I have basically finished painting several dozen HO scale Presier figures over the past month, and need a few details to finish. I thought perhaps some of you in GD forum-land may have already done such items, or similar which could potentially save me much gnashing and cursing.1) Safety Vests:Several of the figures have been painted up with jeans and workshirts and boots for service as freight conductors and T&E men. They are going to need stylish lime green or bright orange Hi-Viz vests. So I need very thin flexible material to model these vests. As a first approximation, very thin (0.005in ?) styrene, cut to a shape to fold over the figures torso - sort of a tapered rectangle with a hole in the middle for the head/neck, softened (by flame) to curve over the figures shoulders. Perhaps model the side securing straps with red decal stripes?This sound a bit fiddly, has anyone done better in scratchbuilding vests.2) Beach towelsSort of the same concept, but this time thin material should show wrinkling and yet hold paint finish. Foil won't do that, does anyone have better ideas? In the same view, has anyone modeled a folding chair like this? I haven't found anything quite like that in the catalog...3) Drum Kit (for a band)Among the figures was a single and a guitarist. With the addition of an existing bearded guy with a bass (originally planned as an acoustic guitar upgraded from a banjo [!]), almost got a band...except I need a drummer and drum kit (none of this 1980s style drum pad stuff either, analog drums only, standard kit of kick, snare, toms, floor tom, ride cymbal, high hat). I have been able to find only two HO scale drum kits - the famed Woodland Scenics "Music To My Ears" ,and the far more elusive Presier Jazz band, apparently several decades old. The drum kit in the Woodlan Scenics set wasn't all that great looking, but perhaps if I stripped the paint it may be OK - however, the Presier drum kit was absolutely horrid (etsy link, no idea how long that will stay up), so that must of been on of their earlier kits. Have there been other, nicer drum kits by other firms, or has anyone scratchbuilt such a kit - again in HO scale.
I'd suggest either aluminum foil or tissue for clothing modifications. The tissue is probably easier to use if dampened, but it probably won't stand a lot of handling while you're trying to shape it. Diluted white glue can give it some body once it dries, then brush-paint it as required. I'd guess the foil to be easier to use, but have no first-hand experience with either - not got to that stage of detailing, yet.
Wayne
Hmm, I am not sure about the tissue for clothing, but it might work very well for the beach towels - sort of like tarp modeling (ala that RMC article early this year - I did one and the results look good). Rectangle of tissue paper, soak with dilute glue, drip some acrylic paint on it - towels are not really smooth, although in reallity the grain would be out of scale. I'll try that later this week, so thanks for the inspiration.
You may find some tips here:
http://bigbluetrains.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=5936
It's mostly about building a ship, but there are a few things not directly related to that for which you're looking which may give you some ideas. As far as I can tell, these pictures will be viewable by non-members. The same modeller has done some clothing alterations, and I seem to recall an awning, which could be useful for creating the canvas chairs, but I haven't yet found that thread. I don't know if you can do a search if you're not a Member.
Jeremy Reed, of jreedstudios.com, has used tissue paper before for clothing. Check out his site, especially the 1/87th section. Everything from Spider-Man, Batman, and others, to a bride and groom, or modern firemen, with everything in between. He's quite good... Has other things on his site as well. Might want to check it out, just to see what can be done with some skill, and some simple supplies.
Ricky W.
HO scale Proto-freelancer.
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