Disassembling Ares Ships

[Dobbs]

A few years back someone posted about how to soften the glue that holds the ships together without softening the plastic. If anyone knows the secret, the post, or the person, I'd love to know. My favorite ship is waiting at the shear hulk for new masts and I want to use unmodified ones if I can. I have a sacrifice standing by, but want to get the masts out intact.

[Dobbs]

I have just been through the entire Chippy Shop and didn't find anything.

[Dobbs]

Garrrr! I thought it might be Nightmoss' USS Pennsylvania post, but I was wrong. It's still a good read.

https://www.sailsofglory.org/showthr...t=Pennsylvania

I may have to build one of those.

[Nightmoss]

A few years back someone posted about how to soften the glue that holds the ships together without softening the plastic. If anyone knows the secret, the post, or the person, I'd love to know. My favorite ship is waiting at the shear hulk for new masts and I want to use unmodified ones if I can. I have a sacrifice standing by, but want to get the masts out intact.

Hey Dobbs. If the SoG ships are glued together using super glue (which I think they are) I would try 100% Acetone. But first you'll need to test if it doesn't soften or melt the plastic used? Nail polish remover has acetone in it, but not full strength. Best of luck!

[Dobbs]

Thanks, Jim! That's good information. I thought you'd be the one to know.

Working with real boats, I have no shortage of 100% acetone.

I have some hulls that I can sacrifice for research. I'll subject them to experimentation when we return from our voyage.

[Dobbs]

Wait, I think the ships are styrene, and I think Chris had found that you can use acetone as a cement.

Well, it's all about learning.

[Nightmoss]

Wait, I think the ships are styrene, and I think Chris had found that you can use acetone as a cement.

Well, it's all about learning.

Yes, if the ships are styrene and not some other type of plastic the acetone will likely not work. It would probably just soften the glue a bit and then 're glue' the ships. Acetone or airbrush cleaner (with acetone) are used for cementing styrene.

Here's some additional information I found on the Loctite website concerning removal of super glue. https://www.loctiteproducts.com/en/k...uper-glue.html

For Plastic: Lay a damp cloth over the glued area and secure it tightly. Alternately, soak the glue in vegetable oil or diluted vinegar. Let it sit for a few hours to allow the glue to moisten. Blot the glue with acetone or rubbing alcohol and let this substance break down the glue. Clear away with a damp cloth.

[Dobbs]

I'm getting an itchy chemistry finger. When the experiments begin, I'll keep you posted.

[Dobbs]

Ultimately, I chose brute force over chemistry. With precision cuts, the masts were successfully extracted.