Advice about casting

[Radarman]

Hello everyone,
I have a question about the best way to go about casting a resin copy of a part.
While I've been working on a Hobbycraft/Academy Nieuport 17, I'd like to build a
Nieuport 21 some day. I've taken the extra cowling from an Amodel Nieuport 11
and by adding a shim, have made it fit the Nieuport 17 kit.





My main question is, what is the best way to make a mold for this shape? I suspect a two piece mold would be needed. If anyone has a suggestion
it would be greatly appreciated.

                                                           Kevin

[ALBATROS1234]

everyone has there own way of casting. you can do a 1 piece or 2 piece mold depending on how you mount it. 1 piece would be easier to make the mold but could be hard to get the part out unless you partially split the mold. a 2 piece would be a lot more work to make the mold but would be easier to work with . so i would make the split line along the lower edge of the cowl extending to the surface that mounts to the fuselage. so what you do is imbed the cowl in a block of clay makeing sure to leave keys(indentations that will allow easy alignment. i use legos to build a wall.pour the first half,when dry remove the clay block and extend the legos to allow for pouring the other half. make sure you use good mold release. theres much on the net but here are a few primers:

http://www.b9robotresource.com/silicon-rubber-mold-making

http://www.aeroscale.co.uk/modules.php?op=modload&name=Sections&file=index&req=viewarticle&artid=1564

http://www.aeroscale.co.uk/modules.php?op=modload&name=Sections&file=index&req=viewarticle&artid=1564

[Radarman]

Thanks very much for the advice. I think the two piece method is the way to go. The best point
to make one piece end and the next one begin has been my big question. Of course, I'll have
to make sure air can escape the furthest corners of the mold. I want to have a few more copies
of this part for future projects.

                                          Thanks once more,
                                                            Kevin