[T-Man]

Today I am just working on a gondola with a broken section.

I start off with a mold on the good side. Construction paper and blue tape.

When ready pour the plaster.

A few hours later. I chipped the edges to free the shell up.

 

[CKCECB]

Neat, do you use plaster of Paris for this, or a secret recipe? Last time I was at Hobby Lobby I saw a resin casting kit but it was around $70 but they have 40% off coupons all the time.

 

[T-Man]

I did not mess with the small containers of Plaster I just got the 15 pound bag. It works best with flat surfaces. It is just fun to do.

 

[T-Man]

This finishes the gondola. A little black craft paint to hide the grey.

 

[Millstonemike]

I did not mess with the small containers of Plaster I just got the 15 pound bag. It works best with flat surfaces. It is just fun to do.

Educate me. I thought Plaster of Paris would be too brittle, prone to chipping or cracking.

 

[CKCECB]

So the plaster makes the mold? If so, do you use release agent or a bond breaker? Also what are you casting the parts with?

Thanks,
Chris

 

[T-Man]

Construction paper and tape make a box around the object.

Plaster is mixed with water and poured. Dry time about three hours I may add heat with a heat gun to warm it up.

Intricate surfaces are difficult because of breakage. On the mold I do paint it with craft paint and that helps the epoxy separate.

This is the good side to the gondola. I molded this then I flipped it over to the bad side and added epoxy to the hole.

When I started I bought a small package at Lowes or Home Depot and practiced on box cars, caboose and gondolas.

 

[CKCECB]

I understand now. Thank you for the explanation
Chris

 

[T-Man]

I came across many broken roofs using this method the cars were improved. The only other method is to cut a piece out of a scrap shell and epoxy it to the new.

 

[T-Man]

Caboose 6457

Just a little rehab. Broken roof, no light. Purchased at sprinfield at the Charles Ro table.

 

[T-Man]

Mold and epoxy

The molds were old and reused.

This corner was a little thin after sanding and I had to add support it from the bottom.

Not too pretty but too early to judge.

This underside is heavy too.

 

[T-Man]

The second round I sanded and started painting. The hole was cut for the ladder. The rear section fell off was epoxied and painted.

 

[T-Man]

A little detour, frame and trucks.

Some wire action was needed. Primed and painted. The lamp socket was cleaned with a small Dremel brush.

Very little rust here a quick clean and new wire.

 

[T-Man]

Painting was done with acrylic craft. A blend of black brown and red.

 

[Big Ed]

What did you do, hand paint it?
Looks good, Did Top hat approve?

So I lost count what is the #30 caboose now?

 

[T-Man]

It is brush painted. I could of added a little shine but it is close.

The other caboose is the same number but more red in color.

It is hard to resist a caboose with a light and battery box.

 

[tjcruiser]

Very nice junk box casting repair work, T. Most people would just toss these old relics. So nice to see them given careful t.l.c. in your hands!

TJ

 

[T-Man]

Just trying to figure out attachments,

The tower of dots have the edit button. For a moment I thought I would have to delete and rewrite the post if I could not edit. Also this is a full size picture. The rest of the post shows thumbnails that you can enlarge to see.

 

[Big Ed]

Just trying to figure out attachments,

That worked better then the little ones that you have to click on.

 

[T-Man]

You are right Ed, full size is better. The dark mode is better. I am still getting confused with the screen. There just is not enough boarders. I view a thread then I jump to more threads?