Commission casting?

[Plynkes]

Can anybody recommend a company that will cast a limited run of a particular figure? I don't need to commission a sculpt, I already have the green, I just need to get it turned into  metal figures.

What happened was that about three years ago a fellow LAFer kindly sculpted a figure for me. He suggested an outfit I could pay to get some cast, but then real life intevened and I was unable to continue with the hobby for quite some time. But I'm back now and am looking to move forward with this again. However, it seems the people he suggested aren't around any longer, so I need to find somebody new. My feeble googling has got me nowhere at all, so I thought I'd ask you fine folks.
 
Someone UK-based would be ideal, but I'm prepared to look further afield if necessary. Ta.

[Rick F]

Have you seen these chaps? Haven't got a clue what they're like, but they have good reviews. https://www.griffinmoulds-jjp.com/our-services/

[Rick F]

And these, scroll to the bottom. https://www.sgtsmess.co.uk

[Plynkes]

Thanks, Rick. And thanks to the LAFer who PMed me to back up your recommendation of Griffin with their own experiences. I reckon I'll give them a try.

[Atheling]

Have you seen these chaps? Haven't got a clue what they're like, but they have good reviews. https://www.griffinmoulds-jjp.com/our-services/

I have heard that Griffin Moulds are top dog when it comes to moulding and casting (from many of the industries greatest historical mini manufacturers).

Are you planning on getting a master then a production mould Plynkes?

You ought to get 12-16 from a master but you can't run many spins off a master mould without putting it in jeopardy. Also, production moulds will produce a slightly slimmer miniature.

[manic _miner]

 I us Griffin and there service has always been great.
 Just seen that Ainsty are doing casting now too.
 If it is just one miniature it might be better to go with resin.
 As has been said by others a master mould then production mould would be needed for large quantities.

[Plynkes]

I have heard that Griffin Moulds are op dog when it comes to moulding and casting.

Are you planning on getting a master then a production mould Plynkes?

You ought to get 12-16 from a master but you can't run many spins off a master mould without putting it in jeopardy. Also, production moulds will produce a slightly slimmer miniature.

Just want a couple for myself, it's a personality figure, not really the kind of thing that you are going to need more than one of. But I promised the sulptor he could have a couple if it ever got made (though I am not sure if he is still around on LAF)  and a handful of LAFers expressed an interest at the time. So maybe something like ten to twenty would be plenty. At this point I'm not really bothered about the cost. This project has been in limbo for over two years and I'm more concerned with seeing it through than what it's going to cost me. I didn't get to go on holiday this year because of the virus, and I have to spend that money on something.

Thanks for all the helpful replies and PMs, guys.

[robh]

Is this your Maiwa figure?  If so I am still interested in getting hold of a copy.

[RSDean]

The one time I needed something like that done, I had it done by John McEwan at Reviresco.  I did need a bunch, though, and there were multiple poses, so I believe we effectively used the master mold for production.

[Anatoli]

Try https://www.facebook.com/KazrakMiniatures they cast miniatures for big wargaming companies but also make small scale productions for private individuals.

[Captain Harlock]

Can anybody recommend a company that will cast a limited run of a particular figure? I don't need to commission a sculpt, I already have the green, I just need to get it turned into  metal figures.

What happened was that about three years ago a fellow LAFer kindly sculpted a figure for me. He suggested an outfit I could pay to get some cast, but then real life intevened and I was unable to continue with the hobby for quite some time. But I'm back now and am looking to move forward with this again. However, it seems the people he suggested aren't around any longer, so I need to find somebody new. My feeble googling has got me nowhere at all, so I thought I'd ask you fine folks.
 
Someone UK-based would be ideal, but I'm prepared to look further afield if necessary. Ta.

I would suggest to go with resin if you need a small number of copies. Perhaps you could go the diy way and turn this into a little project. A silicone mold can give you about 30 good copies and if you are careful it might even reach 50.

[FramFramson]

Is this your Maiwa figure?  If so I am still interested in getting hold of a copy.

What's this figure? You guys have me all curious now!

[robh]

What's this figure? You guys have me all curious now!

Just say you want one.....believe me. 

[Plynkes]

I'm sorry, hadn't noticed people were still posting to this thread.

Indeed, it is the Maiwa figure. In the end I went with Griffin Moulds and as it happens I received a package from them yesterday. The first Maiwa is cleaned and prepped on my modelling desk waiting for some paint (and Griffin haven't even sent me a bill yet, they just sent the figures - thoroughly decent of them, good job I'm not a total scoundrel!). I have a small number available but I shall not be selling them. I'm leaning towards hosting a small sort of painting club on Colonial Adventures, where you get one for free if you post something newly-paintd that fits the board's theme.

Fram, it is a sculpt of a character from an Alan Quatermain story called "Maiwa's Revenge.' She's a fierce, no-nonsense African queen. Right now I'm on PS4, and haven't figured out how to copy-and-paste on this infernal contraption, but if you google 'Maiwa lead adventure' you should find the thread where LAFer Duke Donald took us through the sculpting process in pictures.



Edit: I'm on the computer at work now, here's the link:

https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=104028.0

 

[Keith]

That sounds like a great idea Dylan.
Looking forward to seeing your version first though :-)