Thirtysecond
Western Thunderer
Some years ago I discovered Loctite 326. Apologies if some of you are already familiar with it. Basically any two Copper based materials (inc. Brass of course ) can be bonded to produce a joint which, in my experience, is as good as a hard solder one.
![IMG_2140.JPG IMG_2140.JPG](https://www.westernthunder.co.uk/data/attachments/66/66879-87a5612908cca1caa64e725934707c90.jpg)
There are few things to remember.
Its particularly useful when you can't solder for whatever reason.
For instance I have been working on four Gauge One tenders which are already fully detailed, painted and lined.
![IMG_2132.JPG IMG_2132.JPG](https://www.westernthunder.co.uk/data/attachments/66/66880-dd6af527033d0e925c5aa76bdc1cdecb.jpg)
And to these I had to add the two extra lampbrackets in the middle of the backplate which had been inadvertently left off in the production run. Soldering was out of the question.
I masked up the two places concerned and removed the paint extremely carefully with a piece of 1/16" angle ground to make a 1/16 chisel. Loctite 326 was applied with a cocktail stick to both surfaces and the brackets clamped for 10 minutes.
No need for touching up of paintwork and they look like they've been on there forever.
![fullsizeoutput_4f0.jpeg fullsizeoutput_4f0.jpeg](https://www.westernthunder.co.uk/data/attachments/66/66882-896678c59ed7a7cc22cb1fcbc2b1ad66.jpg)
Downside? Its around £40 for a 50ml bottle!! Worth every penny though and it does last for years.
![IMG_2140.JPG IMG_2140.JPG](https://www.westernthunder.co.uk/data/attachments/66/66879-87a5612908cca1caa64e725934707c90.jpg)
There are few things to remember.
- The surfaces must be thoroughly degreased.
- An activator Loctite 7649 is applied to both surfaces.
- Loctite 326 is applied to both surfaces and the joint clamped until it goes off (depends on temperature but usually minutes)
- Any extruded adhesive can be removed with a degreasing agent or solvent that doesn't effect your paint.
- Have a few tries on spare parts before attempting work on a valuable model!!
Its particularly useful when you can't solder for whatever reason.
For instance I have been working on four Gauge One tenders which are already fully detailed, painted and lined.
![IMG_2132.JPG IMG_2132.JPG](https://www.westernthunder.co.uk/data/attachments/66/66880-dd6af527033d0e925c5aa76bdc1cdecb.jpg)
And to these I had to add the two extra lampbrackets in the middle of the backplate which had been inadvertently left off in the production run. Soldering was out of the question.
I masked up the two places concerned and removed the paint extremely carefully with a piece of 1/16" angle ground to make a 1/16 chisel. Loctite 326 was applied with a cocktail stick to both surfaces and the brackets clamped for 10 minutes.
No need for touching up of paintwork and they look like they've been on there forever.
![fullsizeoutput_4f0.jpeg fullsizeoutput_4f0.jpeg](https://www.westernthunder.co.uk/data/attachments/66/66882-896678c59ed7a7cc22cb1fcbc2b1ad66.jpg)
Downside? Its around £40 for a 50ml bottle!! Worth every penny though and it does last for years.
Last edited: