Figures on ship models
 

How do Forum members feel about including figures on ship models? I know that some modelers don't like to include them, but others feel that figures add scale or life to a model. As a novice ship modeler, I'd be interested in hearing opinions from you veterans on this topic. A related question: does the simple addition of figures turn a model into a diorama, or does a diorama require a natural-appearing base such as a simulated ocean or a shipyard setting? Thanks.

JM Norton

Re: figures on ship models
 

James could use some Members' opinions. You may vote once for each of two replies:
1st reply:
A - I think that figures add scale or life to a model, or
B - I don't think that figures add scale or life to a model.

2nd reply:
A - I think the addition of figures turns a model into a diorama, or
B - I don't think the addition of figures turns a model into a diorama.

It might be helpful if you also posted a reply as to the reasoning behind your opinion(s).

Re: figures on ship models
 

Hi all,
IMO adding figures adds the the character of a model and shows scale very well. People can perceive a model's size better with a small figure than say an inanimate object, even a familiar one like an anchor or ships wheel.

But just adding a figure(s) doesn't necessarily make it a diorama. I think one of the requirements for a diorama is that it should tell a story, regardless of the base its on. I added 25 figures to my 1/78 scale Cutty Sark but no story was told, just a bunch of guys stand'n around wait'n fer somt'n ta happ'n....

Dave

Re: figures on ship models
 

I have been involved into a lot of model judging at model competition, mainly in the field of plastic models.

A - diorama's. Originally, a diorama is a case closed on 5 sides, usually with a glass in the front, and which is well known by military modellers, and it depicts of course some kind of scenery.

This definition has been extended to a base only, with a scenery of some kind built on it. A navy aircraft on a base depicting an aircraft carrier deck for instance would compete in the aircraft category provided nothing more than the pilot would be visible. If there would be trailers, other crew members, for instance, it would be considered as a diorama. A ship with her crew could in my opinion compete both in 'ships' and in 'ship diorama's.

If you name your model with crew for instance "HMS Victory", in my opinion it would be a ship; but to see it as a diorama, you had better name it "bracing the sails on board HMS Victory.

Now you should be aware that modelling and especially painting figures is an art of its own. Excellent wood workers are not necessarily good figure painters. Also you should have some feeling for scenery. Too many diorama's are spoiled because they are too cramped, or the figures are looking outside the scenery, etc..;

A ship model without figures looks alright. The tradition of model ship building accepts a fully rigged ship without anybody on board: the sails are just there to show how the ship's motor look like. But if you are building a waterline model at anker or underway, then figures are definitely needed.

Conclusion: figures are OK, as long as their quality matches that of the ship.

Happy building and...send us your pictures.

Re: Figures on ship models
 

Im not a big fan of figures,but if they are made well and implemented right they canbe interesting.If the model is for static display figures are fine. If the model moves like that of Remote Control, then i dont care for them.When i build a scale aircraft that flies, i dont use pilot figures.There is always members in my club that will ask me Chris where is the pilot figure?, my responce, you are looking at him!.Regards Chris

Re: figures on ship models
 

Kind of agree with Dave. It all depends on the model of course. A very small scale model wouldn't look so great with figures (way too small), but for a larger scale, it might look nice. As Dave said, it might help people relate to the scale of the actual ship or boat. I know that it is hard to find pre made figures some times. and that you may have to carve your own.
Pat

Re: figures on ship models
 

I definitly like figurines on models, the big problem with figures is that they are not supplied with the kit, and are hard to find otherwise. Besides that the figures need to be painted, painting a figure is a hobby on itself.

When adding figures on some model like the Victory then you'll need about 50-100 figures showing on deck or in the rigging, I mean adding just one on the steering wheel doesn't add much huh. But then if you are building the Victory then you can always get figures because there is a pack with 18th century english naval figures just for the Vicory available.

Re: figures on ship models
 

Where do we get the figures for HMS Victory and what scale are they ?

Re: figures on ship models
 

Oh, here's a link to the picture of the box
http://www.toemen.nl/fotos/hat0008098_kl.jpg

See http://www.hat.com/

There scaled 1:72.

Re: figures on ship models
 

Thanks for the info.