casting lead figures

**brianne** · #1 11-08-2020, 11:04 PM

I like to use my paper models as masters for making lead casting molds, by casting in lead I can make inexpensive but large war gaming armies of tanks or trucks, etc... I keep a blog for my wargaming/modelmaking here;
https://brisbattleblog.blogspot.com/...&by-date=false

and my Imagi-Nations wargame campaign is chronicled here; https://briannesjeudeguerre.blogspot.com/

**ShadowCory** · #2 11-09-2020, 06:50 PM

Very cool! Do you make silicone molds of the papercraft? Or some other method?

**southwestforests** · #3 11-09-2020, 08:01 PM

Very cool indeed! And interesting blog.

**Madbrit** · #4 11-09-2020, 11:06 PM

Interesting to see so many periods covered. What exactly do you mean "use my paper models as masters for making lead casting molds "? An explanation of your methods would be welcome.

Derek

**brianne** · #5 11-10-2020, 11:40 PM

sure. Well, I first make my paper model, a tank, or truck say... then I make a mold of latex, or of silicone (I mix silicone caulk with baby powder and corn starch) of the paper model. next I cast plaster into that mold, which lets me etch fine lines and hollow out the bottom of the vehicle to save weight and metal in the final piece. THAT plaster figure I then make a new mold of, and pour lead from tire weights into the mold. it's easier than it sounds.

**brianne** · #6 11-10-2020, 11:41 PM

I have been asked about his often, I think I'm going to have to try making a video to explain it...

**southwestforests** · #7 11-11-2020, 01:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brianne

sure. Well, I first make my paper model, a tank, or truck say... then I make a mold of latex, or of silicone (I mix silicone caulk with baby powder and corn starch) of the paper model. next I cast plaster into that mold, which lets me etch fine lines and hollow out the bottom of the vehicle to save weight and metal in the final piece. THAT plaster figure I then make a new mold of, and pour lead from tire weights into the mold. it's easier than it sounds.

So, that would be one of those rare things that's easier done than said?

**brianne** · #8 11-11-2020, 04:28 AM

LOL!
yep, one of the few.

**Madbrit** · #9 11-11-2020, 02:29 PM

Thank you for the explanation. A video or a photo stage by stage tutorial would go a long way to demonstrate the process further. Thank you again.

Derek

**waynemac** · #10 11-11-2020, 07:52 PM

In my much younger life I made lead castings, too. Mostly 1/285 scale WW2 vehicles and 1/2400 scale warships. I made the masters out of styrene plastic, then made silicone molds around the plastic masters. I then made plaster sections to hold the silicone molds. I held the plaster sections with heavy gloves and poured molten lead-tin-bismuth alloy into the molds. I don't do that anymore.
Wayne