Slush Toys

Friday, January 27, 2012

Slush Toys

     Slush toys is a process similar in nature to cast iron or die cast. A mould or form is created from a material that resists high temperatures. The shape is the opposite of the toy that will form. A special coating called a refractory wash or mold (mould) wash is applied to the inner surface to prevent the liquid metal from sticking to the sides of the mould. Molten liquid metals  in toy times circa 1930's , such as lead, zinc, tin or alloys (mixtures of different metals) were used . The liquid metal was poured at the top through a hole and allowed by gravity to exit through another hole.  I'm not sure if the liquid metal was swished around  (e.g.the name slush) and allowed to coat or line the inner surfaces of the mold, and the excess was drained through the bottom hole. When the molten metal stuck enough to the inner surface, the mold was opened and the new toys was removed.

    I was awaiting more toys, however so far I only have 5 to present to you. I'm going to add a continued instalment tomorrow presenting the same toys with nice lighting. I find that most toys when photographed with dramatic lighting bring out their best features. ZToday's lighting , circa 2012 is usually very flat, with little shadow, and lots of light.

     Left to Right:

Cast Iron, Slush , Die Cast, Hard Rubber, Soft Rubber (Vinyl)

     3 Nice Examples of Slush Toys

    I The 2 large holes on the bottom of the toy.

1 hole is the entry for the molten metal, while the other hole is the exit for the excess molten metal.

    What's interesting about these particular toys is that for their size , these toys are heavy. 

Most of the toys above  are relatively small at about 3"- 3 1/2"  (75mm - 88mm).

Notice how beautiful the taxi presents itself when lit for 3-D (3 -dimension) and texture.

To be continued......

Thanks for dropping by to visit, and to everyone have a nice weekend.