Category: Hints & Tips

In the spring of 2017 I learned something new. While working diligently on preparing as many models as we could for our public debut it seemed I always had a nasty cold or flu. This went on for about 8 weeks before I gave up and went to the doctor, who prescribed antibiotics for a sinus infection. 2 weeks later saw no improvement and it occurred to me my illness started when my aggressive modelling began, so I researched allergic reactions to glue. Sure enough, a small percentage of people are quite allergic to cyano acrylic (CA) or Super Glue. Severe congestion and cold-like symptoms would come on about 12 hours after exposure and last for 3 days (by which time I was assembling another model and repeating the cycle). I stopped using CA and the cold symptoms went away, but now have continual tinnitus buzzing in my ears ever since, which may not be the least bit related. I now have some special CA, the kind “approved for use on foam” and similar to the low allergic reaction version used in hospitals but try an avoid it unless necessary, both for my sake and for anyone else who might be allergic as well. Even my brother has given up using CA in his modelling.

So now we only use two types of glue: PVA (white glue like Elmer’s) and glue stick.

For gluing paper to cardboard we prefer Elmer’s Extra Strength Glue Stick or their crafter’s equivalent CraftBond Extra Strength Glue Stick (not the All Purpose regular strength) brand there as well. I bonds a bit better, is very smooth and clean, and I like the snap on cap which is simply a lot easier to use, especially with sticky fingers, than screw-on caps. We use the larger sized 40 gram glue stick.

For assembling models such as walls to floors and roofs, it turns out that for paper cardstock models good old Elmer’s Glue-All is terrific. It sets fairly quick, makes an excellent bond, is easily controlled, dries nearly invisible, and is readily available everywhere. At the workbench we keep a fairly full small 1.25 ounce bottle which we refill from larger, more economical bottles. We find the small bottle is easier to handle than larger bottles.

So there you have it. We like to use PVA and glue stick in all of our paper cardstock models. If you come across CA specified in any of our models (such as the Cricket Depot instructions) you may always substitute PVA for your health and well being.

Paper Sizes

Our latest models use a universal document size that prints within the limits of both US Letter and A4 paper sizes. We’ll work on converting our older models however in the mean time please note. All of our models come in at least HO and N 1:160 scales for the North American and European modelers, and OO and N 1:148 scale for modelers in the United Kingdom, Australia. HO and N scale models are arranged on 8-1/2 x 11 inch standard U.S. letter size paper, while OO and U.K. N scale are made for A4 paper size. We notice that a small number of railroaders in the U.K. and Australia order HO and N scale models and even more surprisingly some modelers in the U.S. ordering OO. This created the issue of our models not fitting the paper sizes typical in those regions, which we did not initially anticipate. We will be working to make “Paper Size” not an issue for each scale of model however it will take some time to convert all the original models, so in the meantime please note the typical paper sizes for each model and anticipate accordingly.

• HO – U.S. Letter
• N – U.S. Letter
• OO – A4
• U.K. N – A4

Note: We’re also adding S and O scales to our newest models. These scales use our new universal document size.

Paper Types

There are three types of paper and cardboard used in our models. All models are printed on standard 20 lb. bond printer paper. Then some parts are then glued to heavier board:

Poster Board (US) or Card (UK)

We like the premium versions of this inexpensive material as it provides a bit stiffer backing yet is easy to cut. In the U.S. premium poster board is about 0.016 inches thick. The same thickness of card in the U.K. is 300 gsm. Poster board and card can be found at virtually any department store with a craft section, office supply store or craft/hobby store.

Mat Board (US) or Mount Board (UK)

This board is much thicker than poster board and glues together nicely. It is quite rigid though a little susceptible to delaminating. Typical inexpensive mat board in the U.S. is 0.051 inches thick. Mat and mount board is a bit more difficult to find. Only some hobby and craft stores carry this board and is typically found in stores that carry picture framing supplies.

Have you ever played with Cyanoacrylates? It glues paper, wood, fingers and all the above to everything! Have you ever wondered how to use it and not stick?  I did and found an easy solution – plastic wrap. Place the plastic wrap around your cutting board and tape it tightly into tightly position. Then glue as normal with CA and when the glue cures, gently peel it off the plastic. Finish with trimming any excess glue that may be hanging off the model. I found that I could use the same spot about six to eight times before the plastic wrap stretches beyond a usable condition and that the glue did not cure as fast. I prefer the ten second set gel type CA because I am not a fast as I used to be. On the plastic, it was a minute or two before the glue was set enough to remove. Your results may vary.

Happy gluing!