Our models are not 'Kits' in the usual sense, they are individual copies of a hand made master model and each copy will be very slightly different.

Our starting point is the hand made 'master' model, this model is never completed, it stays as a set of parts each designed to be moulded and cast in a particular way.

The master model parts are used to make flexible rubber moulds, the rubber used is of the Room Temperature Vulcanising (RTV) type, therefore the master parts are not heated, and can be made from almost any material.

Moulds for resin production will only last for 20-40 castings since the Polyurethane resins used attack the RTV material. The moulds also change shape a little as they get older so there is some variation in parts, particularly large parts, from kit to kit.

The resin casting process is a well established one, dating as far back as WW-II. Many modellers (such as the owner of Accurate Armour) cast parts regularly for their competition models, and for fellow modellers during the 1970's. The change came during the Mid 1980's when it was shown that these labour intensive, but very high quality methods could be used commercially.

Modern Polyurethane resins come in two parts, when mixed the chemical reaction is very fast, the mix must be poured into the moulds and any trapped air removed as quickly as possible. Large parts are cast on their own but smaller parts are placed onto 'sprus' or bars, which we use for part numbers also. Parts are removed from the mould when set, but one costly feature is that scrap castings, sprus, and spillage's cannot be re-used.

The other principle material in our products is etched brass, which is essential to the look of the model, (even the mass producers have now accepted this fact), this is designed by us as a series of drawings which are used to produce a photographic 'tool'. This tool is used in a specialist process where brass sheet is coated with a chemical 'resist', and the unprotected areas are etched away with acid. A cheaper alternative is etched steel, however although it looks nice, it is difficult to bend and cannot be soldered.

To this combination of materials we add, where required, plastic/metal rod, vacuum formed parts, woven wire, glazing sheets, chain and rope for that final touch of realism. Many of our kits also include specially designed decals for vehicle and tactical markings.