Lando Calrissian (Skiff Guard Disguise) Head and Torso Silicone Molds

Presented here are the head and torso silicone molds for the Lando Calrissian (Skiff Guard Disguise) figure. Most action figure molds are created by pouring silicone over the original wax sculpting. The silicone hardens and the sculpt is released creating a mold. The mold is then used to cast hardcopies. This mold, however, was made using a Kenner figure. Top Toys, the Argentinean distributor of Return of the Jedi figures, did not use Kenner figures for tooling. Instead they created their own figures and used Kenner figures as the basis. Like many Return of the Jedi era silicone molds the Top Toys molds are white. Take note of the large circular sections of the mold. These are what are known as "keys". One side has positive keys while the other has negative. When the two halves of the mold are placed together the keys interlock and prevent the mold from sliding. Another point of interest is the "gate". This is the small triangular segment located at the crotch area of the torso and the chin area of the head. When the two halves of the mold were joined this area would still be open. A liquid urethane, usually Dynacast for Return of the Jedi era hardcopies, was poured into the mold and then left to cure. Once the urethane hardened the piece was removed from the mold. Some hardcopies were used for tooling and others for photo or paint samples. David also has a hand-painted Lando hardcopy, likely a paint sample, which can be seen here.

Description by:	John J. Alvarez
Photo:	David Gaule
From the collection of:	David Gaule
Country:	Argentina
Film:	Return of the Jedi
Licensee:	Top Toys
Year:	1983
Category:	Prototypes / Action Figure Related

All information © 2014 Star Wars Collectors Archive