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Modelling clay - Got a better idea?
Page 1 of 1
Modelling clay - Got a better idea?
Ok, it's well documented here that my hands shake, a product of genealogy and advancing years. I live with it and develop work-arounds.
I'm trying to re-construct the broken struts on the postal service smashed Aurora SE5A. These struts are not flat, the tops and bottoms have areas molded into them for attaching hardware. Holding the pieces together au natural while glue, CA or otherwise would be a challenge for even a normal person.
So, I was thinking each part aligned and pressed into modelling clay would work. Then glue all at once ensuring they come out flat and aligned, something that Jason would work with to duplicate on his 3D printer.
Problem is, I can't find flat modelling clay in the minimum 5"X5" size that I would need.
I have thought flat packing foam but CA eats that stuff right now, or even softened canning wax profiled here a few weeks ago.
I don't take meds so hold off on the double Valium doses suggestions....

I'm trying to re-construct the broken struts on the postal service smashed Aurora SE5A. These struts are not flat, the tops and bottoms have areas molded into them for attaching hardware. Holding the pieces together au natural while glue, CA or otherwise would be a challenge for even a normal person.
So, I was thinking each part aligned and pressed into modelling clay would work. Then glue all at once ensuring they come out flat and aligned, something that Jason would work with to duplicate on his 3D printer.
Problem is, I can't find flat modelling clay in the minimum 5"X5" size that I would need.
I have thought flat packing foam but CA eats that stuff right now, or even softened canning wax profiled here a few weeks ago.
I don't take meds so hold off on the double Valium doses suggestions....

rsv1cox- Top Poster
Posts : 7944
Join date : 2014-08-18
Location : West Virginia
Re: Modelling clay - Got a better idea?
I think clay is a wonderful way to go. Arts and craft stores, hobby lobby, should stock some kinds of clay or fancy “sculpty” clay like materials. Heres some from Michales store. Just use a dough roller to flatten out a chunk to your required 5x5 size:
https://www.michaels.com/plastalina-modeling-clay-craft-smart/10062635.html?cm_mmc=PLASearch-_-google-_-MICH_National_PLA_Shopping_Null_Null_Art+Supplies_General-_-Art+Supplies&&cm_mmc=PLASearch-_-google-_-MICH_National_PLA_Shopping_Null_Null_Art+Supplies_General-_-Art+Supplies&gclid=Cj0KCQiAzKnjBRDPARIsAKxfTRDYUep5GOzpZkOX0fg1PzwRFxK0P6fenr9vYRmNI5pboa0kehopRo0aAt0-EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
https://www.michaels.com/plastalina-modeling-clay-craft-smart/10062635.html?cm_mmc=PLASearch-_-google-_-MICH_National_PLA_Shopping_Null_Null_Art+Supplies_General-_-Art+Supplies&&cm_mmc=PLASearch-_-google-_-MICH_National_PLA_Shopping_Null_Null_Art+Supplies_General-_-Art+Supplies&gclid=Cj0KCQiAzKnjBRDPARIsAKxfTRDYUep5GOzpZkOX0fg1PzwRFxK0P6fenr9vYRmNI5pboa0kehopRo0aAt0-EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
Marleysky- Top Poster
Posts : 3488
Join date : 2014-09-28
Age : 69
Location : Grand Rapids, MI
Marleysky- Top Poster
Posts : 3488
Join date : 2014-09-28
Age : 69
Location : Grand Rapids, MI
Re: Modelling clay - Got a better idea?
How about some self-adhesive plastic material placed with the sticky side up?
Of course, if it is too sticky, the parts may break again when removed
Of course, if it is too sticky, the parts may break again when removed

KariFS- Diamond Member
- Posts : 1923
Join date : 2014-10-10
Age : 50
Re: Modelling clay - Got a better idea?
Marleysky wrote:Its a 31 minute road trip from Capon Bridge to Winchester ( isn’t that one of your favorite rifles?)
Yes, the 94/22 especially.
Hobby Lobby, I visit frequently. Looks like I will have to make a trip.
Recently roddie did a post on graph lined paper graduated in one quarter inch. Rod and Kari took exception advocating the advantages of the metric system.
I thought of your "Fighting the Metric system every inch of the way."
Me too..........
Bob
rsv1cox- Top Poster
Posts : 7944
Join date : 2014-08-18
Location : West Virginia
Re: Modelling clay - Got a better idea?
KariFS wrote:How about some self-adhesive plastic material placed with the sticky side up?
Of course, if it is too sticky, the parts may break again when removed![]()
Hi Kari,
Yeah, I need something two dimensional due to the depth variations of the struts and something that will release easily. I could use shims, but there are so many broken pieces to contend with.
The good news, I found the missing piece.
Bob
rsv1cox- Top Poster
Posts : 7944
Join date : 2014-08-18
Location : West Virginia
Re: Modelling clay - Got a better idea?
I picked up some of this stuff to mold small parts, haven't got around to actually doing anything with it,
but i think it'll work great, might be an option?
https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1GCEU_enUS821US821&ei=A99qXMblNeP-jwSLtKbgCA&q=blue+stuff+mold&oq=Blue+Stuff+&gs_l=psy-ab.1.2.35i39l2j0i67j0l7.5233.6026..8422...0.0..0.113.872.10j1......0....1..gws-wiz.......0i71.3ufmxDdUBVQ
but i think it'll work great, might be an option?
https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1GCEU_enUS821US821&ei=A99qXMblNeP-jwSLtKbgCA&q=blue+stuff+mold&oq=Blue+Stuff+&gs_l=psy-ab.1.2.35i39l2j0i67j0l7.5233.6026..8422...0.0..0.113.872.10j1......0....1..gws-wiz.......0i71.3ufmxDdUBVQ
Re: Modelling clay - Got a better idea?
Pretty neat Mark, never heard of the stuff. If modelling clay doesn't work, I'm looking into it.
Wear gloves the peanut gallery says.
Bob
Wear gloves the peanut gallery says.
Bob
rsv1cox- Top Poster
Posts : 7944
Join date : 2014-08-18
Location : West Virginia
Re: Modelling clay - Got a better idea?
Try to put something between the parts and the clay. The clay oils will make any joint weak if contamination occurred. Maybe Saran Wrap would work. Or split some nitrile gloves as a stretchable liner.
944_Jim- Diamond Member
Posts : 1478
Join date : 2017-02-08
Age : 57
Location : NE MS
Re: Modelling clay - Got a better idea?
rsv1cox wrote:Pretty neat Mark, never heard of the stuff. If modelling clay doesn't work, I'm looking into it.
Wear gloves the peanut gallery says.
Bob
i got the stuff thinking for repro'ing new parts?
I checked my suspicions tonight and it does look like the Cox copper reed will fit the Tornado engine, probably have to pull retainer ring and measure Aurora reed with Cox, but at worst case very sight trimming??

Re: Modelling clay - Got a better idea?
I looked at two of the Blue Stuff videos Mark and it sure works for small parts. I don't know how it would do for the struts unless it could be laid perfectly flat. I think Jason's printer is the solution.
I did not remove the Aurora's reed, too chicken. I want to run it first before I mess anything up. But it does look that the Cox reed would work.
I got to thinking about Kari's proposal to use tape as a securing source. I thought, double sided sticky tape on a raised surface buffered by wax paper might do in lieu of clay. I didn't want to drive 60 miles round trip to get it either.
Even with a securing source it's an effort to align all the parts. I tried one as a test using a newly opened tube of Permatex CA which did fine on the first parts I glued but didn't on this one. So I switched to Plastruct Weld which is curing now.
The other strut is really smashed but it has the control line guides so I will have to fix it too, or Jason could have just molded two of the less damaged strut.



The three break strut turned out fine, the six break not so. Thinking........



I did not remove the Aurora's reed, too chicken. I want to run it first before I mess anything up. But it does look that the Cox reed would work.
I got to thinking about Kari's proposal to use tape as a securing source. I thought, double sided sticky tape on a raised surface buffered by wax paper might do in lieu of clay. I didn't want to drive 60 miles round trip to get it either.
Even with a securing source it's an effort to align all the parts. I tried one as a test using a newly opened tube of Permatex CA which did fine on the first parts I glued but didn't on this one. So I switched to Plastruct Weld which is curing now.
The other strut is really smashed but it has the control line guides so I will have to fix it too, or Jason could have just molded two of the less damaged strut.



The three break strut turned out fine, the six break not so. Thinking........



rsv1cox- Top Poster
Posts : 7944
Join date : 2014-08-18
Location : West Virginia
Re: Modelling clay - Got a better idea?
Another solution short of 3D printing is possibly using thin copper, aluminium, brass, tubing that just fit over, CA'd to surround and brace the broken vertical struts. May be even small diameter plastic stirring sticks might possibly work. Small diameter plastic straw may deform sufficiently to sleeve the verticals. Then paint assembly black.rsv1cox wrote:I looked at two of the Blue Stuff videos Mark and it sure works for small parts. I don't know how it would do for the struts unless it could be laid perfectly flat.
If one isn't into 100% authentic factory look but a solution that would be reasonably attractive but representative, sort of a stand off appearance, I'm sure there is a workable solution out there.
I know there are more ways than one to skin a cat, just replaced the 30 YO electric fan motor on my bath round electric ceiling heater. Replaced with a later motor at half cost. Carefully measured and drill new mounting holes into the heater mount assembly pan as mount location changed on later models.
Given the fragility of the plastic strut structure, I gather that probably not many of these aircraft survived more than one flight.
GallopingGhostler- Top Poster
- Posts : 3064
Join date : 2013-07-13
Location : Clovis, NM
Re: Modelling clay - Got a better idea?
Given the fragility of the plastic strut structure, I gather that probably not many of these aircraft survived more than one flight.
my initial thought before we see the shipping carnage...back when Bob was jazzed waiting on his new toy
my initial thought before we see the shipping carnage...back when Bob was jazzed waiting on his new toy
fredvon4- Top Poster
Posts : 3848
Join date : 2011-08-26
Age : 66
Location : Lampasas Texas
Re: Modelling clay - Got a better idea?
fredvon4 wrote:Given the fragility of the plastic strut structure, I gather that probably not many of these aircraft survived more than one flight.
my initial thought before we see the shipping carnage...back when Bob was jazzed waiting on his new toy
Yes, My stated - This Aurora SE5A blows away all plastic model airplanes I have seen for detail and construction....but at a price. It is fragile as evidenced by the amount of stress cracks I have found.
But the fuselage is mostly done and the wings are healing under all that weight. Red tube Testors cement properly applied and allowed to cure works wonders.





Eager to start on that undercarriage. A springy thingy

rsv1cox- Top Poster
Posts : 7944
Join date : 2014-08-18
Location : West Virginia
Re: Modelling clay - Got a better idea?
Bob, you polished that rusty bucket engine into a gem. No doubt when you are done, it will be a nice display piece.
Given the cost of it back in its day, I imagine that the more well to do parents bought that for their kids. The poorer ones wound up buying something cheaper like like a Cox TD-1 or perhaps Piper Cub.
Given the cost of it back in its day, I imagine that the more well to do parents bought that for their kids. The poorer ones wound up buying something cheaper like like a Cox TD-1 or perhaps Piper Cub.

GallopingGhostler- Top Poster
- Posts : 3064
Join date : 2013-07-13
Location : Clovis, NM
Re: Modelling clay - Got a better idea?
I've been following this thread.. and wish that I could offer a solution. Your aim I'm sure; will be to repair/replace the broken struts to display as original.. rather than have any structural integrity.
I bought some modelling clay a while back.. but can't remember where..
Maybe you can search by the UPC code?


also.. "wax-paper" may be the way to go, to avoid molding-contamination..??? (I wasn't sure if I was understanding that completely)
Incidentally.. "K & S" metals used to offer airfoil-shape brass tube-stock that would be a structural-alternative for wing-struts.. but you'd need to work-out a mounting/attachment-system.
I've had this one single piece for decades..


When I designed/built my 1/2A triplane.. I used 3/16" hardwood dowels for the wing-struts.

That was almost 30 years ago. Today you can buy packages of bamboo BBQ skewers in many different diameters.. for CHEAP MONEY.. and they're STRONG. Just some food for thought..
I bought some modelling clay a while back.. but can't remember where..



also.. "wax-paper" may be the way to go, to avoid molding-contamination..??? (I wasn't sure if I was understanding that completely)
Incidentally.. "K & S" metals used to offer airfoil-shape brass tube-stock that would be a structural-alternative for wing-struts.. but you'd need to work-out a mounting/attachment-system.
I've had this one single piece for decades..


When I designed/built my 1/2A triplane.. I used 3/16" hardwood dowels for the wing-struts.

That was almost 30 years ago. Today you can buy packages of bamboo BBQ skewers in many different diameters.. for CHEAP MONEY.. and they're STRONG. Just some food for thought..

Re: Modelling clay - Got a better idea?
Thanks for the tips roddie. I have those bamboo skewers and they are strong and have used them in a couple of my builds. But I have faith in Jason's ability to print these struts if I do my part and provide him with viable examples.
Which with this one is beginning to be a problem.

I have learned that you should not apply Testors cement over previously repaired CA joints, doesn't hold. I may have to strip all the connections and start over. This type of rigid plastic does not take adhesives like other plastics.
Unfortunately the only way I was going to learn this was to "cut and try" Kelly Johnson style.
Which with this one is beginning to be a problem.

I have learned that you should not apply Testors cement over previously repaired CA joints, doesn't hold. I may have to strip all the connections and start over. This type of rigid plastic does not take adhesives like other plastics.
Unfortunately the only way I was going to learn this was to "cut and try" Kelly Johnson style.
rsv1cox- Top Poster
Posts : 7944
Join date : 2014-08-18
Location : West Virginia
Re: Modelling clay - Got a better idea?
Bummer about the glue joins getting messed up.
Do you have something like "blu-tack" available around your area? It is kind of like modelling clay, but it is not so greasy and it is more sticky. Meant for hanging maps, posters and such temporarily. I would think if such a product still exists, you could get it from a convenience store or an office supply place.
Do you have something like "blu-tack" available around your area? It is kind of like modelling clay, but it is not so greasy and it is more sticky. Meant for hanging maps, posters and such temporarily. I would think if such a product still exists, you could get it from a convenience store or an office supply place.
KariFS- Diamond Member
- Posts : 1923
Join date : 2014-10-10
Age : 50

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