So the next few post tonight will be a slight departure from the build strictly but it is related. I decided to make some new wheels for this tanks from Italeri as the wheels that come with it seem to be more common to post war vehicles?
I decided to try it out with the Dragon early wheels from their 112 model. This expanded to making a mold of everyone I have...
here you can see the wheel halves snugly nested into some plasticine, trying to get the majority showing on the upper surface.
here you can see I am adding the catalyst to the body of the silicone mold making kit. The ratio is based on weight, 10:1 I use the syringe to help get the amount right slowly and carefully.
these are mixed together thoroughly
next, to ensure that the surface of the original gets a thorough and complete coat, without air bubbles, I brushed on the first layer with an old brush.
next you can see I have used an old air compressor as a improvised vibrating table to get any air bubbles to the surface.
here you can see the set of wheels that come with the Dragon T-34/85 mod 1944. they will get the same treatment to produce a mold.
brushing on a thin layer to ensure proper coverage.
another thing I do to ensure coverage is to move the RTV around after adding a slight amount, slowly letting it ooze over the originals. More RTV is added over time.
letting things settle for a few minutes
more RTV silicone is added while the mold vibrates.