Making small scale parts with car filler.

**wonwinglo** · 15-07-2004

Next time you buy a tin of that two part car filler for your car try making a few scale parts for your model as well,intricate shapes that you need a multiplicity of are really easy to make with this material.
Firstly get a block of modelling clay ( trade name plasticine or similar ) knead the block into shape and with a cheese cutter wire ( piece of wood with two bolts drilled to take some locking wire ) square off two blocks,for the former/shape you require, you will either need to carve one up from gelutong pattern makers wood,or perhaps you have a commercial item that you need to replicate ? either way press one half into the material so that it stands proud,next press a piece of tissue paper over the pattern and carefully cut around the shape of the imbedded pattern,you are now ready to press the other side block into place but before you do take two pieces of dowel and add one to a couple of corners,these are used for the registry of the two blocks and ensure that the mould lines up every time.
Now seperate the two modelling clay blocks which should be easy as the tissue membrane helps here.
Make up enough mix of two part car filler ( use latex gloves as it contains peroxide ) and spoon into the two halves where the pattern has made its impression,now working quickly push the two mould halves together and wait for about fifteen minutes for the material to harden due to he catalyst action.
Now for the exciting bit ! carefully prise apart the blocks and you will be rewarded with the required part,clean up with a file and spray with car primer to seal the resin before painting.
I have made instrument panel bezels,scale exhaust stacks,pitot tubes,rockets,bombs etc etc let your imagination run wild as the scope is endless.
If making multiple copies simply slip the pattern back into the modelling clay once again to tidy the mould up before the second impression is made.
If you need intricate shapes then this is the method to do them.