| Darth Vader 4-up Silicone Mold (583-020) | |
| The prototype shown here represents an example of a
Silicone Mold used in the production process for Kenner's Micro
Collection line. After the mold is created from the original sculpting it
is used to cast hardcopies called 4-ups. This particular Darth Vader pose is
designated by the unique product number 583-022. The first three digits indicate its presence in the
Death Star Escape playset, while the last three indicate the
particular character/pose.
The image above features the silicone mold along with it's companion unpainted 4-up. A seperate entry for the unpainted 4-up may be viewed here. A hand painted 1:1 resin squeezing rounds out the series and serves as a nice size comparison. Prototype collectors like myself often endeavor to put together complete runs highlighting each portion of the production process which brings a toy from concept to final product. Silicone molds, like the one shown here, and original sculptings are often the limiting factors for completing a run as they may no longer exist. |
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| Description by: | Michael G. Mensinger |
| Photo: | Michael G. Mensinger |
| From the collection of: | Michael G. Mensinger |
| Country: | United States |
| Film: | A New Hope |
| Licensee: | Kenner |
| Year: | 1977 |
| Category: | Prototypes / Micro Collection |
