waterproofing plastic kit joints

[rob smith 4Participant @robsmith4]

i have a schnellboot build on the go and i'm after suggestions for waterproofing the joints of the hull as its going to be built for RC.

I've built models over the years but never converted plastic kit to RC.

can anyone suggest the best method ?

thanks

[rob smith 4Participant @robsmith4]

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

I assume you mean the joint where the superstructure lifts off to gain access to the inside of the model?

I think it will depend on the model to some extent. If you check out the kit review feature articles on this site there are several 'plastic magic' conversions and you may find some suggestions there.

Other members may also be able to point you in the right direction.

Colin

[Empire ParkstoneParticipant @empireparkstone]

Bathroom sealant PM sent

[rob smith 4Participant @robsmith4]

its the hull halves colin. I think the bathroom sealant is the trick. cheers.

I've seen a build using rubber wiper blades to seal the deck to hull. mine is sort of different in that i've made the whole rear deck removeable.

rob

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

Bathroom sealant will certainly work but don't get it near anything you need to paint! An alternative is to dissolve some bits of scrap sprue into the liquid plastic cement to make a thin paste which can be brushed over the joints. This will help strengthen the bond as well as sealing any cracks. On my partially completed QM2 kit I just cemented a piece of plastic strip over the joint and pressed it into place.

Colin

[rob smith 4Participant @robsmith4]

thanks for that colin

[Malcolm FraryParticipant @malcolmfrary95515]

If it is the left and right halves, with a long join the length of the hull down the middle, a fillet of polystyrene cement along the length of the join after they have been tacked into place will last as long as the plastic and be just as waterproof. Since it works by dissolving the plastic, allowing it to run together and then drying solid, effectively the two halves become one piece of waterproof plastic. A close mechanical fit is obviously a good thing. You can always add some extra strength (more for confidence than any real need) by sticking a strip of styrene sheet over the gap. From the inside, of course.

If it is a join between two parts that might at some time need separating, sealant by all means, but as stated above, it must not come into contact with any areas that will be painted, because they won't stay painted.

[rob smith 4Participant @robsmith4]

thanks all . now well an truly sealed with poly cement

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