Bloody Tripods!

[flamingpig0]

I have been having fun and games  trying to put the very nice Pendraken Tripods together. Just a quick question for those who aren't complete klutzes at modelling- would the things solder?

[Matt J]

Depends if you want a big blob of metal or not 

[flamingpig0]

Depends if you want a big blob of metal or not 

I will take that as a no

[Matt J]

The alloy has a really low melting point.

Have you tried using baking powder and superglue (like tack welding for modellers)

[fred.]

Not tried these particular models - but with multi-part metal models the usual method is to use something like blu-tack or plasticine to hold the main piece in a good position, one where gravity will help with the joint rather than hinder. Then have a second piece to support to the piece being added. 

Glue one piece on at a time - and give it plenty of time for the glue to set before moving onto the next one. 

Multi-part metal kits with small joining areas really are hardwork. 

[John Cook]

Glue one piece on at a time - and give it plenty of time for the glue to set before moving onto the next one.

This is the key to multi-part models.  Don't rush it - like eating an elephant, one piece at a time.
I'm assuming you are using superglue.  Not all superglues are equal.  Use industrial strength superglue, not the limp-wristed stuff from the supermarket, it makes all the difference and make sure it is in-date.  Superglue deteriorates on the shelf and once opened. 
Try using an accelerator.  Superglue needs moisture to cure.  Normally it gets enough from the air and on the subject. 
You can use a specialised accelerator spray but try applying a little moisture to one of the two parts you are trying to bond.  The simplest solution is a fine spray of of water on the superglue after you've offered up the two parts, using a plastic atomiser bottle.  I'm using an old empty nasal decongestant bottle at the moment.
I don't like using baking powder as it heats up and can burn, however unlikely in small amounts, and it is more messy than water.

[Big Insect]

Cleaning the metal parts before gluing is also helpful.

I use a small amount of fine wire wool (or any wire wool if needs be) wrapped around a cotton bud. I gentry scrub-up the areas to be glued. All metals oxidize over time (some more quickly than others) and 'grey' metals are particularly prone to this.
Also washing the model in warm water and a small amount of detergent or washing up liquid (to remove any grease - from hands or releasing agents from mold) is a helpful precaution.

As John Cook states very eloquently - a good quality superglue (I use a gel type) is also very important and worth the investment.
If fixing larger parts together - attaching an elephants head to a body for example - I also resort to drilling and inserting pins. It is fiddly but well worth the trouble.

But the best thing is taking your time - one bit at a time with a few hours between bits, or ideally a day to allow the glue to cure properly.

Good luck 

[Leon]

I think the last time I assembled some of these I used a gel superglue and kept them supported overnight while the glue set properly?  If I wanted a more durable connection I'd drill some small pins into the joints.

[flamingpig0]

Thanks everybody.

I actually managed to build some of them 13 years a go, so I know I can  do it.

[flamingpig0]

This is the key to multi-part models.  Don't rush it - like eating an elephant, one piece at a time.
I'm assuming you are using superglue.  Not all superglues are equal.  Use industrial strength superglue, not the limp-wristed stuff from the supermarket, it makes all the difference and make sure it is in-date.  Superglue deteriorates on the shelf and once opened. 
Try using an accelerator.  Superglue needs moisture to cure.  Normally it gets enough from the air and on the subject. 
You can use a specialised accelerator spray but try applying a little moisture to one of the two parts you are trying to bond.  The simplest solution is a fine spray of of water on the superglue after you've offered up the two parts, using a plastic atomiser bottle.  I'm using an old empty nasal decongestant bottle at the moment.
I don't like using baking powder as it heats up and can burn, however unlikely in small amounts, and it is more messy than water.

Thanks for the advice.
I have  high hopes the super glue accelerator will solve my problems

[flamingpig0]

It is done! I have managed it!

[Lord Kermit of Birkenhead]

It IS possible but very frustrating - TD 1/600th WWI aircraft and GZG 2/3 mm Tripods are horrible.

[Big Insect]

It is done! I have managed it!

Well done - photos of achievement much appreciated