Assembly

The kit is made of PLA (polylactic acid).

We have found that the glue which works best with unpainted models is EMA Plastic Weld. This is reasonably easy to obtain from a good model shop. It will weld in seconds and is remarkably strong. I generally count to 20 and the job is done.

If you are painting your model and the joining faces aren’t too clean, then use Super Glue (Cyanoacrylate). Our preferred brand is free running Loctite.

Other glues will do the job probably - but we would advise against any Epoxy adhesive. They are all good glues - but less so for this material .

 We don’t supply glazing but on occasion I have successfully used EMA without clouding. Superglue can occasionally work-it depends on the plastic. Test a bit before proceeding.

Construction

Always plan your work. Have a dry assembly run. The design tolerances mean that it will often initially hold together without glue.

We will normally assemble your model before you get it to ensure it has printed nicely.

If you want to paint the model it is often easier to do this prior to assembly.

Decoration

When painting I would always recommend a primer such as Halfords Grey/white  or Red Oxide. It is really good paint but make sure you have adequate ventilation or wear a mask

Typically we wait a day or so for the paint to dry (longer in winter when it is damp or cold). We then paint structures using masonry paint - which surprisingly replicates the real thing.

Buy the sample pots from a DIY store-they last for ages. They cost around £4 each. Stir well though.

We have used Sandtex French Grey for concrete and Slate grey for roofing. We have also found that Craig and Rose European Stone replicates stone too.

All the above can be bought at most DIY stores.

 Once the base coats are applied you can then weather to suit your location.

 Generally, you can imitate mortar courses by pushing premixed filler into the  brick lines. Let it dry and wipe off the surplus with a moist (not wet) kitchen wipe. Maybe mix some dark colour onto a dry brush and tone down the whiteness.

Stone can also be created by puddling filler between the block lines of the water tower and platelayers hut. You will soon get the idea on how much to use.

We hope you enjoy your kit and hope that you will send us examples of your work to upload in our Gallery.