Glueing gun carriages onto the deck of a model ship?

[Smile-n-Nod]

I build the Corel Wasa Battle Station kit back in the early 1990s.  I recently discovered that many of the small parts that I had glued in place using cyanoacrylate have come loose.  That discovery prompts three questions:

 

1) How long does cyanoacrylate (CA, or superglue) last on a model?

2) Would could I have used instead that would last longer?

3) On old ship models, such as Admiralty models, how were gun carriages and other such "loose" items held in place?

[Gregory]

If it comes loose it is because there wasn't a strong bond to begin with.

 

A good bond with CA depends on both surfaces being rough or porous.

If either surface has paint or varnish that is smooth, it will not bond well, except to the paint or varnish, and will separate easily taking the paint or varnish off with it.

 

1.

A good CA bond should last many 10's  of years if not indefinitely.  It forms a layer that is essentially plastic between the two surfaces.

 

2.

You could have used epoxy, it tends to adhere to non-porous surfaces better than CA.  However, if used on finished surfaces, it can break apart, taking the finish with it.

 

Quote

3) On old ship models, such as Admiralty models, how were gun carriages and other such "loose" items held in place?

 

The pieces may have been fastened with hidden nails or pegs.

Edited March 8, 2021 by Gregory

[kurtvd19]

I have stuff that was glued with C/A - Eastman 910 one of the first C/As and at that time (late 1990s) not easily obtained by the general public - that is still holding.

[Jaager]

7 minutes ago, Smile-n-Nod said:

On old ship models, such as Admiralty models, how were gun carriages and other such "loose" items held in place

The glue that they used is most likely a version of what is now termed glue pot hide glue.

 

In the several discussions here about CA, it was stated that the present formulations of CA have a longer life for an effective bond.  I still will not touch the stuff,  but you will not have any conflict if you use it unless you build something for a serious museum.  Given that the fad with museums is electronic flash, it will probably be another generational turnover before or  if there is a pendulum swing back to bunches of physical specimens on display.

 

I second Gregory on the physical attachment being used in addition to a chemical bond.

[Smile-n-Nod]

My little Wasa Battle Station has many small items that were spot-glued onto the deck (which is made of wood, and is coated with some sort of clear  finish--I don't remember what).

 

A pin would not work well in that case.  Any suggestions?

[Gregory]

6 minutes ago, Smile-n-Nod said:

Any suggestions?

Roughen the surface to be glued and re-apply CA 

If it is a very small area, use a very small bur with a rotary tool.. The glue needs to penetrate the area.

I would use medium CA.