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STOP PRESS updated August 2005 - 'LINKA' is back - Linka moulds have been reintroduced and are marketed worldwide, via the Internet, by Linkaworld {Click HERE}.  For UK purchasers Linka is available from TerraScenic. For contact details click HERE.

People often tell us that they were unable ‘to get on’ with ‘LINKA’ and could never build satisfactory models using the product. The buildings on Kingston Regis were all built using ‘LINKA’ and we think you will agree that ‘LINKA’ can be used to great effect.

WHAT IS (or WAS) ‘LINKA’ ?

The product was a range of moulds that make castings, from a plaster moulding compound, that interlock and in many different shapes,

That you glue together and build up into models.

There used to a complete range of accessories to go with the castings, e.g. window frames, gutters, down pipes, etc. We have found that many products from the PECO, WILLS, SCALELINK and LANGLEY ranges make excellent alternatives. So, if you have ‘LINKA’ still tucked away, dig it out and have another go. If you like the idea and do not have any ‘LINKA’ moulds and compound they can sometimes be found, second hand, in model shops, advertised in the classified ‘ads’ in the model railway press or from traders at model railways shows or swap meets, although it is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain.

USEFUL HINTS AND TIPS

• Do not use the early red coloured moulds - they do not interlock very well, either with themselves or with the later moulds.
• Use small tubes of glue (UHU or similar) - they much more controllable.
• Keep your moulds clean - always wash them thoroughly after use.
• We have found the ‘wetting’ the moulds prior to use helps the casting to form better - just dip the mould in water with a drop of washing up liquid and shake off the surplus water.
• When mixing the compound always use the recommended proportions of compound to water - 2 parts of water to 3 parts of compound.
• Always allow the castings to dry out completely before assembling - overnight in the airing cupboard is ideal.
• Plan a head. Produce as many castings as you before commencing assembly - there’s nothing more frustrating than having to stop building, cast more pieces and have to wait for them to dry.
• Strengthen the corners of the building with either waste castings or cardboard.
• We have found that additional strength for the completed building can be obtained by painting the insides with PVA woodworking glue, e.g. Unibond, EVO PVA, etc..
• ‘LINKA’ can be shaped and filed easily - small needle files and emery boards are very useful, along with a sharp craft knife for carving.
• Fill in all the joins and cracks with a weak solution of the compound applied with a small paint brush, and re-score all the mortar joints.
• From experience we find that artist’s acrylic paints are most suitable for painting ‘LINKA’ castings and produce a most pleasing finished effect.

If you are trying to obtain 'LINKA' moulds or accessories we have found that EBAY online auctions or an advert in the 'private wanted' section of the "Railway Modeller" often brings results.

‘LINKA’ compound is now almost impossible to obtain. However, GREEN SCENE or MODELLER'S MATE stock a similar compound (casting plaster), which although slightly harder than ‘LINKA’ compound, creates outstanding results.

Obtaining Linka in the United Kingdom. Updated September 2007.
 

We do not have any connection with the businesses listed above than as a customer of their goods or services.

CLICK HERE TO SEE PICTURES OF LINKA MOULDS & CASTINGS
CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE COMPLETED 'LINKA' BUILDINGS