In addition to some of the problems mentioned with model figures (flippers for hands) I would like to add pie shaped heads. It should come as no surprise that the excellent AHM brand figures from the 1960s were made by Preiser. As stated already, I agree that figures look best on the model railroad if they are in relaxed positions. A worker leaning against a stack of cartons rather than in mid stride carrying one will give a much more realistic appearance on the layout.
With today's inkjet printers, it is possible to make decals for model people. In O scale I have had success making clothng with print patterns to fit figures, but in HO these tend to blur out even at extremely high resolution. However something I spotted on a few Preiser figures is an emblem on a Tee shirt or jacket such as a big Addidas leaf emblem.
A few college sweatshirts, or athletic teamwear will really pop out your figures too. Have a favorite patterned sweatshirt? Take a photo, reduce it and make a decal.
For a traffic police figure, cut thin white stripes from white decal film to make a Sam Browne belt (round the waist and over the shoulder)- white on blue uniforms, leather brown on tan uniforms.)
Paint a windbreaker a bright color like blue and use contrasting decal stripes around the arms or hem of the jacket for an interesting contrast. Or add a contrasting panel of solid color decal film.
This is not as much of a project as it seems for only a very few figures need this kind of detail, for they will imply that all the other figures are as well detailed too.
Probably the biggest problem I run into with figures is the lack of detail on faces. You need the contrast of the Sun. It is possible to simulate some of the effect for our indoor layouts by mixing a little dark brown with thinner and clear flat to make a wash (at least 60-80 thinner). Brush the face of the figure- leave it face up to dry . The darker color will collect in the eyes and some other details giving more realistic facial detail.
Finally, work from life where possible, or from photos to decorate figures. The Addidas tee shirt wouldln't be suitable for layouts set before the 1960s, for example. But teens in the '40s and '50s had sweatshirts with "Junior G Man" and other printing.
"The Addidas tee shirt wouldln't be suitable for layouts set before the 1960s, "
Yeah, I bought my first pair of Adidas shoes around 1966 or 67. They were kangaroo hide and well built for those days. Before that I wore converse canvas.....DaveB
Comments
Towards more realistic figures
In addition to some of the problems mentioned with model figures (flippers for hands) I would like to add pie shaped heads. It should come as no surprise that the excellent AHM brand figures from the 1960s were made by Preiser. As stated already, I agree that figures look best on the model railroad if they are in relaxed positions. A worker leaning against a stack of cartons rather than in mid stride carrying one will give a much more realistic appearance on the layout.
With today's inkjet printers, it is possible to make decals for model people. In O scale I have had success making clothng with print patterns to fit figures, but in HO these tend to blur out even at extremely high resolution. However something I spotted on a few Preiser figures is an emblem on a Tee shirt or jacket such as a big Addidas leaf emblem.
A few college sweatshirts, or athletic teamwear will really pop out your figures too. Have a favorite patterned sweatshirt? Take a photo, reduce it and make a decal.
For a traffic police figure, cut thin white stripes from white decal film to make a Sam Browne belt (round the waist and over the shoulder)- white on blue uniforms, leather brown on tan uniforms.)
Paint a windbreaker a bright color like blue and use contrasting decal stripes around the arms or hem of the jacket for an interesting contrast. Or add a contrasting panel of solid color decal film.
This is not as much of a project as it seems for only a very few figures need this kind of detail, for they will imply that all the other figures are as well detailed too.
Probably the biggest problem I run into with figures is the lack of detail on faces. You need the contrast of the Sun. It is possible to simulate some of the effect for our indoor layouts by mixing a little dark brown with thinner and clear flat to make a wash (at least 60-80 thinner). Brush the face of the figure- leave it face up to dry . The darker color will collect in the eyes and some other details giving more realistic facial detail.
Finally, work from life where possible, or from photos to decorate figures. The Addidas tee shirt wouldln't be suitable for layouts set before the 1960s, for example. But teens in the '40s and '50s had sweatshirts with "Junior G Man" and other printing.
And that's my two cents worth.
Victor Roseman
"The Addidas tee shirt
Yeah, I bought my first pair of Adidas shoes around 1966 or 67. They were kangaroo hide and well built for those days. Before that I wore converse canvas.....DaveB
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