Model Trains and Layouts
Model trains are usually bought pre-made, and perhaps painted and customised with model decals. Much of the building with the model train hobby is in the layout. Train enthusiasts spend a lot of time building realistic stations and buildings on city or country landscapes. This takes substantial skill and creativity.
Most model train layouts are made of wood, which is painted and further modified with artificial grass and other materials. Solid woodworking skills are important here.
Most scale buildings for railways are relatively small, making the building process tricky, or at least in need of specific skill and methods. Buildings are often too small for nails and screws, so strong adhesive are used instead.
One excellent way to join wood for model buildings is with epoxy glues. These are quite strong, more than strong enough for small models, and easy to work with if we know the right method.
Epoxy resins, like Araldite, are ideal for wood, and most other materials. These come in two part packaging. We mix the to parts together in equal amounts shortly before using, and they set under almost any conditions.
Use Epoxy for Timber
When we join two pieces of timber together with epoxy we need to slightly roughen the surfaces that are to be attached. Use a small file or sandpaper for this roughening. Then mix the epoxy, you only need a small amount, and put the pieces of timber together. Use a small plastic clamp or pegs to hold the pieces in place till the epoxy sets. Most epoxy glues set in 30 minutes. 5 minute Araldite takes only 5 minutes. Some stronger epoxy takes 24 hours.
A Model train layout will be built on a large wooden board supported by a frame. This can be put together with epoxy, and perhaps some screws or nails. As this frame will need to support the whole weight of the train and the scale model buildings we suggest using the strongest epoxy available. 24 hour Araldite or ship building epoxy are the best options.
Scale Models
If any scale models are damaged we may need to repair them with glue. Epoxy is good for some larger repairs. Smaller repairs can be done with super glue. Use tweezers to position small parts, and use a tiny amount of superglue.
Model Trains and Scale Models
We can add tiny details to models by using plastic model decals. Decal paper can be used to print any decal design on a home computer and printer.
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