Plastic Kit Models and Heat

[speedchick]

Hi guys,

Have googled and googled and am struggling to find an answer, so thought I would ask here, as it's the font of all knowledge.

Anyway, partner has loads of Airfix/Revel/other makes models built up and in his loft on display, while we know that direct sunlight will have an effect on paint and more so on warping the model, we can't find anything about room heat. As the models are in the loft (with a window with a blackout blind on to keep the sun out), it's getting rather warm up there, apparently it's been hitting 30c. What kind of heat can the models cope with before the bodywork starts warping? Does anyone know please?

Thanks in advance

[kenny Chim 4]

I wouldn't worry about them- they should be fine.

It's direct heat other than accumulated heat that will cause a kit to warp or re-form.

In my opinion over-exposure to direct sunlight causes yellowing and fading especially to unprotected decals. But as you say, you have that covered (as such).

[dr_gn]

speedchick said:

Hi guys,

Have googled and googled and am struggling to find an answer, so thought I would ask here, as it's the font of all knowledge.

Anyway, partner has loads of Airfix/Revel/other makes models built up and in his loft on display, while we know that direct sunlight will have an effect on paint and more so on warping the model, we can't find anything about room heat. As the models are in the loft (with a window with a blackout blind on to keep the sun out), it's getting rather warm up there, apparently it's been hitting 30c. What kind of heat can the models cope with before the bodywork starts warping? Does anyone know please?

Thanks in advance

I've got all my models in my office which is above a garage in the roofspace - it's like an oven. It easily reaches 30+ degrees in summer. Highest temp in there this year was 34.5 C (sadly I've got a weather station/data logger in there). They are all absolutely fine in terms of warping.

[speedchick]

Thank you guys, will pass the information on, I am sure that will put his mind at rest

[Yertis]

Mine have been cooking in my Mum's attic since August 1980. They're fine, if slightly brittle. Some of the decals have peeled away though.

[Eric Mc]

I've only had a kit warp on me once - a FROG Blenheim that was left all day in my car on a very hot day in April 1981. The wings went banana shaped.

[kenny Chim 4]

Eric, had you re-applied heat (perhaps via a hair-drier) to those wings, you may have been able to tease them back into a passable shape.

I've done this a few times with albeit, figure kits..

[Eric Mc]

Typical - advice arrives 32 years too late

[garethj]

Model kits are made from injection moulded polystyrene which has a softening temperature of about 70C. That's quite low for a plastic, but still plenty high enough for a warm room.

If you leave it in direct sunlight you could see past 85C as a surface temperature so it could melt on a windowsill. Out of direct sunlight you'll be fine.

[speedchick]

Thanks guys, have passed the info on and he feels a bit better about his precious collection now