Spacewarp

I have two older Spacewarp kits that I received as gifts in the early 90's. I never got either set fully functional and I'm now trying to "resurrect" this toy and get a layout constructed.

My only problem is those damn plastic pieces are HORRIBLE. I don't remember them being so fragile, but I'm sure the plastic pieces became more fragile over time. As I started constructing my layout, I would say literally half of the pieces I tried to use broke.

I don't know much about the science behind plastics, but isn't there anything I can do to make the plastic pieces more durable? I read a tip on the internet to soak them in hot water before using. I tried that, but they still broke pretty easily. Does there exist a spray coating I could apply to the plastic pieces that would hold them together better?

Any helpful thoughts? thanks.

Greg *** Edited 3/19/2006 1:04:11 PM UTC by GregBuzz***

Costco jug of superglue? ;)

That's too bad really but some plastics to degrade. Not sure if there's anything you can do.

Hmm, I have a set from the 1990s and the plastic seems as strong as ever.

My problem is that, after I made the track it was supposed to make, I cut the track pieces all up to make shorter tracks. They were sweet, I had one that jumped a 6-inch gap, another with three loops in a row (with track running through them), a semi-corkscrew, and one that started about five feet off the ground.

I have a vertical loop followed by an immelman on one of my tracks. :)

I'm guessing your pieces are beyond repair at this point. If the set was in storage and subjected to thermal shock over the years (cold in the winter, hot in the summer), that may explain it. I've had my set 'set-up' for about 10 years without modifying it. I don't know how fragile it's become. I never got the pulley system to work rigjt on mine though, so the elevator isn't operational.

I "WORSHIPED" my spacewarp. I made a new layout about once or twice a month for about 10 years. Around 1995, the plastic pieces that you snap the track into became brittle like you are discribing. I sadly and rituialisticly, threw the toy away.

I searched the world for another set or Two with no luck. I would buy one right now if they were still being made.

You can find them on eBay from time to time, but they go for a lot, and you might run into the "brittle" plastic issue. I'm glad this discussion came,a s I've often considered buying one on eBay, but I'm weary of it now.

Yep... the plastic ties are brittle. Mine were breaking when my set was new - in 1989.

I don't know if it's a worthwhile idea, but you could try to shave down the plastic track in the areas where the ties are going to go. Of course, that leads to another problem - the track getting scraped.

It was a supercool toy, but it wasn't really designed to be used for multiple constructions.

Get some latex mold making rubber. Apply as directed to a crosstie. The get some Casting Resin to put into the mold once the first steps are complete. The Resin should take about half an hour to harden. You then have a brand new crosstie that is a lot more durable. You will have to do some sanding. It helps if you make lots of molds so this process can go faster.

This is how I make my crossties for my model roller coasters. Here are the products I use:

Woodland Scenics Latec Rubber (C1204) - Various others can be used. Go to Hobby Lobby and ask about alternatives.

Castin' Craft Clear Liquid Plastic Casting Resin. Dont forget to pick up the 1oz bottle of catalyst. The new stuff is Polyester Casting Resign with Catalyst in a package.

^Thanks! I was wondering what it would take to make my own pieces. I came across a website where this guy made his own pieces and sold them (not anymore). I wondered how he learned to make them himself. Sounds like work, but I might get that desperate.

I actually sent an email to customer service at Bandai and they suggested I contact the Japan distributer to order more parts. Over in Japan they have a newer version of Spacewarp. I'd probably be better off just trying to get ahold of one of these newer sets. You can find them on Ebay, but the shipping is outrageous coming from Japan and will run you approx. $100-$150 total for a set.

This page was also very helpful with tips

Cool! I'm glad to see other people are interested in keeping Spacewarp alive :) They need to bring the newer one to the states!

greg

Ah yes, Scott Mills website. That is a very informative site. That's what I used years ago to get my spacewarp up to par. I had the thing sitting on my television for the longest time. Then I upgraded TV's so I had to put the lil' guy back in it's box. I should make a shelf for it to sit on.