Hello, all! I wonder if anyone can help me, with advice about how to take molds from existing parts or details, and then to cast copies of those parts or details?

I'm currently detailing a 1:9 scale NSU Kettenkrad, using parts from both the old Esci and the current Revell releases. I need to make nuts for the inside rims of the drive sprockets and, rather than try to build them from rods, I thought that it might be smarter to make copies of the nuts from the hub.

Any advice about materials and techniques would be greatly appreciated!

Rather than cast copies of the existing nuts/bolts, have you considered these two options?

1) Given the 1/9 scale, you might do well to find miniature brass nuts/bolts/rivet heads.

http://www.ww2modelmaker.com/articlepub/WW%202%20Model%20Maker-D%20Lee%20Lloyd%20Mini%20Detailer%20in%20Review.htm

Mr. Lloyd used them on his scratchbuild. Perhaps email him on where he obtained his.

2) Originally made for railroad detailists, try Grandt Line rivets and bolts. Your local shop that sells to model railroaders will be able to assist you. Injection plastic bolt and rivet heads

I'd go for the brass or other pre-made. Unless you want to make several masters for the mold. As I've learned with small parts, you waste alot of resin on a small pour.

Paul

I make molds and cast my own parts all the time. It is not that hard and you can get some great results. If you decide to go that route, here is a great article here at Armorama on it, Mold Making and Casting.

You can also check out the current issue of Fine Scale Modeler, there is a good article on molding and casting in there as well.

Good luck.

here is another feature
https://armorama.kitmaker.net//features/469

What do you know, same link I posted. Great minds think alike?

Oops didn't see your post Gino
When you run into something good you remember it. That feature is a very good one.