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Homecasting is the hobby of casting your own toy soldiers. The figures are made out of metal which has been melted and poured into molds. The alloys used range from blends of tin / lead / antimony to a variety of lead-free pewters. They all melt at less and 650 degrees F. Molds are available for many eras and armies. These can be bought, or they can be made using RTV silicon.
Homecasting was very popular prior to World War II. It declined after the War. Casting sets were advertised in toy catalogues as late as the 1960s. Toy safety regulations put an end to their being sold as toys. These days, the hobby is the milieu of adults.
Home made soldiers were a big part of the hobby. A few of us perpetuate it. Today, molds can be bought from a handful of makers. These cover quite a few genre, armies and eras. The most popular makers today are Castings Inc. Prince August, Dunken, Dutkins, and Meisterzinn.
Here is an article that explains the process of homecasting: http://www.thortrains.com/homecast/index.html
Below are examples of Homecast figures