resin or metal?

[milminwh]

Greetings,
I will be rolling out many more 54-mm scale figure releases this year, many that were formally cast by Cromwell, and some never released by Cromwell. Now that I've dealt with casters of both metal and resin, I am actually seeing very little difference in the detail of the casted figures vs. the masters. I always thought resin castings to be more crisp with detail, but I just cant see the difference!

For 54 mm scale figures, which is the preferred material to paint? I've seen postings from many of you stating resin as a preference for larger scale (EG 120-mm), because of the weight, but all of these little guys I own are in 1/32 scale.

Any feedback is appreciated.

As a figure painter myself, for stock figures, I prefer metal.

Regards,
John
Military Miniatures Warehouse

 

[Roy]

I still prefer white metal over resin although as you mention, resin casting is now very fine and the replication of detail is excellent..what matters most in the end I suppose, is how much the figure appeals...

great selection of figures on your site John...

Roy.

 

[Guy]

I still prefer white metal over resin. I guess this goes back to what I first started with. I agree with Roy.....it is the appeal that determines whether I buy the figure or not.

 

[captnenglish]

What matters to me is whether the figure well sculpted and/or well cast. If so the material is secondary.

 

[Einion]

Although I do like the heft of white metal still, and smaller parts can cast better in metal, I'd have to say that I appreciate the precision and detail of resin casting more and more.

From fresh moulds white metal may be able to match resin for detail if it's done well, but over time pitting/surface roughening, filling in of recesses and softening of detail are inevitable. Judging from commercial releases it doesn't take too long for this to happen either!

Einion

 

[Lancer]

I buy a figure based on the subject, pose, appeal etc. , the casting material is secondary! I keep two sets of tools and files one for resin, one for metal. If the same piece were available in both I would probably pick resin since it just a little easier to prep!
Cheers
Mark

 

[Kisifer]

Add me to the metal fans. I don't know why, but i prefer metal figures for 75mm to 54mm. For largerer scales i'm also considering resin. Btw John those ACW figures that i got from your site are wicked. I really love your shop and i hope that you will also add Napoleonic era too

 

[yeo_64]

Resin for me,John,as they're easier to prep and convert. My 2 cents.
Kenneth.

 

[KeithP]

Don't matter to me although you're right... the resin is easier to prep.

Keith

 

[Jim Hockett]

Although resin may be easier to convert, I still prefer metal for the smaller scales. It is easier for me to clean up a metal figure. For resin, it is necessary to reach down into folds and crevices and sand the seams. With white metal, I can simply use a fine dental probe to rub the seam away and blend it into the adjacent material. Much easier for cleaning up ears, hair collars, etc., in my opinion.
Jim

 

[Wlas]

Since I'm naturally lazy resin suits me fine for prepping. BUT I do love to burnish armor....
So it depends on the figure.

 

[jjgurk]

Resin for me. I work primarily in 54mm and 1/35th and I find it easier to cut, sand, chop, re-work, what-have-you, etc., etc.

 

[milminwh]

Hi again,
Many thanks for the great feedback! I honestly expected different results...thinking metal would we the preferred choice of the vast majority. I guess I thought that way due to the largest manufacturers' use of metal (Andrea, Pegaso, etc.) These results are showing about a 50/50 split.
Its a little more difficult for me to release a figure in resin with small parts cast in metal because the metal casters can create a mold for spin casting incorporating more than one figure with all of the parts, so much more cost effective to do entire figure in metal.
I have many releases coming and can cast in resin myself, but too many to take on this task (plus do box art, plus package them), hence my need to deal with casters.
The original masters also require some work. In the Cromwell masters case, too many small parts...better to glue them together first, then cast them. I have 4 releases from this series so far in resin, as well as the Jackson diorama, and I think the next Cromwell release will be in metal. Future releases will be in metal in some cases, and resin in others.
Again, thank you for the valuable feedback!
Regards,
John

 

[Figure Mad]

Resin or Metal

Good question. My personal preference for painting is metal, although the casting and finish on resin is often as good if not better on some figures, for me its the feel of a figure, resin just doesn’t feel substantial enough, but maybe thats just a subconsious thing.

But one other problem I tend to find that happens as well with resin, is my brushes don’t last as long, they start to curl.... strange but true.... :lol:

Dave

 

[amherbert]

Subject and pose, not material matter to me.

If I have to choose I like the heft of metal for a small piece (54mm or less). Resin is easier to cleanup, and for larger pieces. The problem with resin is all the harmful dust. I'm too old for the lead to hurt me much any more!

Andy

 

[milminwh]

Hey Andy,
Thanks for the feedback. Regarding the lead in metal soldiers, I only have my figures cast in lead-free pewter! Its a little softer than the tin/lead content typically used to make metal figures...certainly not a fountain of youth, but most definitely much safer!
On the health subject, if only they could start installing ash trays on treadmills, I'd buy one! :lol:
Best Regards,
John

 

[Guayo]

When I begin figure painting, I just to prefer metal but one time without knowing it I order a resin kit and find that the casting was of great quality, after that I do not have any problems if is resin or metal, sometimes the price help me to choose one resin kit instead of the metal one, but if the metal kit is a beautiful piece don't even see the price¡ Another thing is that because I order only from the internet, I never get to see first hand the casting or quality(Nicaragua is not the great modeling country on the map )so I just go for the kit reviews or comments from friends in the Internet.

Conclusion
If the figure has a Good Quality Casting done, not problem with material

Eduardo.

 

[amherbert]

Originally posted by milminwh@Feb 1 2005, 10:11 PM
...
On the health subject, if only they could start installing ash trays on treadmills, I'd buy one! :lol:
...

Hi John.

Well, you could always add a nice tray using a plastic window box!!

And I wonder how many figures have lead in them now. With the various environmental hazard laws in place in various countries, I imagine there's less lead than there used to be. Nonetheless, I'll try to avoid licking my fingers after handling the figures! Of course there are those using saliva for their modelling lubricant, so you've got to wonder what's getting ingested along with toluene and other goodies from the hobby cement!

Cheers
Andy

 

[Guy]

Originally posted by amherbert@Feb 2 2005, 10:41 AM


Nonetheless, I'll try to avoid licking my fingers after handling the figures! Of course there are those using saliva for their modelling lubricant, so you've got to wonder what's getting ingested along with toluene and other goodies from the hobby cement!

Cheers
Andy

I have had a bad habit that I got from my father who was a professional modeler and painter for the government of licking the paint brush after cleaning it to give it a nice formed tip.................I'm still alive :lol: ...........but every time I see someone's habit, I think about this and try other means, but always come back to dad's old method.

 

[amherbert]

Hi Guy

I lick a spot on the back of my left hand, between the thumb and the index finger, and roll the brush there (I'm a righty, so I'm holding the brush in my right hand). It works pretty well.

I try not to lick the same part of my hand each time. I figure I breathe enough of the crap in, I don't need to eat it.

I'm trying to use non-toxic model cement with my plastic figures. Very citrusy smell, which is nice, but I get the impression the bonds aren't as strong. Health versus figures falling apart, easy choice!!

Cheers
Andy