Casting Crew Figures

[nickmow]

Chaps Im doing a bit of "market research" spurred on by some praise I had for doing a mate on here a favour. I had a go at casting a few simple things in resin last year, wanted a spare wheel for me sherman and always wanted a go at casting. Anyway long story short. Once the molds are made its easy to do so thought I might sell a few of these bits on ebay, to at least cover the cost of the stuff.

Ive done a couple of figures, a US Sherman driver and co-driver (or what ever you want them to be). Id like some feedback, i.e. are they ok, what would you think is a reasonable price. Im no pro at this and they are not Verlinden quality but good enough. I figured ebay would be the way ahead but having a lousy head for business, I have no real clue.

[Tankbear]

I think it is a great idea.

Quality wise is difficult one persons ok is another poor etc. My thought is at this scale it is difficult to perfect so accept it won't be.

Price wise I would say possible under a fiver (could also do free P&P which helps sell stuff) unless you plan to paint them first hand.

[dylan9391]

I've not cast figures, but these two figures are quite excellent and would sure to grace many a turret. I did sell castings on e-bay and through my on-line web site at one time but didn't ever get my costings right. Resin is cheap and you can make a lot of castings from a decent mold before things go wrong, but when I painted them and added extras in terms of my time I expect I made a loss on each one after post and packing or minimal profit anyway.

Petes pilots sell rubber half figures similar to the ones you have cast for radio control aircraft modellers un-painted and they vary in price depending on the size from £3-£12. I think £5 seems very reasonable for an unpainted casting, but you should charge more for painted ones. The other thing to be aware of is the returns policy as some people can be very unforgiving on what is a minor blemish or something that can be solved easily. I suppose I am thinking about the previous comment regarding acceptable standards. Unfortuntaley some will expect Verlinden quality, but for Airfix prices and offer disapointing e-bay feedback accordingly.

However I am not going to be negative you have good product so just cast a few and get them on e-bay after all what can you lose really?

[nickmow]

Dylan,
thanks for your very helpful comments. As for painting, not something Im considering as the crews I have painted for my own tanks are ok but its not my strong point and I wouldnt of paid for them .

I think Ive got the casting right now and worked out how to avoid some of the bubbles that where causing me problems, so I guess the next thing is to give it a go on ebay. I reckon a fiver a pair with maybe a jerry can or backpack thrown in. ?

[nickmow]

First batch up on e-bay, took the plunge. Thanks lads

[nickmow]

aaaaand all 5 sets have gone ! there might be something in this lark ...thanks if your on the boards chaps.

[dylan9391]

Excellent and you are offering a lot for your fiver and I am really pleased that they have all gone and
you''ll have to get a casting production line going.

[Andy in Cheltenham]

You need to b carefull of copyright. Might be best if you made the orginals aswell. Or do you? nice though!

[nickmow]

True Andy, but as they are based on discontinued figures and Ive modded them a bit, Im hoping that wont be an issue.

[Dietrich]

Hi nickmow,
Can I just ask what your ebay Id is ?
Alb.