Assembling a Prisoner of War Escape Set: Tips and Tricks
By Sarissa Precision Ltd – Sarissa Precision Limited | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: Tips & Care
Practical assembly tips for the Prisoner of War Escape Set and companion kits, covering dry-fitting, gluing, painting, and terrain integration.
Quick Answer
Assemble your Prisoner of War Escape Set by dry-fitting each laser-cut MDF piece before gluing, using PVA for structural joints and superglue for small details, then painting with acrylics for a durable finish.
Why Dry-Fitting Matters
Laser-cut MDF kits like the Prisoner of War Escape Set come with interlocking tabs and slots. Dry-fitting every piece before applying glue helps you identify which parts go where and ensures a snug fit, reducing the chance of misalignment that can ruin a build.
Take your time with the first dry-fit. Label each piece with a pencil if needed. This step is especially important for the watchtower and sentry box, where small parts like the bicycle and vaulting horse need precise placement.
Glue Selection: PVA vs. Superglue
For structural joints, PVA glue provides a strong bond and allows a few seconds of adjustment. For tiny details like the table and chairs or the bicycle, superglue offers faster setting and better control. Use a toothpick to apply superglue sparingly to avoid excess that can mar the surface.
If you are new to laser cut mdf model building, start with PVA for the main structure and switch to superglue for the fiddly bits. This combination gives you both strength and precision.
Painting and Finishing
Once assembled, prime the MDF with a spray primer or a thin coat of acrylic paint. This seals the wood and provides a good base for color. Use acrylic paints for the main surfaces and a dry-brush technique to highlight edges and details.
For a more realistic look, consider adding weathering effects like washes or pigments. The etched detailing on the watchtower and sentry box will pop with a simple dry-brush of a lighter shade.
Diagnosis: Common Assembly Issues and Fixes
- Symptom: Pieces don't fit snugly: Likely cause: You skipped dry-fitting and glued too early. Corrective action: Gently separate parts if possible, sand down tabs with fine sandpaper, and re-fit. If the fit is too tight, use a hobby knife to shave a little off the tab. Always dry-fit before gluing to avoid this issue.
- Symptom: Glue residue visible on the surface: Likely cause: Too much glue applied. Corrective action: Use a cotton swab dipped in water to wipe away excess PVA before it dries. For superglue, use a debonder or carefully scrape it off once dry. Apply glue sparingly and clean up immediately.
- Symptom: Paint doesn't adhere well: Likely cause: MDF is not primed. Corrective action: Apply a primer coat before painting. If you already painted, lightly sand and re-prime. Priming is essential for a durable finish.
- Symptom: Small parts like the bicycle are hard to handle: Likely cause: They are too small for fingers. Corrective action: Use tweezers and a hobby knife to hold and place them. Apply superglue with a toothpick. If you find these parts too fiddly, consider leaving them off or using them as loose scatter pieces.
Products Mentioned
- Prisoner of War Escape Set: A scenario terrain set ideal for missions in the game of night raids during World War II 02HUNDRED HOURS, complementing the larger Battlefield Set - PoW Escape. This set provides the core structures for a POW camp, giving you a complete terrain piece straight out of the box.
Prisoner of War Escape Set - Sentry Box and PoW extras: Includes a bicycle, table & chairs, and a piece of gym equipment - the ubiquitous Vaulting Horse, ideal as objective pieces for clandestine operations. These small extras add narrative detail and can serve as objective markers, making your game more immersive.
Sentry Box and PoW extras - Watchtower (28mm): A generic watchtower suitable for wargaming tables and dioramas, with etched detailing and dimensions W75 x D100 x H125mm (approx.). The watchtower is a versatile piece that can be used in multiple settings, adding height and tactical interest to your table.
