I posted this question on the resin freight car group and got zero input, so I’m broadening the scope by reposting here.

 

 

I just finished applying rivets to the ends of the sides of four flat cars. I cut the heads from 0.020 in. Tichy rivets and used CA to glue them to the cars. Some fell off during subsequent handling, and I had to reapply. This is the first time I’ve applied large numbers of rivets (OK, maybe just moderate numbers), and I’d like to know how the experts apply and fix rivets on resin. I’ve heard that some modelers use MEK to soften plastic rivet heads to get them to stick to resin, while others use CA as I did. What is the best way to insure that the rivets don’t detach during subsequent handling? I’ve considered brush painting or spraying a thin coat of acrylic clear coat of some kind, but I don’t want the rivets to get brushed off or blown away. Please tell me how to do it right.

 

Nelson Moyer