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Hi guys I'm having some trouble assembling a Whirlwind. First is an excess of glue that I've used, does anyone know a way to clean that off? Second, I've gotten as far as adding the top of the main body. It won't completely fit or stay glued together. This is my first ever assembly of a vehicle.

If it's plastic glue...not really. The way normal modeling cement for plastic models works is by literally metling the two plastic surfaces and fusing them together.

Excess can be carved/sanded/chipped away, but the rule of plastic cement is to use VERY little in almost any application. Can't help you with the fitment issues - most of the kits should fit fine w/ a bit of glue and some sanding.

What sort of glue have you used?

Citadel Plastic glue

Don't use too much at once. You can use elastic bands to hold things together in some situations. It should have come with some instructions, so you need to follow them.

Is the citadel plastic glue better than the testor's orange tube?

No. Nothing from GW/Citadel is a genuine new product - it's just repackaged stuff at twice the price. Avoid it when possible.

Get a bottle of Revel or Testors model cement w/ a precision applicator. Skip the old orange toothpaste tube - very little control with that.

The Best Glue.


You can make plastic cement work better for a smaller amount by putting a small amount on both surfaces and waiting for 30 seconds for it to soften the plastic before joining them. You'll usually find it'll grip immediately without needing to be held.

I'm willing to try plastic cement. I'm fairly new to modelling in general and have only worked on Space Marines, they didn't require much assembly with glue and such. Where could I find plastic cement? Is it something I could pick up at a local hardware store?

Clarification: If you have Citadel Plastic Glue - you already have "Plastic cement", it's the same thing. It just depends on the company.

If you're having issues with plastic glue setting on a model, that won't change with new glue (most likely). Remember that plastic glue/cement is normally very liquidy ---- you'll need to have a way of holding the pieces together properly while it sets (allow a day for super solid setting).

Can you take pictures of what is not working on the whirlwind?

If you do end up purchasing "more" plastic glue in the future, avoid Citadel and get something like the following - available at Hobby Town USA, Hobby Lobby or any model-making store (heck, probably even Walmart if they have a section w/ models in it)

Most commonly available brands are Testors and Model Masters.





What you want is the bottle like above - they come with a very tiny precise metal applicator. You don't want the old toothpaste tube of model glue:



^This is a very similar product, but is far tougher to apply lightly --- so skip it!

When applying plastic glue/cement to a join/part of the model you want to ensure:

A) The parts going together fit snugly w/ no gaps (make sure they are filed/fit nicely before applying your glue).

B) Apply a small consistent bead of glue along the seam.

C) Make sure you have a way of holding the parts together for at least 15-20 minutes so they can get a grip on each other. Then allow a day to dry 100% solid.