Von Leipnik's Interplanetary Transport Co.

[Marty J]

Hi All,
I have looked for years but not posted much.  Here is a photo of some brickwork I am doing for my bookcase / around the wall layout.
Regards
Marty

[TRAINS1941]

Welcome Marty.

What are you using for bricks and scale are you working in??

Jerry

[1-32]

Hi Marty.
very neat brickwork.
cheers Kim

[Marty J]

Hi Jerry and Kim,
I work in 7/8ths scale.   The plaster bricks are cast in a mold that I made awhile back.   The project stalled because I was never happy with the color.  I know that you can paint the bricks but I just didn't want to go that route.  First I tried adding a number of different paints into the plaster but the bricks always ended up too pink.  I then used artist paint powders but they were really messy and expensive.  The solution turned out to be concrete dye and it works really well.  Photo below.  I ordered it online and have been in the brick making business since.  While this mold works fine I have some improvements that I plan on implementing on the next version.
Regards
Marty

[Carlo]

Hi, Marty J -

Are you still using plaster, or some mix to cast bricks?
Do you you the "red" color straight?
Carlo

[Marty J]

Hi Carlo,
I just use the plaster-dye combination.  It gives best results when fairly "runny".  I don't vacuum mix the plaster but I do use a vibrating platform while pouring.
Baking afterwords helps with strength.  A vacuum mixer would likely increase the usable brick ratio - currently the yield is about 80%.
Regards
Marty

[Ray Dunakin]

Excellent model masonry!