Linka World is a system of reusable rubber moulds that are used to cast interlocking plaster pieces. These pieces glued together to make incredibly detailed and realistic looking. HO/OO scale (1/76-1/72 or 20mm-22mm) structures that resemble brick, stone, and timber buildings (see our Gallery page for examples). Although originally scaled for "British OO" (1/76). Linka World moulds are ideal for scales as small as 1/87 and, with some modification, as large as 25mm.
Because the system used to cast individual components such as windows, doors, walls, etc., it is very versatile. The pieces can be glued together in infinite combinations to make buildings of various sizes and shapes. The plaster castings also easily cut so that the builder not limited to the shapes of the original moulds. In the end, your limited only by your imagination and skill.
Start by mixing the plaster according to the package directions. Then carefully pour the mix into the cavities in the rubber moulds. After a brief "setting-up" time, gently flex the mould to remove the pieces. Set aside and allow them to dry completely.
The castings can then assembled into almost any type of building. Once the glued model has dried, apply the paint and weathering to create a very realistic and life-like structure.
Check our Using Linka World page for more detailed construction information.
Product History
Linka was first produced in 1979 by Thomas Salter, Ltd. of Scotland. Its marketed throughout Europe and North America and enjoyed tremendous early successes. Poor instructions and poor market research. However, soon led to the downfall as initial sales not followed up by repeat business. Word of mouth from the dissatisfied consumers was that Linka produced shoddy results. The meteoric rise led to an equally rapid demise and the company found itself in bankruptcy by 1983.
The remaining materials and tooling sold to Stuart Manley of Alnwick. Northumberland in 1982 and the products re-introduced to the market two years later. Now called "Linka Systems," the old instructions replaced by tested and proven methods. These taken from the extensive input from devoted Linka modelers around the world. The resultant body of work came to known the Linka Manual. And covered a wide range of topics from basic construction to repairing damaged models to constructing massive stone viaducts. (Portions of the Linka Manual reproduced, with permission, on our Using Linka page.)
Many new modelers quickly learned that Linka did indeed produce quality results. Sales were steady, but the market failed to grow. With enough income to remain afloat and not much else, Linka Systems ceased operations in September 1993. Stuart Manley produced a "Last Linka Newsletter" in 1995 which details the rise and fall of Linka. From its beginnings with Thomas Salter, Ltd. to its end with Linka Systems in 1993. You can read the newsletter here.
We contacted Mr. Manley in 2003 and inquired after the toolings. To our surprise, he took us up on our offer to relaunch Linka. And has provided valuable guidance and materials to assist us with this latest effort...
Frequently Asked Questions
WhatLinka moulds made from?The Linka moulds made from a flexible, rubber-like plastic called Evoprene 960G.
How moulds made?The Linka moulds made by heating the Evoprene to the melting point and then injecting the liquid into a two-part steel die under incredibly high pressure. The moulds made in our factory on mass-production injection molding machines.
How long will the Linka moulds last?The Linka moulds will last a lifetime under normal conditions. Because of the high quality of our products, as long as you store them in a regular, climate-controlled setting. (i.e., not in the attic or garage!), the flexible Linka moulds will continue to produce the same detailed castings year-after-year.
What scale are the Linka moulds?Nominally, the Linka moulds are 1/76 scale. However, because the moulds not made to exact specifications, they work well with scales from 1/72 to 1/87. With some minor modification to the plaster castings, you can even use them for scales as large as 28mm or as small as 15mm. (e.g., Flames of War scale). To use them for larger or smaller scales, simply add a row of stones to the bottom of the casting to "raise" it up to 28mm or trim the bottom row from the casting to "lower" them to 15mm.
What kind of materials can I use to make my castings?
You can use plaster or resin to make Linka castings. However, some resins will leech moisture from the moulds and can, over an extended period of time, lead to a degradation of the Linka moulds. This is particularly true of the more caustic, high-temperature resins. The milder, two-part resins are generally OK to use and will not degrade the moulds. For plaster, we recommend dental or stone plasters; including Herculite #2, Lightweight Hydrocal, or Excalibur plasters. We do NOT recommend Plaster of Paris (POP). As this plaster warps and shrinks as it cures making your buildings crooked and unable to line-up correctly.