The solar panels on a few of my TIE fighters are out of alignment, and I'd like to reposition them without taking the paint off or melting the model. I've done a search and come across a few interesting tips, including one X-Wing member's suggestion of using lemon or lime. I'm assuming they meant to say lemon or lime juice.
I'd certainly appreciate any other suggestions from the group on dissolving the glue used on these beautiful little models. Thanks in advance, all! 
--Saginaw
"Whoever told you that. Lost a brain, have they? How embarrassing."
Edited by Celestial LizardsJust break them off. The glue is weaker than the plastic.
8 minutes ago, thespaceinvader said:Just break them off. The glue is weaker than the plastic.
Use the Force! ...simple, basic, mechanical force!
I have one TIE that came with the Gozanti that has its base connection skewed about 15 degrees...I'd like to fix that to be sure. Let me know if there is another option to simply breaking it off and attaching a cutoff of a female peg length (which has been my only idea so far).
Just now, clanofwolves said:I have one TIE that came with the Gozanti that has its base connection skewed about 15 degrees...I'd like to fix that to be sure. Let me know if there is another option to simply breaking it off and attaching a cutoff of a female peg length (which has been my only idea so far).
Break it off, drill it out, and glue a clipped off female peg into the hole.
Or magnetise.
Sticking the model in a freezer for a bit before trying to wiggle the pieces should help make the glue more brittle.
11 hours ago, Saginaw said:The solar panels on a few of my TIE fighters are out of alignment, and I'd like to reposition them without taking the paint off or melting the model. I've done a search and come across a few interesting tips, including one X-Wing member's suggestion of using lemon or lime. I'm assuming they meant to say lemon or lime juice.
I'd certainly appreciate any other suggestions from the group on dissolving the glue used on these beautiful little models. Thanks in advance, all!
--Saginaw
You can try a super glue debonder but there's a caution. It will pit the plastic. Don't ask it's embarrassing.
Using a needle or pin, drip some debonder into the joint. Use a tissue or swab to remove excess from the model. Wait a couple of minutes then begin working the part gently. If all goes well the glue will dissolve and the part pops free. You may have to repeat the process several times.
10 hours ago, clanofwolves said:I have one TIE that came with the Gozanti that has its base connection skewed about 15 degrees...I'd like to fix that to be sure. Let me know if there is another option to simply breaking it off and attaching a cutoff of a female peg length (which has been my only idea so far).
You might be able to wiggle it free. A good pair of pliers and a light touch is needed. Start by applying gentle pressure. The first 2 or 3 passes go one way then 180° opposite. Rotate 45° and do it again. You need to be careful not to crush the socket. It should break loose. It worked on one of my K-Wings. I crushed the other. Oops.
As usual @Stoneface: wisdom ?
9 hours ago, clanofwolves said:As usual @Stoneface: wisdom ?
I don't know if I would go that far. Experience born of frustration maybe. Like you, I got tired of seeing my K-Wings crabbing into the unseen aether of space on the table top. If the attempt failed, there's always magnets.
Another thing you can try is soaking the ship in Simple Green but it will remove the wash that's applied. I did that to a couple of A-wings and they came apart. Socket, guns and fins all fell off. Took about a week.