Molding Wheels.

Here's an easy way of making your own wheels that I saw back in the mid 70's on a BBC Programme called Model World. I've used it quite often and its a lot easier than making Latex Molds.

First you will need a Jar Lid and some Plasticine, put the Plasticine into the Jar Lid and level it off.

Next cover the Plasticine with Graphite, this is powdered Pencil Lead and is used for lubricating Locks. But we're going to use it to stop the Kit Wheel and the Cast Wheel from sticking.

Take the Kit Wheel and press into the Plasticine to half of its depth, (up to the seam running around the centre of the Tread pattern), and remove.

Next we mix the Resin or in this case the Polyurethane Plastic and pour into the Plasticine Mold. Remember to check for any bubbles and prick them out with a Cocktail Stick. Leave to set, the poly goes in clear and goes white when its cured.

Remove the Wheels and trim off the flash and wash off the Graphite. The inside of my wheel is a little rough but I'll sand that out and it'll be fine.

Sand the back of each Cast piece and glue together, fill any gaps and sand. Remember when gluing the Tread Pattern should be staggered.

Yes they are the same size, the white one looks a little bigger in the last picture so I've put it on top of the Kit wheel to show you they are the same.

The bits I've used, Graphite Powder which lasts forever and the two part Polyurethane Plastic. hope you fould this interesting and can use it sometime.

Thanks for looking
Andy.