Preserving fragile kit plans

[thibaultron]

I have recently purchased an old Model Shipways (Yellow Box) model of the Benjamin Latham. I bought the older kit as it is 1/96th scale (close to a couple other fishing schooner kits I have), rather than the newer larger 148th kit they now offer. My problem is that the kit plans have aged to the point that they are quite brittle, to much so to simply have them photocopied. In addition they are folded, and are ripping in places. I am thinking of mounting them on a larger sheet, then having them copied and using the copies during building. Are there any suggestions on what adhesive to use, that would give some time to arrange the pieces, or some way to "soften" them, while still allowing for mounting? I think just taping them will only cause the plans to rip near the tape.

 

[mtaylor]

I've used spray mount (3M product) but it doesn't give you a whole lot of time to fix it.   If it's that brittle, rubber cement might work.  Put it on the mounting surface and then put the plan down on it.   The problem is, any adhesive will probably grab pretty quickly. 

 

Have you tried contacting Model Expo and see if they have the old ones available?

[ExtraTitanian]

If they're that fragile, it might just be better to get a flat bed scanner with the highest DPI possible, arrange the pieces upside-down and scan them into a computer. Then fix them up in photoshop or GIMP or something. It'll save all the time and wear of trying to manipulate them (and some adhesive) around onto a sheet of cardboard or stockpaper or something.

[jud]

Think I would seal them in an air tight container with a damp sponge for a few days, sponge not in contact with the folded plans. Might allow the plans to be opened without damage. If not, let the moisture stabilize back to normal and try something else. Might be some product out there intended for that use other than water.

jud

Edited April 27, 2014 by jud

[thibaultron]

Thanks for the help! I'll try the sponge in the tube first, when I get back from vacation. I have some 4" PVC, I just need to get a couple end caps, and a union (cut a piece of plastic for the center to keep the plans and sponge separate). I can open the plans but don't want to handle them much, until I can strengthen them.

The Model Expo plans are for 1/48th POB, rather than the kits 1/96th solid hull, and cost more than I paid for the model. I'm going to keep track of their sales though, sometimes they have the plans on discount for reasonable prices. I did stumble across the instruction book for the 1/48th solid hull the succeeded this kit, so I now have much better instructions than the few page typed ones that came with the original kit.

[rafterrat_2005]

I know what you mean by being fragile, I once found a newspaper from the Civil War and gave it to the local library. Have you thought about taking a picture with a cell phone? This might work for you as I have seen people doing this on a phone. 

[thibaultron]

I used my flatbed scanner, and carefully scanned them.  It took several scans as mine is a letter size scanner, but I got them. Had to be gentle with them.