Temporarily assemble a model?

[DSM-Mark]

I want to put a model together strictly for a test fit, with no paint applied. I know most of the time you do this with tape, but I want something that will hold together quite a bit better. I want to be able to modify some sections while other sections remain glued together.

I'm thinking the best approach would be to use a water soluble glue. Then I could glue it all together, make the modifications I want, dip the whole unit underwater for a while, wash off whatever glue is remaining, paint all the pieces, and finally permanently glue the unit together. Have any of you ever done something like this before? Is the idea sound?

What kind of glue should I use? I'm thinking elmers white glue, but I'm not sure if it is water soluble enough.

Thanks.

[360spider]

Elmers should be fine. It is water soluble.

[AstroRide44]

so what ur saying is that if i put something with white glue and put it in water it will come apart?

[gasman03]

I use Elmers white glue, holds well, then when I wanna pull it apart is comes right apart, then just peel glue away from part, no residue is left

[primera man]

Krystal Clear in small amounts would be OK

[freakmech]

i would use fast setting super glue(BSI, Jet, etc...) in VERY small quantities. Apply with a toothpick in little daps. It will hold for gentle sanding, handling, etc but snap apart with little pressure. Dont glue at sharp corners or thin parts. Glue at thicker parts for temporary hold. also remember that if your using putty to modify the model that the putty melts to the plastic to bond so seperation will be harder if you putty over seams! Scribe seams first!

[iceblend]

Try some bluetack. It is very good for holding on to things temporary.

[flyonthewall]

There are glues available to the modeler made specifically for this purpose. I forget names of all of them, one being called 'Tacky Wax', I purchased another one some time ago which works quite well, forget what its called but will find out. This particular one is applied to the part and left to dry, then attached. It can be pulled apart then reapplied but the residue is tricky to remove when you're finished. Prior to using this glue I used PVA (wood glue) or Krystal clear as others have used above. Krystal clear provides a good bond but can also be tricky to remove residue.