Enduring mystery

[43rdRecceReg]

The mystery in question is what Tamiya mean when they indicate the used of 'Synthetic Rubber Cement' in their 1/16 Tank kits. No one on related online forums has yet come up with a satisfactory answer, it appears. Anyone here know?
I'll probably try the latex glue used for shoes, etc., when I come to parts on the Tamiya KT. where SRC is recommended.

[AlwynTurner]

There's this on amazon but I don't know if that's what they mean
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Elmers-231-8- ... Sw9NdXqJj5

Alwyn

[43rdRecceReg]

Thanks, Alwyn. Yes, I saw a mention of the Elmers product on RCU, and other sites; but, like your comment, the line that follows the reference is usually: "but I'm not sure if this is what they mean". That's the point- no one seems to know what they (Tamiya) mean....even at the Tamiyaclub forum. But maybe it doesn't matter; it's just an enduring mystery. Presumably many here have assembled a Tamiya 1/16 model, though, and to do it they must have used some product at the points and positions indicated in the Tamiya manual. The question remains, why is it necessary to use a 'synthetic' (as opposed to 'natural') rubber cement? Why not superglue, PVA,Cowglue, or other bonding agents. Hence, the enduring mystery.
On the subject of enduring mysteries, though, I've often wondered why humans (irrespective of ethnicity or background) all seem to go.."aaaahhhh!!! ...' after a thirst quenching drink. Maybe some university will sponsor some research into that phenomenon too

[PainlessWolf]

Good afternoon,
I've built a couple of RC Tiger kits, one large and one small and one old style large Remote Control Line Gepard. I've never seen any spot where I had to use rubber cement, synthetic or otherwise. Very mysterious as 43rdR&R notes.
regards,
Painless

[43rdRecceReg]

Good afternoon,
I've built a couple of RC Tiger kits, one large and one small and one old style large Remote Control Line Gepard. I've never seen any spot where I had to use rubber cement, synthetic or otherwise. Very mysterious as 43rdR&R notes.
regards,
Painless

...and, of course, your Tamiya static Tiger 1 to roaring RC Tiger has been one of the most engaging threads in recent times, Painless. However, for conversational purposes
here's a clip from my King Tiger build manual:

Bits needing the mystery bonding agent...

The joints on the MG are shown needing treatment with the blue tube sporting a capital "G". In the introduction to materials and tools needed, Tamiya state (re: the "G" tube) : "Apply synthetic rubber cement in places shown by this mark"..
On various forums, equally in- the- dark- builders have noted that rubber cement would be more flexible than CA or Epoxy, and also permit easier future separation of parts, if needed. Sounds about right; but it would be handy if Tamiya had stated that.
Meantime, I'm continuing to assemble all the bits I'll need to put the KT together. Like a good ex-scout (only managed two years.. .), I'd say it's better to 'be prepared', when it comes to builds. ..or, 'an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,' if it all goes tits- up.

[PainlessWolf]

Good afternoon, 43rdR&R,
For the MG on the Tiger1 , I used old reliable Loctite UltraGel. The Tiger did not have those two piece hull supports but if it had, I would have relied on the Ultragel again. I have a couple of pots of rubber cement but have not used them that I can remember. Don't keep us in the dark as to what you use, 43rd, and let us know how it worked. I'm always up for a tip and a trick.
regards,
Painless

[43rdRecceReg]

I have used, the Rubber cement from bicycle repair kits from the £1 shop.

This works very well.

Thanks Geoff. It's always handy to have a puncture repair kit around. My bike's been in the shed for the last ten years, but having been enthused by the current Tour De France, I'll must get it out. I'll probably creak and wheeze down to the village shop fairly soon. In the meantime, I'll get myself a repair kit of some sort. It's likely to come in handy. Shoe glue might be another option, but I think they're made of 'natural' latex..not the synth stuff Tamiya seem to crave.

[43rdRecceReg]

Good afternoon, 43rdR&R,
For the MG on the Tiger1 , I used old reliable Loctite UltraGel. The Tiger did not have those two piece hull supports but if it had, I would have relied on the Ultragel again. I have a couple of pots of rubber cement but have not used them that I can remember. Don't keep us in the dark as to what you use, 43rd, and let us know how it worked. I'm always up for a tip and a trick.
regards,
Painless

Wilco, Painless

[Jay-Em]

I usually go for bison-kit, or bison-tix contact glue. Pattex ontact glue works also.

Tamiya RC cars also use the mysterious "synthetic rubber cement" here&there, and I have had no problems with contact-glue. I think Tamiya uses that odd denomination for any kind of flexible glue.

[43rdRecceReg]

Well, in the end I ordered Elmer's rubber cement. If you google - "tamiya synthetic rubber cement' - you'll see pages of links to well established modelling websites, where the enduing mystery is discussed, and over the years bo-one has yet come up with a definitive answer. It's almost like a line of hopefuls trying to pull Excalibur out of the stone it was embedded in...all to no avail.
However, as good as Tamiya's english translations are, compared with the baffling 'chinglish' of Heng Long and Co., I think something has been lost in translation. Tamiya's own product for 'synthetic rubber' components (tyres etc) is actually a form of CA superglue:

Tamiya glue for synthetic rubber...

Maybe the mystery is inadvertent...but it remains