
Once you have decided which PE parts you want to
use, start removing them from their fret. I usually use epoxy can
specialty hobby scissors or a sharp hobby knife. The
hobby knife works best for most PE parts, especially
the small ones. Be sure to use a stiff cutting surface
such as an old compact disk. If the cutting surface
flexes too much it can distort the photo-etched part.
Tiny photo-etched parts are notorious for being
difficult to hold and for getting lost. I recommend
cutting them in an open cardboard box so that if they
do fly off the fret while cutting, they will be contained.
I also highly recommend purchasing some rubber
tipped tweezers to hold and manipulate the parts.
Otherwise, they tend to pop out of standard tweezers
and get lost.
Unlike resin parts which
have a three-
dimensional quality,
photo etched parts start
out flat. This is alright for
things like tiny gun sites,

spoked wheels, seat
belts and instrument panels. However, for other Looking to promote your business or event?
applications, the PE parts will need to be bent into Advertise with Prairie Planes and get the word out!
shape. Simple bending can be performed with a razor.
Rates are very reasonable and we work with you to
However, if you have a complex build with multiple PE
create the best ads for your business.
parts, you should consider purchasing a bending tool.
A variety are available such as Hold & Fold, Etch Mate Full Page: $100.00
and Mr. Fold-It. I use a Hold & Fold unit. The bending Half Page: $75.00
tool holds the PE part exactly in place while you bend
Quarter Page: $50.00
it with a razor or a larger blade like a Stanley utility
knife blade. Business Card: $20.00

Once the PE part is bent to your liking and fitted into 2 Line Ribbon Ad: $5.00
the model, it has to be secured into place.
Buy a one Year Campaign, pay for 10 months and get
Unfortunately, the polystyrene cement that you use to
glue plastic parts together will not work on photo- 2 months FREE!
etched metal parts sometimes be seen after the part is
cemented in. Solder can be an excellent choice for
metal-to-metal bonds.