Assembling a 1/80 Metal Kit with MXBON Instant Adhesives!
Based on the test results of MXBON instant adhesives featured on the previous page, we selected suitable adhesives to assemble a 1/80 scale metal railway model kit. In the railway modeling genre, metal parts are often used for vehicle kits, various components, and structures that enhance layouts. MXBON’s strong bonding capabilities will undoubtedly be a great ally in the assembly process.
1-Ton Truck Toyoace
1.● About the Real Vehicle
The second-generation Toyoace, a long-running hit by Toyota, debuted in 1959 (Showa 34). It underwent several minor changes during its production until 1971 (Showa 46) and was beloved by users. The kit replicates the mid-production version with dual headlights.
● Kit Composition
The kit primarily consists of etched parts combined with white metal components for the truck bed and tires. It does not include lenses for the headlights and taillights, so it is recommended to source general-purpose aftermarket parts. The kit has a very simple structure, and with proper surface preparation before assembly, it can be easily built using the illustration-based instructions.
Price: 4,950 yen (tax included).
2. ● Assembly Instructions
This kit is designed for assembly using soldering. However, for this build, we used Model Art’s newly introduced “LIGHT CURE CA” and “High-Performance Standard Low-Odor & Low-Bloom Cyanoacrylate Adhesive.” Based on preliminary evaluations of adhesive strength, the LIGHT CURE CA (hereafter referred to as UV Adhesive) was primarily used, while the High-Performance Standard Adhesive (hereafter referred to as Standard Adhesive) was used as a supplementary option.
The LIGHT CURE CA only cures when UV light passes through the material. Initially, this seemed to limit its use, but with creative bonding techniques, it could be applied without issues. Additionally, the adhesive fully cures after 3–5 seconds of exposure to the included UV light, offering excellent usability and significantly reducing assembly time, a major benefit.
Preprocessing Parts is Crucial for Enhancing Adhesion Strength
1.● Preprocessing Etched Parts
The surface of etched parts is very smooth, and without roughening, even the best instant adhesive will not hold effectively. It is recommended to use #400 waterproof sandpaper to scratch the entire surface of the etched sheet lightly. Additionally, parts should be cut out with metal-specific nippers (plastic nippers are strictly prohibited!). The cut edges should then be refined with a metal file and #400 waterproof sandpaper.
● Preprocessing White Metal Parts
If there is any deformation, carefully adjust it with your fingers. Gates or uneven edges from the mold should be smoothed with a metal file and waterproof sandpaper. Due to the material properties, the surface may appear textured, but it can be polished with a brass brush or fine-grit waterproof sandpaper to ensure a smooth finish.
2.Etched Parts Preprocessing
◀ Use #400 waterproof sandpaper to lightly scratch the surface for roughening. This not only improves the adhesion strength of instant adhesives but also enhances the adherence of metal primers or paints. It is a necessary step whenever working with etched parts.
3.White Metal Parts Preprocessing
▲ 1. Remove any leftover gates with metal nippers and smooth casting edges or unevenness by placing them on a flat surface and sanding with waterproof sandpaper.
2. Polish the textured surface with a brass brush. However, since the texture is nearly invisible after painting, there is no need to be overly meticulous.
1. LIGHT CURE CA Can Be Used for Etched Parts with Some Ingenuity
1.▲ 1. Demonstrating the bonding process of attaching a mudguard part into a mounting slit. Dispense a small amount of LIGHT CURE CA onto masking tape and use a pointed tool like a toothpick to apply the necessary amount into the gaps of the bonding surface. 2. Evenly expose the adhesive to the included UV light for 3–5 seconds to cure it. The bond becomes very strong, and the parts won’t detach easily.
2. Chassis Assembly Process
Each part is fixed by inserting it into the mounting slits on the chassis. In the example, LIGHT CURE CA was applied to the small gaps at the bonding surfaces to secure the parts.
1. Cab Assembly Process
◀ The U-shaped sides and rear are attached to the folded front panel. Since the windows need to be bonded on the inside, LIGHT CURE CA was spot-applied to the seam at the A-pillar for temporary fixing (as shown by the arrow), then applied from the front for secure bonding. For the front white metal parts, standard adhesive was used.
2.● Starting with the frame
Following the instructions, fold the ends of the frame and the license plate, then bond the mudguards using UV adhesive. Since UV light cannot penetrate metal, the adhesive will not cure if applied directly. However, when parts are inserted into the slits on the etched chassis, slight gaps form. LIGHT CURE CA was applied to these gaps and cured by exposing them to UV light for about 3 seconds.
3.● Chassis and Cab Exterior
The front, rear, left, and right leaf springs can be fixed securely with sufficient folding, without adhesive. Next, the folded seat platform was fitted into the frame slits as instructed, bonded from the back with LIGHT CURE CA, and the side lines were fixed. The cab section was then folded up, which is the most challenging part of the process. To ensure the assembled cab aligns straight on the frame, the front end of the seat platform was adjusted by trimming it slightly before bonding it into position.
Since the cab is designed to have windows installed after painting, applying adhesive from the back can create lumps, complicating assembly. It’s better to flow the adhesive from the front and, after curing, remove any excess with a metal file. Once the folded fuel tank and battery box are bonded to their designated spots, the chassis and cab exterior assembly is complete.
The rear cab support has a small bonding area, and attaching it at this stage may lead to detachment during assembly. It’s safer to bond it just before painting for better stability.
The following excerpt is from Model Art Modeling Magazine, November 2024 issue, pages 74-75. This issue is available at bookstores and model shops throughout Japan, as well as through online mail-order sites. For more details, visit: Model Art Official Webshop
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Stay tuned for Part 4, where we’ll continue our topic about MXBON Cyanoacrylate Adhesive.