MTH Box Glue Repair

It won't be "as done at the factory", but on one or 2 boxes I've applied clear packing tape inside over the "flap" to hold it in place to the adjacent side of the box.

You need to apply it carefully, but if you do, it should be smooth enough to not become displaced as you slide the styrofoam form in and out if boxing and unboxing the engine once in a while.

-Dave

I would try rubber cement on both sides of the seam.

Office supply store have it always in stock.

The coated paper box is hard to get a good glue bond to, you may have to rough up the mating sides first.

Maybe try a hot glue gun.

Elmer's white glue...used it many times...

i would suggest RTV GLUE WHICH all automotive parts store sell n comes in clear white red n black! stores like NAPPA ETC! or

https://www.bing.com/shop?q=go...4A2E8BA23F827014BF11

Alan

I've used Loctite PL3 adhesive on a couple of them, they're together to stay!

Thanks everyone for some really great ideas.  Tom

@rattler21 posted:

Duct tape or two inch wide packaging tape ought to keep it closed.  John

All tape eventually dies and leaves a gummy residue when it finally comes off. Besides it will look terrible. I'm sure the OP is not after that patched with tape look. I have used both white glue and yellow waterproof wood glue which results in an invisible repair.  After applying a thin uniform coat of the glue along the box glue tab I then clamp it between two boards for a couple of hours.  You won't be able to tell it was repaired. I have also used CA on occasion with good invisible results.           j

Elmers wood glue (yellow stuff) and blue painters tape to hold it in place without damaging the box.

@JohnActon posted:

All tape eventually dies and leaves a gummy residue when it finally comes off. Besides it will look terrible. I'm sure the OP is not after that patched with tape look. I have used both white glue and yellow waterproof wood glue which results in an invisible repair.  After applying a thin uniform coat of the glue along the box glue tab I then clamp it between two boards for a couple of hours.  You won't be able to tell it was repaired. I have also used CA on occasion with good invisible results.           j

If you tape from the INSIDE, there is no "look", unless you are worried about seeing it if you peer into the end of the box with a flashlight after removing the styrofoam.

Fully agree that tape on the outside would not have a good look.  Though I do think I've seen that from time to time.

-Dave

Hot glue will do the job. Be sure to have the Styrofoam inside the box when you glue the box. Otherwise you might glue the box too small for the Styrofoam to fit inside.

@Dave45681 posted:

If you tape from the INSIDE, there is no "look", unless you are worried about seeing it if you peer into the end of the box with a flashlight after removing the styrofoam.

Fully agree that tape on the outside would not have a good look.  Though I do think I've seen that from time to time.

-Dave

If you tape from the inside you only tape the exposed edge of the GLUE tab and the seam will not be closed. It forms a sort of hinge. Another problem with using tape is ignoring the siltuation of leaving trains in the trunk of your car. I live about 850 miles from York PA and have made the trip about fifteen times. On many of those trips we ran the air-conditioner non stop from the time we left B'ham till we returned.  Imagine the temperature inside the truck and what happens to tape.  The same thing that happens when I use a hair dryer to remove the dead tape you guys put on the box. Getting the residue off is another matter.  See photos of what happens when you tape the glue tab from inside.   Had to search a while to find my twenty year old roll of duct tape. Should have been called, GOOEY TAPE.  Gluing a box back together is about the least critical use of any type of glue White glue, Yellow glue, CA, Hot glue, ANYTHING but tape.           j

I appreciate the feedback and ideas on how to repair an MTH train box that has come undone at the seem.  I decided to use a Elmer's white glue which I had on hand.   I  insert the styrofoam engine case inside the box to give the box support (a post recommended this).  I was concerned about the glue seeping out from the seem being repaired and the glue bonding the seem as well as the styrofoam to the box.  So, I decided to place aluminum foil along the edge of the styrofoam to protect the it.  I placed the aluminum foil under the styrofoam lid to hold it in place as I inserted it into the box.

I placed the train box on a wooden patio table, added a board on top of the box and used three claps to apply enough pressure for the glue to begin seeping out of the exterior of the box seem which I wiped with a wet paper towel.  After the glue dried, I had a difficulty removing the styrofoam insert because the glue had attached to the aluminum foil and the foil was held to the stryofoam because I had folded it under the lid which I would recommend NOT doing.  I had to use a long bread knife to carefully loosen the aluminum foil from the stryofoam.  But, the end result turned out great.

Tom

I have used your method Tom but rather than use aluminum foil use wax paper. The glue doesn't stick to it very well and any that does is easily pealed away. I have used contact cement as well but white or yellow glue will last forever.

Pete

@Norton posted:

.. rather than use aluminum foil use wax paper.

Pete

great suggestion Pete, I will try wax paper the next time.