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[Replicant 13]

All -
Bronze is a nice thought. However, I have no experience with this process. As Joberg said, of course, it would depend on the cost. I may investigate this further, perhaps - perhaps - do a limited run

My thought was to keep the cost down so more could afford the duck, offering it as a simple kit, requiring a minimum of work to complete. The finish would therefore be at the owners discretion. But I suppose you could have it bronzed/plated like they used to do with baby shoes.

But my motivation here was simply to create a more exact replica, since the actual weights you find online seem to all differ significantly. It seems no two are identical, although in the past a couple seem to have come close to Deckard's.

HAB1! - R13
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Gosh, you've really got some nice toys here . . .

[Replicant 13]

I thought that it might involve the "lost wax" process. I took a quick look and found this on YouTube. Interesting and something worth learning, no doubt, but a lot more involved (and obviously more expensive) than casting in resin.

And a bit impractical with my setup.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFOo5EWNl8M

Perhaps cold-cast bronze - a blending of bronzing particles and resin might be an option . . .

- R13
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Gosh, you've really got some nice toys here . . .

[BR26354]

VERY interested if this project turns into a "run". Gosh, you really have some nice toys here...well done!!!
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Replicants are like any other machine...they're either a benefit, or a hazard. If they're a benefit it's not my problem.

[panaflex]

While a bronze run would be fantastic, I'm sure this would bump costs dramatically. Someone with the background could prob. do a small run but I'd be happy with a resin one I could shoot with paint and rub n buff, what have you... just my 2 cents.
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Hollywood is the only industry, even taking in soup companies, which does not have laboratories for the purpose of experimentation.
Orson Welles

[Replicant 13]

The Plan, as it stands, is to finish detailing the duck, then cast it in black or brown resin, depending on how my test goes. From past experience, I think it might prove to be a waste to go the cold-cast bronze route that I suggested earlier. The result would probably be disappointing to most and still require paint and/or a metallic rub 'n buff finish to achieve the desired finish. If you look at some of the actual bronze weights online, there is quite a range of colors and patinas - from blacks, purples and blues to browns, golds and greens. This way the finish would be up to the collector.

While it can be slightly more expensive, with a darker resin you have a better base color and you avoid exposing a bright tan resin if the surface is scuffed or scratched in handling the prop. I have experienced this with other resin props and retouching these dings can become a hassle.

More later. Thanks for your continued interest.

HAB1! - R13
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Gosh, you've really got some nice toys here . . .

[jameth]

[Replicant 13]

Jameth -

Yes. If I go the color route, it will indeed take some experimentation. Years ago I used Alumilite® resin to cast some head sculpts - adding a couple of "skin colored" dyes, but as you suggest, getting the balance right, while allowing for the color of the resin as well, can be tricky. I never was really satisfied with the flesh color I achieved. I'll have to run tests again and see.

That said, in this case, I think a pre-mixed black resin might still be best, since any metallic finish will have to be applied afterward, anyway.

Thanks for the input. - R13
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Gosh, you've really got some nice toys here . . .

[clutch]

Not sure of the costs. My brother-in-law could cast a ton of those though in some kind of metal. Here's his website http://www.sculpturetrails.com/ Maybe we could work something out?

[joberg]

Rep13, did you use the white Alumilite or the clear one?

[Replicant 13]

I think if it were to be cast in metal, it would be less desirable if it were not in bronze. It would be interesting to know just how much it would cost to cast up a few of these in bronze. It's roughly under 3" cubed.

But again, to keep the costs reasonable, my intention is to proceed with the black resin.

To answer your question Joberg, at the time the most commonly available color of Alumilite® was the cream/tan color. Unfortunately, because of this, any added color was usually skewed to yellow.

HAB1!- R13
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Gosh, you've really got some nice toys here . . .

[joberg]

Thanks, it's good to know for future projects

[jameth]

What about adding bronze powder to colorcast resin:

http://www.micromark.com/bronze-powder-for-resin-casting,10223.html
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Tom

[Replicant 13]

Logical thought. I had considered that, having experimented with it years ago. I mentioned it here earlier, as well, but for the effort and the cost I think the outcome might still be disappointing.

If you don't add enough it looks like a metallic fleck; too much and it can weaken the casting. I'm no expert, but of the castings I've done in the past, it can also look rather monochromatic.

So all said, it usually requires paint or a metallic rub to age it and give it the right finish anyway.

I'll do a couple of tests. See how it goes.

HAB1! - R13
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Gosh, you've really got some nice toys here . . .

[Replicant 13]

It's difficult to see in these closeups, but while there may not appear to be much change I've added a bit more detail - although there seems little apparent in the actual piece.
No doubt there is more than can be seen in a blowup from a single frame capture. I've tried to reach a decent medium point.


(You can see here the cardboard "spine" running through the center of the sculpt.)

- R13
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Gosh, you've really got some nice toys here . . .

[joberg]

Looks good to me Rep13...eager to see it finished in whatever medium

[jameth]

Awesome. Can't wait to see it finished.
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Tom

[Replicant 13]

Four views, prior to the initial mold -



HAB1! - R13
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Gosh, you've really got some nice toys here . . .

[joberg]

A+ for sure

[jameth]

I'll take one to go please.


Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Tom

[jameth]

Sorry, it needs to be said again.

Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Tom