ABOUT US
Outdoor Products and Programs began manufacturing and wholesaling Replitrack,TM Repliscat,TM and RepliplantsTM in the early 1970s. Once a subsidiary of Museum Products, a household name within the science and nature education community, we have been independently owned and operated since 2007. Collecting the specimens we offer has been a careful process over many years, as no animals have been injured during the production of our products. These life-size replicas are individually cast from actual specimens showing every detail: skin fold, claw, scale, etc. They are made using flexible lead and phthalate free vinyl. These accurate casts are ideal hands-on tools for teaching anatomy, adaptations, behavior, ecology or tracking skills.
Our customers come from around the world and include educators, naturalists, interpreters, science education specialists, outdoor schools and camp staff, hikers, birders, botanists, and parents. Over the years we have had many requests to develop and provide point-of-sale ready items, so today you can purchase these same high quality replicas for sale in your gift shop.
Casting, Printing and Caring For YourReplitrack,TM Repliscat,TM and RepliplantsTMReplitrack,TM Repliscat,TM and RepliplantsTM models are tough vinyl reproductions, exact in every detail, allowing you to reproduce tracks as real as any found in the field. These models are made to be handled and used by students. In fact, it takes malicious handling with intent to do damage before your Replitrack and Repliscat model will be affected.
Plaster Casting
You can create both positive and negative casts with your Replitrack, Repliscat, and Repliplants models. Plaster casting will not harm your model(s).
A negative cast can be made by placing the model face up in a container large enough to hold the model and the plaster until it hardens. (The texture of the face of the plaque you are creating will depend on the surface you place the model on.) Mix the plaster, 2 parts plaster with 1 part water. Mixing in a plastic bag leads to less mess! Remove the corner of the bag and pour the plaster carefully over the mold. Allow the plaster to set, remove it from the container and remove the model from the plaster. Be careful removing the model from the plaster to ensure that small parts such as claws are not damaged. (To make this easier, remember to pull back on the small parts to guide them out of the plaster.)
To make a positive cast use the model to make an impression in soil, clay, play dough, glazing compound, wallpaper cleaner, etc. Remove the model and fill the impression with plaster. Mix the plaster, 2 parts plaster with 1 part water. Mixing in a plastic bag leads to less mess! Remove the corner of the bag and pour the plaster carefully over the impression. Allow to harden. Remove the casting. Your casting is now ready to paint or decorate. Try placing a small wire loop in the plaster before it hardens to create a wall hanging or mobile.
Ink Printing
You can use your Replitrack,TM Repliscat,TM and RepliplantsTM models for pressure printing, stamp printing, and caress printing. You will find that certain models will print better with one technique over the other. Don’t be afraid to experiment, ink printing will not damage your models.
To create a pressure print, lay your specimen on a piece of plastic sheeting. Because the model is made of a special vinyl it will stick to this plastic. Pick up the plastic sheet and press the model to an inkpad, applying equal pressure to all parts of the model. Carefully pick up the plastic sheet and lay it on the surface to be printed. Try printing on different surfaces -- make your own T-shirt at camp, create your own greeting cards – the possibilities are endless!
Stamp Printing
Stamp printing is uses exactly the same techniques as pressure printing with one exception: the model is actually made into a stamp by attaching a dowel or block to your ReplitrackTM model(s). This allows your students to create a pressure imprint with little mess, or, using a long dowel, to create life-like track imprints in the field.
-A caress print is the reverse of a pressure print. Instead of applying the model to the fabric, paper, etc., the model is laid face up on a flat surface and the material to be printed is placed on top. The material is then gently “caressed” to ensure the ink is applied evenly.
Care and Cleaning
Your Replitrack,TM Repliscat,TM and RepliplantsTM models have been carefully designed and manufactured for hands-on use. The use of plasters, inks, soil, etc., will not damage your models. The coloration of each model is part of the vinyl and therefore will not wash or wear off.
To clean your models, simply wash them in warm water with a mild detergent. Do not use newspaper to clean or store your models as the ink from the newsprint may permanently discolor the model.
Replitrack,TM Repliscat,TM and RepliplantsTM are trademarks of Outdoor Products and Programs.