MAC Forum

I have handled the task of straightening a few Topping models with either bent wings or stabilizers. The small North American family of F-86 and F-100 and globe paperweights are typically susceptible to this condition. As long as the plastic has not being broken, the bent parts can be straightened by using "wet heat" of lower temp boiling water in a pot. You will need a pot of water and a pair of rubber gloves such as Playtex for washing dishes and a bent topping bird for this recipe-

1) Get the pot just below boiling and stick the offending wing or stabilizer in the water. Count to 20 using the 1-1,000 method.

2) Pull the model out of the water and, with rubber gloves for protection, you can easily re-bend the part.

3) For larger models it may take a little longer to soak and/or multiple dips to move the part back into position.

The good news is that this works. The only possible downside is that it may also lift old decals so be prepared to replace these.

Another recommendation- is to not allow your Topping models to spend more than a few minutes in the sun especially in the southwestern states.

Regards, Tom
Sandman Overhaul

Hi Tom -
Good tips, all! In my experience, you don't need to worry about burning your fingers. Maybe I just have asbestos fingers! In any case, using boiling water to soften the plastic is exactly what I do for all Cruver models, as well. The Topping models I have experimented with seem to have a "memory" of some sort, because shortly after I straighten them they revert to their previous look. Curious .......
Cheers! -- Bryan

Bryan,

Yes many plastic have memory. In the case of the Topping re-bend, clamp it until room temps and then see if that helps.

Tom