"15mm Metal Chariots and their Assembly" Topic

I've got a number of 15mm Celtic chariots to assemble in metal and I want to build them to last and be somewhat durable.

Even though they are small, should the figures be pinned to the chariot?

I am guessing they should so they do not just snap off.

Superglue is what seems to be the most common assembly adhesive, but is there something stronger?

Epoxy is probably stronger. I use 5 minute with metal miniatures often. You could use 1 minute if you are impatient.

If the surfaces have enough area try pinning with tiny pins, not just the figures but the chariot side walls/rails too. That will help make them stronger as well.

Damon

I haven't had problems with figures broken off chariots, but huge problems with gluing them to the bases

I use superglue, gel is going to work better as it fills gaps. Surface preparation before gluing – scrape off paint, etc. maybe roughen up the surface

Epoxy can be stronger, but leave it to dry for the minimum time before moving and give it a couple of days for all the reactions to complete before painting over

John

It would never enter my mind to pin the rider to the chariot. Use a dab of superglue gel and they aren't going anywhere unless you drop the box.

Superglue together before painting (if that gives you a problem, then paint the riders but not the feet and chariot floor) … paint … varnish. They'll almost certainly stay stuck.

Yes, superglue gel. Proper brand.

If the figures have bases of their own, I cut them off – as they look silly and usually don't fit very well anyway. Still no real need to peg.

Phil

I used to have a few chariot armies.
I stuck the feet down, using UHU, and ensured another part of the figure was stuck to the side of the chariot. I assumed this to be accurate as the real crew would be more stable doing so when the vehicle was bouncing along.

Aleenes's Flexible Stretchable Fabric Glue. Takes longer to dry than superglue gel, but it will hold flat surfaces together once dry (great for basing!) But don't use for anything you want to take apart later… ;-)

I have Aleene's Flexible Fabric glue! I bought it to use, never did – I will try it. I will also try pinning and compare those two with just superglue (I try to use the gel for most things – liquid for spears in drilled hands, though).

A little goes a long way. I've been using it lately to glue equipment to 1/35 figs (and the occasional plaster replacement arm.) It dries clear-ish (slight blue tint if too thick), which can easily be hidden with touchup paint. Experiment with it a bit, I think you'll grow to love it… ;-)

How long does it take to dry?

I tried gluing a chariot and driver tonight with it and hours later it's still not holding well.

You use it on metal or plastic? (you mentioned 1/35 scale)

I usually let it dry for 24 hrs. For the 1/35 equipment, I prepaint that before gluing on (using just a dot.) I also use it to glue metal & plastic parts to 1/35 tanks (I'm refurbishing my old Tamiya collection.) The more surface area between the parts, the better the adhesion.

I glued one last night. I'll try playing with it tonight.

I read the instructions online and it does state 24 hours.

link

Well, I let it sit longer and it didn't work.

The pieces glued on are flexible all right. They don't stand up straight and flex very easily with the slightest pressure…

Follow-up: The pieces glued with the fabric glue just peeled off with very little force.