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Straightening Bent Legs On Breyer Models
(Info Received From Breyer at BreyerFest 2009)
Experience has told us that the legs of our models can
become bent due to one or more of the following reasons:
heat (being in a hot vehicle, etc.); forced removal from the
platform on which the model is mounted in the box; or
occasionally, a molding error may squeeze through quality
control. Whatever the reason, the majority of these
cases can easily be corrected by the collector at home.
The following items will be needed; oven mitt or towel,
cooking pot filled with water, and the model in need of
correction. (Seek adult assistance if you are under 13
years of age).
1. Bring the pot of water to a boil; reduce heat setting
slightly. Do not allow water to boil continuously,
because as the temperature continues to rise after boiling,
the likelihood of altering the finish or paint increases.
2. Immerse the leg which is bent, and gently move the horse
in a circular motion. Do not allow the model to touch
the pot in any place. Be careful when standing over
the stove, as the hot steam rising from the pot can burn
you!
3. Remove traditional sized models after approximately 45
seconds, and with the oven mitt protecting your hand, slowly
bend the leg back to its proper position. Do not grip
the leg too tightly, as the fabric or cloth of the mitt or
towel may leave an imprint.
4. If the leg does not bend easily, put the leg back into
the water for several more seconds and try again.
5. Stand the horse on a level surface to make sure that it
stands squarely. After correcting the bend, allow to
cool for approximately 1/2 hour.
* An alternate method is to use a blow dryer.
1. Hold the blow dryer about 2-3 inches from the leg, and
with the dryer sent on High/Hot, direct the hot air onto the
bent area.
2. This may take approximately one minute to soften the leg,
check leg periodically by gently pushing and pulling the
leg.
3. When leg is quite soft, correct position.
4. Be sure your hand is not in the path of the hot air, as
it can be hot enough to burn!
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