| Hoth Stormtrooper 4-up Silicone Mold (088-007) | |
| The prototype shown here represents an example of a
Silicone Mold used in the production process of Kenner's Micro
Collection line. Although three different poses for the Hoth Stormtrooper were produced for the "Build Your Armies" mail-away set,
this pose represents the sole "Build Your Armies" Hoth Stormtrooper to surface in silicone mold form. As such, the piece holds a special
place in my collection. Silicone molds maintain a vital role in the production process. After a Micro Collection mold is created
from the original sculpting, it is utilized to cast hardcopies
called 4-ups.
The photo above affords a closer look at the mold half, containing details for the top of the 4-up. This particular pose is designated by the unique product number 088-007. The first three digits indicate its presence in the "Build Your Armies" mail-away set, while the last three indicate the particular character/pose.
The final photo illustrates the second mold half, containing details for the bottom of the 4-up. The series of raised protrusions encircling the detailed portion of the mold are called "keys". The mold keys allow proper alingment of the two mold halves before liquid urethane is poured into the joined mold. Remnant dynacast, a material used to create hardcopies, exists on various areas of the mold. A seperate entry for the matching painted 4-up from my collection may be viewed here. |
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| Description by: | Michael G. Mensinger |
| Photo: | Michael G. Mensinger |
| From the collection of: | Michael G. Mensinger |
| Country: | United States |
| Film: | Empire Strikes Back |
| Licensee: | Kenner |
| Year: | 1980 |
| Category: | Prototypes / Micro Collection |
