Building my first tamiya
 

Getting ready to start on my first tamiya build and was getting everything together what is the differance in plastic cement and synthetic rubber cement it says i need both any certain brands you would recommend

What kit are you building? Some of their kits are made from ABS (and some parts in others).

Myself, on plastic I use CA gel (with accelerator...because I'm impatient). That works fine for all of Tamiya's kits (based on my personal experience and I've built them all). On ABS, CA discolors the ABS around the glue (makes it white). Never been a problem though, as it gets covered in the paint booth...

Rubber cement (I use Elmers) is nice for holding parts on that you'll likely need to remove...such as a muzzle brake, or the drive sprocket hub covers. I recently have switched over to Liquid Electrical Tape (from Home Depot). I like it better, as it holds a bit more aggressively, and is easier to peel off if I need to remove the part.

Just remember, glues are like baseball bats...everyone's got their own favorite one (not just one for the whole team). Enjoy the build.

Depending on the kit, they may mix ABS and PS, clearly marked on the sprue and in the directions. You can use a Methyl Chloride or MEK based like Tamiya extra thin for those parts, A straight styrene glue like Testors blue for all styrene to styrene.

Plastic glues actually melt the parts together, ABS requires a hotter solvent like Tamiya or PlastiWeld. DOn't try a plumbing ABS glue, won't work.

The rubber cement they recommend is for mixed media, like PE or the metal barrel to ABS holder. You don't need rubber cement, the key is a semi flexible type. I use a PVA binder, but you could also use two part epoxy.

Im building the m26 pershing figured id jump in feet first,that and its a great battling tank from what ive seen

GREAT TANK! Be patient with the wiring, its very tight and it needs to be just right or you will have issues.

The Pershing may be all styrene (which is good is my opinion). The Tiger I and M4 were all styrene, when they first introduced using ABS, it threw me for a loop when I didn't notice and the road wheels fell apart when I took the clamps off.

If it has PS stamped on the sprue, you're good, if ABS, see my response above.

Qbond will do it all.

I am experimenting with Gorilla Glue ---- No kidding. I glued some scrap pieces together and destroyed them trying to get them apart with a hammer and chisel. I think Gorilla Glue will have to be applied with only the tip of a toothpick.

I have used CA a lot in the past and am finding that after 10 or 15 years parts can pop off easily. Welding plastic together is more permanent than sticking it together. I also like rubber cement.

rex

I have used Testor's styrene cement in the black bottle with needle applicator for years, never a problem. For ABS, if it's for instance a wheel hub I use Moment rubber cement. If it's to be permanent I use gel type ACC, the gel type gives you a second or two to make sure the part is positioned correctly.

Thanks for all the replies i found some stuff at a local hobby store which seems to be working good i was able to get the lower hull and suspension put together over the week end

You will love that Pershing. Solid runner. Please post build progress/pics.