Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Figure Help (HO Scale)

905 views
3 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    May 2008
  • From: Miles City, Montana
  • 2,289 posts
Figure Help (HO Scale)
Posted by FRRYKid on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 2:53 AM

Yet another one for my Forum friends: Does anyone make a collection of figures reading newspapers, books, etc? I am buillding a patio type area for a library and want to have people reading books and such on it. As usual any assistance that can be provided would be most welcomed.

"The only stupid question is the unasked question."
Brain waves can power an electric train. RealFact #832 from Snapple.
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bradford, Ontario
  • 15,797 posts
Posted by hon30critter on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 4:41 AM

Hi FRRYKid,

I have looked at and purchased a ton of figures over the years and I only recall seeing a couple that were 'reading' something, and those were from sets of 25 - 100 figures.

Have you considered making your own? You would start with a suitable number of sitting figures and then do a little surgery to reposition the arms so that they are reaching out in front of the figure. You could also steal arms from standing figures. Then you could use 0.005" or thicker styrene or brass sheets to make the books or newspapers. A little paint and voila!

Cheers!!

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
  • 21,483 posts
Posted by MisterBeasley on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 1:54 PM

I have bought several sets of unpainted seated figures.  They show up on station benches, in vehicles, in seats in restaurants and mostly sitting in passenger coaches.  They are easy to paint with a few containers of cheap acrylic paints.  I just use a small brush and a magnifying lamp to get good results.

Sometimes I modify the figures a bit if their positions don’t look right.  Generally, a razor saw and some styrene cement is all it takes.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

  • Member since
    February 2008
  • 2,360 posts
Posted by kasskaboose on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 3:23 PM

Most of my figures are unpainted. They are far cheaper than the painted ones, but you have fevwer options.  To paint them, I apply two coats cheap craft paint.  

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!