Tamiya Brabham bt44B

[Nix P]

Hi, I’m looking at resurrecting a very old model of a Tamiya Brabham bt44B which has been hiding in my loft for at least 40 years. Some of the delicate suspension parts are broken, could someone recommend a good strong plastic modelling adhesive for the repair of these small and fragile parts.

Many thanks

[The_Jackal]

Tamiya Extra Thin is always the best for Styrene as it welds rather than glues two halves together.
Much has moved on since you last modelled.

[dr_gn]

Get a decent set of pin drills and some thin brass wire. Drill about 5mm per side slightly oversized, secure the pins with Araldite and dot some liquid cement on the face of the joint. Keep them aligned and leave for 24 hours, flat the joint and paint.

I’ve just done something similar on the stupidly fragile wing struts of an Airfix biplane:

[Nix P]

Thanks very much for the replies, do you recommend the normal Tamika extra thin cement or the fast drying ? Also how long does the normal take to cure and do I apply it to both mating surfaces ?
Not sure if I’ve got the skills to drill holes in the ends of these tiny pieces without making a complete mess of things, so I will try the cement.

Thanks again

[dr_gn]

Nix P said:

Thanks very much for the replies, do you recommend the normal Tamika extra thin cement or the fast drying ? Also how long does the normal take to cure and do I apply it to both mating surfaces ?
Not sure if I’ve got the skills to drill holes in the ends of these tiny pieces without making a complete mess of things, so I will try the cement.

Thanks again

I use Tamiya extra thin for a lot of things. Darkish green top I think rather than the bright lime green one. Just hold the ends together and dot the cement on. I’d leave it 24 hours.

If it’s a part that’s loaded, it might break again. The bonded interface will be slightly harder and more brittle than the surrounding material. Some of the later Tamiya wishbones (the ‘90’s cars are least) were made of ABS, so you may need a different cement. Yours is an earlier kit, so may be ok.

[generationx]

Remember this kit was rereleased relatively recently so spare spruces may be available on the usual auction sites, or even your Tamiya importer. Good luck, it builds in to a great model!

[kuro]

May give this a go. I built one as a kid and then another original release about 15 years ago. Broke one of the front hub assembly ball joints and never could figure out a way of fixing it.

[dr_gn]

kuro said:

May give this a go. I built one as a kid and then another original release about 15 years ago. Broke one of the front hub assembly ball joints and never could figure out a way of fixing it.

If you've got a pin drill and some decent bits, it's honestly not difficult. If you drill slightly oversize in both parts for the brass rod, and fill the gap with Araldite, you don't even have to align the holes perfectly, so long as the plastic part interface matches. The Araldite will sort it all out. Put a dot of liquid cement around the join and it'll be stronger than the original.

[Nix P]

Kuro, I’m very inspired seeing your Brabham although mines not in such good condition as yours where the white bodywork has yellowed over the years.
I’ve been experimenting with Tamiya extra thin cement by trying to glue together the ends of plastic sprue without much success, any advice would be welcome, maybe I’m not leaving it long enough to cure.

[kuro]

Nix P said:

Kuro, I’m very inspired seeing your Brabham although mines not in such good condition as yours where the white bodywork has yellowed over the years.
I’ve been experimenting with Tamiya extra thin cement by trying to glue together the ends of plastic sprue without much success, any advice would be welcome, maybe I’m not leaving it long enough to cure.

I haven't tried any repairs yet. To be honest the car is displayed and sits fine on the wheels so I may leave it. I sprayed mine white and it still looks as good as the day I finished it in 2005.