Base Inserts Results

Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to make the forms of the base inserts for 30mm, 40mm and 50mm bases.  After the models were made, I cast the molds and then used the molds to cast some initial copies.  Every time I've cast something, I've learned a little and this is nothing new. 

Here's what the pouring of the molds looks like.  You can see the form in the bottom of that lego structure.

Once the molds dried six hours later.  I pulled them out of the legos and poured the plastic into them -- both the base inserts and the full bases.  Here's how the base inserts look:

I'm pleased with the accent work on the 50mm base inserts but still think the lip reduces the available surface area of the material.  Hard to get my mind past that. 

In this pouring, I realized there were rivets on the plate metal bases that didn't show up.  It's looking like the surface tension of the mold is preventing the plastic from flowing into the rivet holes.  I remember Hirst talking about this with his molds and will use the trix he recommended to solve this problem with future casts.

The grain of the wood on the wood slats IS visible up close in case you can't see it in this photo.  These pics will be much improved by a paintjob to show you what they look like when finished.

Ok, here are the full bases that I poured tonight.

This is a generation older of a model than the base inserts.  Little character in these other than the mistakes I made when creating them which make them actually look a little authentic.

Here's the comparison of the insert vs. full base. 

I'm seeing uses for both types of textured base. 

Let me know if you like them -- interested in your opinion.