Model Railway Forum

its time i put some people on my station and other places on my layout who does the best figures

Mod Note: Topic moved to the OO area of the forum.

Which Scale ?

Figures are one area that has not improved in quality over the years with many being little more than plastic blobs, especially in the smaller scales, N & 00.

In 4mm / ft scale I like the Dapol, ex Airfix figures which were introduced way back in the 1960s. You do have to paint them but I find that is part of the fun of model railways. The block of plastic they stand on is unsightly but easily removed with a craft knife. It can then be replaced by a dressmaker's pin with the head cut off and inserted into a small hole drilled up into one of the legs. The pin then is inserted into a hole drilled into the surface where the figure will stand. A tiny drill in a pin chuck is all you need to make the holes.

It all depends upon the era your layout is set. But the Dapol figures are fine for the 1950s which is where a lot of steam period layouts are set.

Some popularly available figures sold are HO scale (3.5mmn / ft) and are therefore 12.5% too small for British 4mm /ft scale layouts. These can however be used effectively towards the back of the scenery but can look out of proportion when placed alongside OO trains and 1/76 vehicles and buildings.

I agree about the Dapol figures though I glue them to the layout after removing the bases. I bought some white metal ones after seeing them at a couple of shows back because of their fine detail but as I haven't been near my railway room since June they are still awaiting painting.

Definitely Dapol. I use their workmen for loco crew.

I think my 7mm scale plastic unpainted figures came from Model Power. I have one or two cast metal loco crew somewhere that I need to paint up. I believe these are made by Springside. They are heavy which is ideal for adding weight to locos, but they are not cheap.
Preiser used to do a lot of figures in H0 scale which can be used in 00. If my memory serves me correctly they come unpainted and in painted sets. Unpainted in quantity are usually cheap to buy but painted tend to be expensive. (When you start painting them you soon find out why!) Though it is time consuming, it is rewarding as they become little people.

Bachmann do a good range - and dressed for particular era's - especially station staff. They are painted but rather expensive. The one's I have used are 00 gauge.

not to backseat moderate, but shouldn't this be in another category of the forum?

(mods, feel free to delete this comment should you feel that is more appropriate?)

Im poised to move it, but was hoping the OP would say what scale then move it to that area!

Scenery Perhaps?