Metal and resin kits

[tog]

Hi all,

I've recently got a model car off ebay, a Monofe kit, but it is made of metal parts with a resin body. While I am familiar with the basic techniques of building Airfix type plastic kits, I've never built anything like this before. It was quite expensive so I don't want to cock it up. What type of glues and paints should I use? I presume that traditional polystyrene cement won't hold the metal properly, but will normal Humbrol paints work OK? Any tips?

Here's what it looks like now:







This is what I want it to look like!

[gopher]

You're right about the polysterene cement not working, you'll be needing cyanoacrylate (super glue) or epoxy resin. The super glue will give you the instant bond useful where the parts are difficult to clamp but is fairly weak. The epoxy gives a stronger bond but does have a setting time, get both you'll soon see where to use one or the other.

Your humbrol enamels will be fine as long as they have a good key, Halfords primer (the grey is good for a neutral undercoat and for spotting blemishes) - a couple of thin coats with a light sandingpolish between coats will be fine - make sure you give the parts a wash in warm water and a little washing up liquid first.

looks nice, good luck.

[viper paul]

Some great instructions can be found here

www.grandprixmodels.co.uk/newspages/help.htm

[Zad]

Don't use cyanoacrylate on the transparent parts though, over time they will frost up. Use epoxy or PVA.

[gopher]

Zad said:

Don't use cyanoacrylate on the transparent parts though, over time they will frost up. Use epoxy or PVA.

Good point, in fact they will frost immediately in some cases. Although if you dip them in "future" or "Johnson Klear" floor polish as we Brits call it the super glue will have no effect and it also makes for very nice shiny windows

[tog]

That's all useful info, thanks! I'll let you know how it turns out.

[72twink]

Or just buy the book by one of the more respected manufacturers/builders.

www.marshmodels.com/43rd.asp

Great subject - keep us all posted !

[iain_cam]

I recently completed a Starter resin kit, and found the Grand Prix Models info very helpful. I'd agree with giving the parts a very good was after rubbing down, before applying spray primer until all-over coverage is achieved. I used a wire coat hanger to hang the body on while doing this.

The exterior paint should be sprayed again, and the interior is best sprayed in a single colour then detailed with fine brushes and potted paint. For glue I used Kristal Klear, from Grand Prix Models.

Cheers,
Iain