Hi all,

This may seem an odd question, but I was wondering if anyone has tried to remove the giant plastic keyholes that connect the ships to their stands.

I don't really play Armada, but I love the ships. The keyholes, though, can be a little intrusive, particularly on smaller ships like the Imperial light cruiser (where the keyhole is the same size as the ISD, so it stands out a lot more).

I can't really tell how they are connected to the ship, so before I tried anything I wanted to see if anyone else had any experience with this.

Also, what would be the best tool to remove the pegs on squadrons that connect down into the stands. They are positively enormous as a percentage of the fighter/ship! Would wire cutters snip them off cleanly or is something sharper required?

Thanks!

They just slide out, they're held in with a spot of glue. Had one on my gladiator just fall out.

Clippers will do the job if your'e careful, for the Squadrons... I have a customer who requests I do it, and then drill a pinhole because he has them mounted on wire...

As for the Key? Its not easy on some ships... On some, like Assault Frigates - its just a mtter of put it in the Freezer for a while, Grab a pair of pliers and muscle that thing out....

But on some, like the MonCal Liberty and the Pelta, you just have to be careful of the direction of wrenching, as it is mounted flush to some portions - and is even in a cutout in others...

Its only glue and friction that holds it in place. Glue can be made brittle by a freeze cycle or two.

Thanks for the tips!

What kind of clippers do you use to remove them?

Have you tried to take the keyholes out of the light cruiser or Victory before (The ISD is so big, it doesn't really bother me)?

They fall out of the victory, just put the stand in and wriggle a little bit

Just my regular Garden variety GW Clippers from years ago when i worked for them..... And an Emery Board to smooth the line after wards....

But certainly - Victory, Gladiator, Assault Frigate... All fairly Loose. Never a problem, fall out themselves half the time...

But MC80s of both Varieties, and the Pelta... They've been a Nightmare.

As was the Interdictor - I actually had the Key snap in the Interdictor, I was much unimpressed. Had to go back and dig out all the broken pieces, so now my Interdictor has to sit Keyless on its Stand...

Yeah, I actually had to reglue my Glad's in place right out of the box.

most of FFG's stuff are only held together with mild glue dabs. Any thin sharp object (razorknifes) and some patience will get pieces off. With much wincing at the nasty crack sounds the glue makes lol

most of FFG's stuff are only held together with mild glue dabs. Any thin sharp object (razorknifes) and some patience will get pieces off. With much wincing at the nasty crack sounds the glue makes lol

Sometimes, they use a lot

If you have a stubborn one, you can probably heat it slightly with a hair dryer, then toss it in ice water. Be careful not to over heat it and melt all the plastics.

Good grief ive never seen one have a giant glob of glue lol.

The light cruiser popped right out without any trouble.

I haven't worked on my Victorys yet.

Thanks everyone for all the help.

I'll try the squadron clipping (which looks to be much harder) soon.