These AFS boys’ uniforms have VERY distinctive buttons
So I thought I had better try and show them. I found a couple of ‘domey’ things the right sort of sizes( main and epaulette) in the spares box and dived in with the Duro to see if I could get something like it
I’ve got to say I am really chuffed with these- I really didn’t expect it to be possible. They are 3.2mm and 2.4mm diameter respectively.
I need 6 big ones and 2 small ones and there’s no way I could repeat that so I need to mould them. I used SilliGum – a two-part, fast-curing silicone rubber putty- to make a press mould.
They are rather small to mix up a batch of resin for, so I tried out the UV fly-tying glue that I used on Douglas Bader’s goggles.
It worked well after a few false starts. I had to cure the buttons with the UV torch, then glue them to a piece of sprue so I can hold them.
It is very difficult to see whether they are successful casts so I sprayed them grey.
This one is clearly a reject
Having selected the most promising ones I cut the tops off with my jeweller’s saw, and sanded the backs for a shallower dome shape.
I thought I had better paint them silver and give them a black wash to be sure they are actually good enough.
Close, but no cigar!
I think I could get away with the lettering, but even after sanding the shape is too highly domed. They also should have a rim, which I haven’t done
So it’s back to the drawing- er, sculpting board.
Thanks for looking
Neil