The GnATTERbox

Steve Bennett · Posted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 1:26 am Post subject: Sources of figures

As this question keeps turning up, I thought it was time to start a thread to act as a reference as to what is available. I will start the ball rolling with my collection of seated figures and where possible suggest sources, hopefully this can build into a directory that will be useful to all

1. The ever popular Fred from SLM @ http://www.slmonline.com

2. Alfred, christened by Emrys, OK it is just a modified version of Fred above, having had his hat attacked with a file to give a less American appearance.

3. Probably the most used currently, Jon from SLM @ http://www.slmonline.com

4. Another SLM figure, this time Phil available from the same source.

5 Hank from Schomberg Scale Models @ http://www.schombergscalemodels.com

6. Clem from the Fine Folks range, available from http://rgsrrhobbies.com/

7. Santa, how did he get in here Smile

made by Aristocraft Trains, part # ART-60025 available from Walthers and I would think from most Aristocraft dealers, may be seasonal though.

8 & 9. Figure from LGB. #8 as it comes and #9 after a repaint

10. Not sure about this one, I think another LGB figure, but not certain about that. Now confirmed as LGB and used as a driver on their diesel.

Picture updated 13/01/05
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Steve Bennett
Sidelines
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jay · Posted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 2:37 am Post subject: prime mover movers

good grief - the engineer is wearing wallabees!

there must be something in the bluebook about that...

[#4]

KK · Posted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 8:20 am Post subject: Re: Sources of figures

Colin Peake · Posted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 10:24 am Post subject:

Steve, I'm impressed with the transformation of the LGB figure, it's amazing what a simple repaint can achieve! I have tried similar techniques on Model Power O gauge figures, which are a similar 'quality'.

Perhaps one to add is the seated figure in the Italeri truck parts set? I never got around to assembling mine, only partially assembling the standing ones, but it looked OK to me!
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MilesB · Posted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 12:21 pm Post subject: Re: prime mover movers

ian holmes · Posted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 1:41 pm Post subject: Figures

I still think No.6 looks like Bob Symes Very Happy

Ian
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Colin Peake · Posted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 4:12 pm Post subject:

Well, if we're playing that game again Wink

number 4 and 5 look like two drunks thrown out of the pub at closing time!

Drunk #4: "You are my beshtest friend in the whole world... ever!" Laughing

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Gerry Bullock · Posted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 5:05 pm Post subject: Source of Figures

Certainly agree with Colin that the Italeri seated figure makes a good Driver. Unfortunately mine's firmly adhered to the seat in my Sidelines conversion of the Bachmann Gas Mechanical. The "Punk" driver if you recall Steve.
Cool

I also think that Carlo Spirito's youth figure (suggested as a fisherman) also makes a good driver. I've aged mine and changed Baseball cap to hard hat. I'll send photo to Steve and let him decide if it qualifies Wink

.
Currently I'm investigating a potential source in the States - believe all figures at the moment are 1/4" scale but have suggested that there's a demand for similar ones in 1/2". Exclamation

I'll post when reply received .
GerryB.
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Steve Bennett · Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 1:06 am Post subject:

You dont need my say so Gerry, post away, that is the whole idea of this thread, to show what is available and also what can be done with them. A slightly lower resolution might be an idea for on here though Smile

Have almost finished painting one of the Schomberg figures, should finish it tomorrow and will add a pic of that too.
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Steve Bennett
Sidelines
http://www.pepper7.co.uk

Steve Bennett · Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 3:04 pm Post subject:

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ian holmes · Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 3:23 pm Post subject: Hank

Steve Bennett · Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 3:30 pm Post subject: Re: Hank

ian holmes · Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 3:45 pm Post subject: Re: Hank

Gerry Bullock · Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 4:29 pm Post subject: Carlo Spirito's "Larry"

Well here's my modification of Larry together with unpainted original.

The figure required some cleaning up to remove both flash and mould lines - not difficult BUT rear of figure had a number of blow holes and detail missing from braces. Corrected using ready mixed Polyfilla which works quite well.
Baseball cap is now hard hat strong lip reduced and cheeks slightly hollowed to give gaunt appearance. Right thumb recontoured.
Could have done with more of a chin however I know at least one person whose chin line mirrors this one Wink

GerryB
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michael · Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 4:58 pm Post subject:

Glad to see your man isn't smoking Gerry. With all due repects to the mouldmaking skills of Christopher, and to your great paint job Steve....here's my soapbox I personally dont think that it sends a good message to kids (who see our models) to use ciggarettes in our models, Sad

I think it sends out the wrong "beta message" (I used to smoke 2 packs a day 20 years ago, been clean since), it's tough to run marathons when you smoke! there now thats off my chest. I feel better.

Kindest regards Michael
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Steve Bennett · Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 5:18 pm Post subject:

michael · Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 5:41 pm Post subject:

Steve; Your experience is more informative than mine in this area, (not having exhibited in any shows) your point about the kids being horrified makes a great starting place to talk with them, about such matters and of course our wonderful hobby.

Get them hooked early I say... on model trains that is Wink

Michael
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Steve Bennett · Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 6:05 pm Post subject:

jay · Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 6:49 pm Post subject: dangers....

i wonder what the mortality rate was for railroad workers?

not to mention permanant disabilities...makes me want to relax with a nice cool Chesterfield...and perhaps a pint or two for a chaser!

Steve Bennett · Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 1:33 pm Post subject: Deans Marine figures

Yet more figures Smile

Mention of the Deans Marine figures in another thread a few days ago reminded me that I have been meaning to get some of these for a while, so I went ahead and ordered some and they arrived today. First impressions are not good I'm afraid. The quality of the resin castings is pretty poor and the resin itself is not of a very good quality, it is very hard and brittle. there is quite a lot of flash and it is in places where it is going to be difficult to get at. There are also a fair number of air holes which will need filling. The head and hands are seperate metal castings of some type of white metal or pewter alloy. They are harder than most white metals, but not as strong as pewter. Again the quality is not great and there are some very pronounced mould lines that will need to be removed.

On a more positive note, the pose and proportions of these figures is good and I think they will be very useful, especially as a driver for a small loco where space is at a premium. The seperate heads are useful as they can be turned so he can be looking where he is going. The hands are not that much of a bonus as there is not much variation that can be used with them, these guys are more smokers and one hand is holding a cigarette packet and the other a cigarette. The figures shown here are DL9 and DL15, both use the same body and hands, it is only the heads that are different.

In conclusion, I dont rate these very highly in the value for money stakes, but they will give a different look to most other figures that are available and if you are prepared to do the work on them, may be able to fit into places that others wont. Dont expect to see painted ones from me too soon, I think it could be a while before I can find the time to do them. First photo includes a SLM Jon as a size reference.

If you want to get some, here is where to go

http://deansmarine.co.uk/figures/figures1.htm
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michael · Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 3:03 pm Post subject:

I see what you mean Steve, I think I am inclined to attempt to get better at cutting up cheap dollar store firemen than I would be spending to much on figures that need this much work.

Regards Michael
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Steve Bennett · Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 4:00 pm Post subject:

AndyA · Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2005 7:56 pm Post subject: Tamiya figures

I just sort of happened to be passing the model shop (all right, guilty as charged). It doesn't do model railways any more, but it does do model cars, and I picked up the only box of 1:24 figures they had, Tamiya's "Rally Mechanics Set". The guy was fascinated by what I wanted them for so when I've finished a couple I'll take them back and maybe they'll start doing trains again. Smile

At GBP14.99, not cheap for five figures (enough in reality to make three usable ones because of the poses) but there's a load of wheels and tools and toolboxes that'll look good when there's some scenery to place them in. However, I remember the quality of Tamiya stuff things from my 1:35 military days, and at first inspection these live up to my memories. I'm building the standing figure first, but I'll swap the head over because there's only one cap and I want a seated driver with a hat. I've assembled the legs and torso and the size matches the Preiser workman who's been driving 'Pop' for the last year, although he's, shall we say, somewhat slimmer.

Rather than add to the length of the list, I'll edit this post when he's in undercoat and put up a pic. Then I'll start butchering the rest whahaha...

regards
Andy A

Steve Bennett · Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2005 10:54 pm Post subject:

Post away when you are ready Andy, it is good to have another contributor, I get bored reading my own messages Laughing

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Sidelines
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michael · Posted: Thu Jan 20, 2005 2:12 am Post subject:

Andy I keep looking at the Tamiya mechanic set as well, I haven't got enough spare cash at the moment, it is $27 in the model shop that I just happen by....occasionally whenever I get the chance. I'm sure they will be a whole lot better than the rubbery dollar store firemen.

I am looking forward to your modifications.
5 1/2 hour drive back from Ft McMurray was tough, some blowing snow till I was about a hour away from home then it turned to freezing rain. And I chose to live here instead of the Mediteranean, thinking about models must have addled my brain.

regards Michael
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