I have a polyurethane foam portal that is warped. Does anyone know if these can be flattened out, and if so how? I thought of using slight heat, but dod not want to distort rocks on face. Thought of putting outside on hot day in shade with a plastic and then maybe a book?
Joe Gozzo
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In my opinion, lay it on something flat and use a heat gun. Easier to control the heat.
@Clarence Siman posted:In my opinion, lay it on something flat and use a heat gun. Easier to control the heat.
I had toughtabout that. I am not sure that would be too hot. Even. Ontrolled?
Get a suitable substrate (plywood or the like) mark it out, cut the portal oversize and glue the foam piece on. Weigh it down to dry. You won’t see the back side on the layout anyways
I think Boilermaker1 has the answer. But it looks like Scenic Express so I would also contact them and see if they have any ideas.
Joe, try placing the portal on a piece of plywood, and start heating it with the heat gun on setting 2 on the indicator knob and hold it a couple of inches away from it. If it is not hot enough, move it to 3 and so on until it starts to move. OR put it on a piece of plywood and put it on the dash of your vehicle in the sun. Last week a friend of mine bought a Prewar scale Hudson tender-absolutely MINT-from a guy . He left it in the back of his mustang in the sun WARPED the shell all to death. Only thing good on it was the frame, trucks, and whistle. Either way, keep an eye on it. That's all I can think of. Good Luck.
Joe,
I'd kirf the back (unseen) side, fill the kirfs with Elmer's glue, and lay it flat with a weight on top until the glue dries.
here's a suggestion; take two strips of straight wood to be glued to the back of the two legs of the portal; use Great Stuff to apply a line of GS to the wood strips ( use gloves) Place the strips on the back of the legs and press down from the back to straighten the legs use; weights or carefully applied clamps to hold fast; allow to dry.
An alternative: if you have an available area use it as a repair scene. Put some debris on the ground, place some stabilizing timbers, and position a repair crew and equipment.
Unless the part has sentimental value, you could simply replicate it by carving a new one out of pink foam. Very easy. I once made a 2-portal match of the Lionel plastic portal that way:
@Lehigh74 posted:I think Boilermaker1 has the answer. But it looks like Scenic Express so I would also contact them and see if they have any ideas.
You wrre right Bob. I had no idea. It is there item 6157. I sent an email to their customer service. Thanks everyone!
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