"Your source for standard gauge modeling in 1:20.3"

Custom Casting

What Can We Spin Cast for You? The newest addition to Cumberland's capabilities is our white metal (tin based) spin casting operation. Centrifugal casting (as it is more formally known) uses rubber molds and either tin or zinc based alloys to reproduce parts quickly and economically. The entire process can be viewed here. We cast freight car trucks, body bolsters, and miscellaneous F scale detail parts on our own equipment. Other castable parts include toy soldiers, action figures, costume jewelry, promotional materials, awards and medals. Part size is only limited to what can be placed in either a 9" or a 12" round mold up to 2.5" thick. We are now offering a custom-casting service to both hobbyists needing but one or two parts and to small manufacturers needing several dozen to several thousand. Mr. Don Niday is in charge of all our casting operations. He may be reached at (865) 671-1270 (EST) donniday@ironcreekshops.com Iron Creek Shops

Patterns & Pattern-Making (updated 1-7-14)

Master patterns are best made from metal, preferably brass, either investment castings or built up from brass parts silver soldered together. Some plastics are also able to withstand the process of vulcanization, at least long enough to produce a usable cavity in an organic rubber mold. Typically 325°-350° F and 1000 psi of pressure are applied to each mold in the curing process. Urethane sub-patterns can also be generated from styrene or abs plastic patterns using room temperate RTV molds. Urethane sub-patterns are then vulcanized in organic rubber molds. The customer assumes all responsibility for the loss of plastic patterns.

Typically patterns should be made at least 2% oversize. Some patterns, depending upon shape and alloy used, may require 3.5%.

We also offer pattern-making through 3D CAD and rapid-prototyping at our usual shop rate. Please call or write Dave for details.

Last update: 7 January 2014