Temporary Adhesive?

Any recommendations (from experience) about a temporary adhesive for securing figures to locomotives or layouts? Some thing that will not leave a mark or damage painted surfaces and is easily removable.

I just received a diorama built by Jim O’Connell. I plan to use it to photograph my growing collection of customized locomotives and rolling-stock. I plan to place people and/or vehicles on the diorama, but do not want to mount any thing permanently.

I believe this was discussed recently, but I cannot remember if it was here on ZCS or Trainboard or the yahoo group. I did not have any luck with my limited search abilities.

Alex,

I've used rubber cement on other projects for the purpose you need. The rubber cement rubs off easily when you're finished and shouldn't leave any marks. However, you should test it first just to be safe. Rubber cement is available at craft stores, and probably hardware and office supply stores, too. And it's pretty inexpensive. HTH

Beverly56 wrote:

I've used rubber cement on other projects for the purpose you need. The rubber cement rubs off easily when you're finished and shouldn't leave any marks.

Thank you, but I don't want to use anything that might pull up custom paint or scenery material.

I was thinking if glue stick might work. There is a type of glue stick that allows you to remove two pieces of paper stuck together with it.

Hi Alex,
I've used Woodland Scenics "Accent Glue".
"Instant placement...no holding required; Leaves no puddles; Allows repositioning of figures. Compatible with plastic, wood, or metal. Scuff glue points with sandpaper. Apply glue and wait until it is clear and tacky, then place figure or detail on layout."

It's just that easy Alex. And you can reposition with ease. I use it to secure my flatcar loads as well. After the glue has setup, I dab it with my finger to reduce some of the tackiness and then I can reposition large flatcar loads with ease.

Cheap. It's like $4.50 a bottle.

Good luck!
Bill Mock

Alex,

The "cement" part of rubber cement makes it sound like contact cement which is a very stong cement that I would not recommend. Rubber cement rubs off easily and should not damage anything. There is no preparation of surfaces necessary when using rubber cement. Elmer's is the brand I've used with great success for the purpose you need. Read this for a bit of information about Elmer's Rubber Cement .

BillMock wrote:

I've used Woodland Scenics "Accent Glue".

I think I might already have some of it. Thank you, Bill!