Old Model Break down

[Jayson62]

Hey I was wondering if anyone has any tips on how to "break" or "deglue" a model that has already been completed? the model is probably 12 years old and my dad just put it together so its still in the green molding color. I wanted to take it apart and paint it for a new model. So any tip?

[MidMazar]

De-Glue from your local hobby shop.

[SteveK2003]

Word it mineral spirits will disolve the cement, and I hear soaking the model in water and then putting it in the freezer will help loosen the joints (The remaining in the cracks expands, and the cold makes the rest brittle). I also heard microwaving the model will soften the glue. I haven't tried any of those methods, just read about them.

I found the best method to be just prying, poking, and scribing to break as much apart as possible.

[quadzero]

Originally Posted by SteveK2003

I found the best method to be just prying, poking, and scribing to break as much apart as possible.

I'm always recycling old kits and parts and this is the method I use. It's really not that hard as it sounds. Usually the parts come apart quite easily.

[Jayson62]

thanks guys i will try that.

[SteveK2003]

Yes, I find it best to avoid chemicals if at all possible. If the model was a glue-bomb, the parts will still be damaged when you remove them that way, and if not, the chemicals might still affect the plastic.

Worst-case you just cut or break the part off and use a 1mm drill and some styrene rod to make new 'pins' to hold it in place.