Copyright 2006 T. Sheil and A. Sheil All Rights Reserved
to paint and collect
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Provided by the Army Men Homepage and Milihistriot Quarterly
For those who enjoy working on their own military miniatures, we offer metal figures. These are hand cast miniatures, ranging from 40mm to 60mm scale. Currently, we use a lead / tin alloy in making our miniatures. The high tin content assures detail and longevity. Because lead is present, these figures are not suitable as toys for children.
Usually, you might spend more than $10 for a casting of an unfinished military miniature. Big names such as Imrie-Risley sell for $13 and above. Our prices are much lower, yet you get a figure that is comparable in detail, realism and animated posing. The average price for a single unfinished figure is $3.50.
How can we do this? It is simple. By using the older lead-tin type alloy, I can make afford to make more figures. Because the figures come as "raw castings," there is less work for us. Most of the trimming and finishing is up to you. And since we bought the molds outright, that cost is fixed. I can afford to offer you these castings at a fraction of what a big name maker would charge.
Our figures might not be as fine as the fancy ones, because they use the expensive spincasting method while we pour by hand. Ours might even have small imperfections that you can fix with a file or hobby putty. Our lower price means a little more work for you, but a savings of up to $10 per figure over the competition.
The tin content is high enough to deter "lead rot". Our figures will last a long time because we use a better alloy.
All casting is done by hand.
What is a raw casting?
By "raw casting" I mean a figure that is pretty much the way it came from the mold. It might have flash and a burr at the pour point. There might be small imperfections. For instance, some of the knights' shields might have small pits or holes. You will have to trim off the flash, perhaps file a few spots, and maybe use a little hobby putty.
What do you need?
Metal figures require a different approach than plastic ones. First you need something to clean the metal. Rubbing alcohol can remove mold release, oils, etc.
You need a small knife to remove flash
You need a small file to smooth rough spots, flash, etc.
You need hobby putty to fill in any cavities, gaps, etc.
For multi-piece figures, you need a good CA or epoxy glue.
You need a metal primer, such as Rustoleum Clean Metal Primer
You need the tools to paint and finish your figure.
Before you buy:
1) These figures are sold "as is." As much as we strive for perfection, small flaws are likely. Figures may need sanding, buffing, or filling.
2) The current alloy contains Lead. These figures are not suitable as toys for children. They are sold as military miniatures for adults.
3) Some figures had been given a primer coat. The figure you receive may or may not have a primer coat. In the future, no figures will be primed.
4)) Figures are pretty much as they come from the mold. We trim away major pieces of flash, but the rest is up to you.
5) Prices include postage within the US. At this time, we cannot ship overseas.
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Email us at thortrains@comcast.net
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