Hello:
Does anyone have any good how-to resources or links regarding casting with resin? I read the kitbash article in this months MR on Friday and my wheels have been spinning since. If I can master this art…oh the possiblities!
Thanks for any help,
PJ
Here is agreat source of info.
http://www.alumilite.com/
In addition to Alumilite’s website which Ed O’Keefe mentioned, you should also try Smooth-On’s website at www.smooth-on.com. Like Alumilite, they are a company that makes polyurethane resins and sells RTV rubbers. In particular, their FAQ section and their How-To section contains very useful descriptions of the processes involved.
-Ed
I have used Alumilite regular and Dow HS2 RTV and Alumilite regular and RC3 resin, plus Smooth-on 300 resin. (Micro Mark resin is Smooth-on products). I did not have good luck with the Smooth-on, I must have gotten an old batch. I was able to get some good castings with the Alumilite products. The Alumilite regular RTV is not as stretchy as the Dow HS RTV. If you have a lot of undercuts the HS is better. The RC3 has a 3 minute pot life. I was casting one piece boxcar bodies and need a fairly long pot life. the alumilite regular is about 90 sec which is enough for a small flat casting.
http://www.jamesrogersstudio.com/molds/
Dave H.
although there are a few good sites, there really is no better way of learning this are than actually trying it for yourself. it is really not difficult to do. but doing it well is a real art!
one thing i have found are those little rubber feet you stick on the bottom of speakers and stuff. they are great for locating the pieces of 2 part moulds. just sit them the work surfice when you are makinf tg the first piece and remove them before you cast the second piece. and hay presto! perfect locating lugs!
i will try to take some pictures and post them after christmas.
Peter
Here’s my list:
Casting your own freight cars, (specific to wooden gondolas), MR, January 1983, p. 82
Scratchbuilt D&RGW high-side gondola, (useful for mold master) MR, August 1978, page 66
Building resin freight cars, MR August 1999, page 62
Making more than one, (casting techniques), MR, May 2002, page 64
The basics of resin casting, Part 1 – RMC, April 2001, page 74; Part 2 – RMC, May 2001, page 86; Part 3 – RMC, June 2001, page 57
Resin casting a 1920’s era Santa Fe class RrW reefer, (one-piece, hollow body castings), RMC, November 2001, page 92
Cast your own freight cars, MR, August 2004, p. 72
http://www.housatonicrr.com/ casting old time gondolas, with related links