Reattaching broken caboose roof

I’ve had good luck with the Gorilla Glue with the blue cap. Put it on with a toothpick. Whatever you decide to use. You can remove the shell and add something to the underside to re enforce it. This would involve removing some paint to get a good bond. I think no matter how you do it. It will involve some sanding, filling and paint.

@Dave_C posted:

I’ve had good luck with the Gorilla Glue with the blue cap. Put it on with a toothpick. Whatever you decide to use. You can remove the shell and add something to the underside to re enforce it. This would involve removing some paint to get a good bond. I think no matter how you do it. It will involve some sanding, filling and paint.

My suggestion is to remove the roof, turn it upside down, put the broken piece into exact position, and glue a thin styrene patch to the underside of both pieces using styrene cement or epoxy. That should minimize the visibility of the crack on the upper surface. I would try to avoid gluing in the crack itself which would be visible from the upper side. A small, thin patch on the lower surfaces would not be noticeable if you do it carefully.

MELGAR

Most train cars are made from styrene plastic.  Tester styrene plastic glue ( in red tube at Walmart or local hobby store were it is sold for building plastic models) will repair the parts by welding the plastic parts back together and should be as strong as before the break.  The glue is clear and repair will be like new but will show as small crack.  You can tell if the plastic is styrene by scraping the paint off a small area on the bottom of the car or inside the body shell, putting a small amount of the styrene glue and then scraping the spot with a knife to see if it attacks or melts the plastic.

Charlie

Thank you for the reply

someone recommended painting the roof black to hide the crack - what’s your thoughts on that suggestion

Also whatbtpe finish would u use : gloss/semi gloss or flat - not sure what finish Lionel typically uses

I would use this opportunity to get yourself into painting and eventually custom work.

If you really like this train car, find a matching paint color to that red color and paint the white parts.

Then as others mentioned the gorilla glue control gel works well.  Press and hold tight for a minute until that glue can take hold to minimize the crack. 

If you lightly weathered the car, any visible crack would seem in place and acceptable.

Good Luck

I would agree with @Ron045 to paint the white parts before glueing to better hide your crack.

I would also prop something (scrap wood, etc.) up next to the roof to support it while the glue thoroughly dries.

Once that dries, as someone mentioned, put something underneath. I had a steam locomotive cab that needed support and my friend and I used a piece of a tuna can to support the roof. That might be a little overkill for your caboose, but just thought I would mention it.

Good luck and please post your finished project pictures.

Tom

Thank you for everyone’s suggestions- just waiting to get glue/paint

if the result is not “too bad” I will post!

someone recommended Tamiya extra thin glue- anyone have good/bad experience with that?

I personally would stay away from thin CA.  It goes all over the place unless you have a fine applicator and a steady hand.

I like a medium CA or the gorilla gel.  I apply to a toothpic and then to the caboose roof sparingly so you don't have excess ooz out.

Then spray the roof piece with CA kicker.  Bring together and hold for at least 60 seconds.