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Separating Glued Plastic Parts
An unusual question from Rick who has OO trains:
“I have recently bought used Triang/Hornby hopper bridge parts. Unfortunately, the two R85 supports that I want had been glued to the bridge. I have no idea what type of glue has been used. I have read methods of unglueing including deep freezing for a few hours before prying apart, but I would welcome comments only from anyone who has attempted to separate R85s from R82 – successfully or failed, please. My model is chilling out in my freezer while I await replies with bated breath.”
6 Responses to Separating Glued Plastic Parts
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I think these are made of polystyrene plastic. If ordinary polystyrene adhesive has been used, neat separation is almost impossible, as the adhesive contains solvent to melt the pieces together.
If poorly glued, it may possible to separate the parts with a fine modelling knife, or a small screwdriver ground to a chisel point.
Or you can cut the plastic with a fine razor saw, or a fine circular saw blade in a rotary tool.
If it’s a neat, straight joint, Frank B’s suggestion of cutting with a razor saw is probably the best option. You can always replace the ‘lost’ plastic where the saw cut was made with plasticard of a suitable thickness. I would do it that way if it was my problem.
The guys are right, patience, a bit of uninterrupted time and space and a good, fine razor saw will get the job done.
Someone makes a very fine tooth saw blade that looks like a #11 knife blade. I have used them with success. Take your time when sawing because the saw blades are super thin and flexible.
I have bought mine on ‘Micro Mark’ and have seen them on eBay also. Happy Railroading.
Thank you all for your advice. While waiting for this week’s blog to appear, I made several attempts to separate the parts by hand. After three days in the freezer, and varying amounts of force, the pieces finally came apart. You were right, Frank; not the neatest separation, but hey! Success! I’m delighted to be able to use the two R85 supports on my current layout. Again, thanks for taking the time to reply. Cheers, Rick.