Reviving Plastic Toys:

Ian Robertson's Repair Magic

Extending the life of plastic items is the forte of Ian Robertson, a volunteer at the Palmerston North Repair Café. With a lifelong appreciation for plastic, Ian can repair all sorts of damaged items, often with repairs that are nearly invisible.

Ian's relationship with plastic began in childhood when he assembled kitset model planes. His interest soon shifted to trams and buses, leading him to design and create his own models from balsa wood and later from plastic in the 1960s, drawing on his experience with plastic slot car kits.

Throughout his adult life, Ian has repaired many of his own household plastic items to extend their lifespan, including a loaf slicer that has had multiple repairs and is still going strong today. During his time as a bus driver, he was commissioned to create various models, including a cable car that Wellington City Transport presented as a gift to their retiring General Manager; this model is now on display at the Cable Car Museum in Wellington.

Ian employs various techniques for repairing plastic, depending on the type of plastic and the required durability of the repair. Type 1 and 2 plastics can typically be welded together by melting the edges with chemicals or heat, or by adding melted plastic. Other types can be repaired with glue.

At the September event at the Highbury Whānau Centre, a visitor brought in a plastic toy boat that was broken in two places. Ian welded one break using a special chemical to melt the plastic; aside from a slight discolouration on the underside, the welded join was indiscernible. The other break required a more robust solution, so Ian reinforced the welded joint with plastic putty. He often finds that toys with wheels are the most frequently broken, as they endure the most abuse from children.

Gather up your broken plastic household items and toys and bring them along to the next Palmerston North Repair Café on Saturday, 26th October, between 9 am and 12 noon, where Ian will do his best to give them a new lease on life. Specialist repairers will also be present to carry out other types of repairs.

While you wait for your item to be fixed, enjoy complimentary freshly brewed organic coffee and tasty treats. The Repair Café is usually held on the last Saturday of each month at the Palmerston North Leisure Centre, 569 Ferguson Street, Palmerston North. For more information about the PN Repair Café, visit our Facebook page or email the Repair Café Coordinator at kai.security@enm.org.nz