COMMERCIAL CASTING PRODUCTS:
Prince August
These molds are available:
| Scale | Period/Genre | |
|---|---|---|
| 25mm | Napoleonic | British |
| Dutch | ||
| French | ||
| Prussians | ||
| Fantasy | Dwarves | |
| Elves | ||
| Goblins | ||
| Men | ||
| Orcs | ||
| Undead | ||
| 40mm | Irish Wild Geese (1745) | Infantry, cavalry, artillery |
| Cowboys & Indians | Indians, Cavalry Troopers | |
| "Toy Soldiers" | Austrian | |
| French | ||
| Prussian | ||
| 54mm | "Traditional Toy Soldiers" | British |
| French Imperial Guard | ||
| Prussian (1752) | ||
Prince August sells "complete casting kits" (multiple molds for a period/genre, with all needed accessories), "starter kits" (one mold and accessories), and molds (in one-, two-, and three-figure sizes, meaning the number of figures cast at one time). The company also sells chess figure molds, casting metal, and tool kits.
A long time ago, I owned a Prince August mold and here is what I remember from the experience: This was one of their larger-scale molds. It was made of soft black rubber, came in two pieces, with (I believe) two holes at the "top" - one to pour the metal in, and one for the air to escape from (the "vent").
I bought the mold as part of a starter kit, which included a "ladle" (long-handled, flat-bottomed spoon), clamps, metal, and talcum powder.
The metal was designed to melt at low temperatures, and I had no problems melting it over the burner of a gas stove (using the ladle). Before melting the metal, you dusted talc on the mold (to help the metal flow), then used the clamps to hold the two mold pieces together. Then you slowly poured the metal into the mold, waited for it to cool, then unclamped and got your miniature.
The process was simple (never burned myself!). I rarely had problems with casting, but if a bad figure turned out, it was simple to melt it down and try again.
| Robert Kerrigan (speiler@erols.com) |
|---|
| I personally have used Prince August molds. They are fun, easy, and in the long run, cheaper than buying all of those pieces seperately, especially if you are trying to build an army. However, they are not quite 25mm. They are not even consistant among their own product line. The men of the city set looks to be about 20mm; the women adventurers about 18; the Orc Storm Troopers 25mm. I also have the 4th century Persian footmen and cavalry, both of which are about 20mm, tho a bit sickly. As for quality, they are on par with the old Grenadier lines. |
| Last Updates | |
|---|---|
| 3 July 2000 | plaster molds no longer available |
| 26 October 1998 | page split off |
| 14 December 1996 | page first published |
| Comments or corrections? | |