first attempt at putting a real skull on one of my Reproductions

[4txdrm]

Here is the first real skull I have ever tried putting back on one of my reproductions.  This is the 240" repo I done this summer, I had a request for one on the full skull.  I wanted it to be perfect so I took a mold of the top of a real euro skull so I could get all the growth lines back in the top of the skull, I was very pleased with the results and thought i would share it with the rest of the molding and casting lovers.  Thanks for taking the time to look.

Todd Smith
Smith Taxidermy

[Cameraman]

that looks damn good.

[Bill_H]

Yeah,thats awsome!

[4txdrm]

Thanks,  I do appreciate all the positive feedback.  I haven't had much opportunity to be on the taxinet this fall, I am still trying to catch up from my mom being in the hospital for 3 months this summer. Thanks Again!!

Todd Smith
Smith Taxidermy

[Blade]

Excellent Job!!!  WOW!!!

[Bonnie ( Allistair )]

I'm impressed - That looks great!  I'd love to see some detail shots, especially of where you put that work in the top and back of the skull.

[4txdrm]

I have one pic from the front but I did detail the top side all the way down to the brain cavity, I made a mold from rtv silicone from the eye sockets up between the antlers and down the back of the skull from another euro mount.  The first thing i did after i reattached the antlers to the skull was take several layers of foil wrinkled up a bit for stiffness  and made a quick mother mold of the top of the skull, Then I laid my mold up with the same material I used to pour the cast pressed it to the top of the skull and cleaned up the extra the squeezed out, and lastly I applied the rigid foil mother mold to the rtv mold and bent it around to fit perfectly and apply even pressure to the casting resin, if you got someone standing around to help, hold in place with they tape the foil down to hold  even pressure against the rtv mold and the next day I had very little finish work. Once  i was satisfied with the finish work I put a dirty wash with oil paint to make it look old and more rustic.   Lot of work but turned out pretty neat.  Here is close up of the front detail.

Todd Smith
Smith Taxidermy

[Bonnie ( Allistair )]

Wow! A lot of work, but what a pay off!  I love all the detail, it makes it such a beautiful piece.  I think you've done a fine job at exemplifying the quote from your signature!!!!

[WILDWORLDTAXI]

Sweet looking repo's. do you sell them?

[4txdrm]

Thanks again for all of the kind words. I would love to retail this replica but most of my replca work consist of replicating for the client that brings them in. I have mold rights  on some of them and some I don't own mold rights on. I am trying to get some stuff done up to take to PA in Feb. I recenly got my real estate Lic. So I'm going to the big Harrisburg show to promote the Pike County hunting land and let some of the other people in the world get an up close on what I have to offer in the replica world.  My sound dumb but only a handfull of people has actually got to see first hand anything about me. Just looking to meet a lot of people and make some new friend. If I sell something that will just be a bonus. Thanks again to all. So many of you are the reason I strive to excel. All the positve comments help keep you having fun.  Thanks Again!!

[redbluffcustoms]

nice, 4txdrm

[KEVIN T.]

Your work always makes me go "wow", maybe one day I will produce the type of work that you do. Your Deer heads are nothing but spectacular....I would really enjoy and learn from Your one- on -one instructions.. Good luck in your real estate ventures! I hope to see more of your work in the future...Kevin