Help with an old kit needed.

[homechild]

Need a bit of help with a couple of things.

I started to build a Huey last night and I'm having issues already.

It's a kit I won on ebay and I don't know how old it is but I'm sure it's quite old.

Anyway, I digress...last night I was putting together the rotor assembly and had to cut some seriously thin pieces from the sprue. Surprisingly enough "ping" the first one I cut off snapped. I put some glue and some Tamiya tape on it and I'm hoping it will be straight enough to use (if not I'll have to rob some craft wire from the wife).

Second one I did, same thing. I think it's a combination of an old kit (maybe brittle with age) and the piece being molded too close to the sprue to get any kind of blade between them.

Is there an easy way to do this or at least a way to minimise the chances of it happening again?

Also, the windows are showing signs of age (scratches and such). Is there anyway to bring these back to life or do I have to use them as is?

Thanks

Drew

[Dave W]

You could have a go at polishing the clear parts or at least dipping them in Kleer.Im a convert to this stuff,It really makes a difference on clear parts.I recently bought a very fine sanding sponge which is great for buffing fine scratches out of canopies.Got it at the Teford show off one of the modelling magazine stands.In the past i've used Tamiya rubbing compound and i've heard tooth paste can be used as a polish,though i havent tried it myself.

[Ian M]

No real cure for old brittle plastic. I have hear that if you leave them in a warm place for a while that the plastic will be not as brittle. Just dont leave them to warm and to long! We all know how that will end.

It is rather frustrating at time that the actual part you need it formed so tight against the sprue. The only thing for it is a sharp a blade as possible and go at it rather carefully. Try sticking the tape on the bcak before you cut it. It will help prevent things pinging off into the unknown!

Ian M

[homechild]

I'm willing to try anything for the windows, Dave, but isn't Kleer the stuff you can't get anymore?

Also any tips on how to use this (if it is available) or a substitute?

Ian, I usually press the bits gently into warmed up blue tack (makes it softer) to stop things going into the otherworld (a tip I picked up on here somewhere).

I got some longer, thinner scalpel blades today so I'll attempt to take off the last two parts like this tonight and hopefully this will be enough.

[Dave W]

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Kleer is available as a newish product in supermarkets.Its an acrylic floor polish.Got mine in ASDA for around £4.There are loads of articles on this forum about it.The new product is a milky colour but dries clear.Just dip your clear part in it.Then touch an edge of the part to a piece of kitchen towel to wick the excess away.I would advise leaving it to dry in a container with the lid on or covered in some way.Otherwise you will find bits of dust,hair or whatever stuck to the dried article!.

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[homechild]

Thanks Dave.

Just did the fortnightly shop this morning too!

Nevermind, I'll nip out from work at lunchtime tomorrow.