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Topic starter
14/03/2026 12:50 pm
As this topic encompasses all model scales, I thought it would be appropriate to post this topic in the Lounge.
I have seen several very nice dioramas posted by several members and I have embarked on an 'expedition' to find detailed 1:18, 1:24, and 1:43 scale figures for my displays. Most of what I encountered do not meet my requirements, in that the facial features are not distinctive, which to me would distract from the diorama I wish to create. The only 1:43 figures I could find came only unpainted, and I ordered a couple, just to see what work would be entailed. However, my thumb is bigger than 1:43 figures and I don't see any means by which I would be successful when attempting to paint them. There is detail in the items, but much too small for me to enhance:
The painted figures I found in this size are not as detailed:
Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule, such as the Cartix Marilyn, but I wasn't planning on creating this type of ambience for my displays (I may add her at a later date, just for fun.):
In the 1:24 range, I found some that were 'presentable,' such as those produced by American Diorama:
American Diorama has an assortment of figures, but many of them are borderline, when it comes to facial detail (IMHO). I did purchase the driver and hitchhiker and was pleasantly surprised to find they would work for me, though I will have to do a bit of touching up around the face of the hitchhiker, where they neglected to finish the hair properly. But, at this size, I have the brushes and I can accomplish a touch-up.
And, yes, there is a 1:24 Marilyn, too, though I don't know the maker, and the price is very reasonable (25,50€):
In the 1:18 range, I have found several nice figures and they are pricey (100-200€+ each). I can understand why this is so for the quality is self-evident (173€ for either of these):
I also found others, in the 50-100€ range in China, and I may purchase one I found, if we can agree on a price. I am loathe to do business with an entity so far away, but if that is where the water is, then that is where I have to drink.
So, honorable senseis, is there a brand of figures you would recommend for me to pursue? Any guidance will be appreciated.
14/03/2026 1:06 pm
I feel like I should add the music from Randy Newman - "Short People". The detailing on these is excellent and on some, ultra-incredible. The aggressive young man in a blue t-shirt with backpack, for example, is positively lifelike!! I know that some of these figures get costly but they add the correct measure of miniature illusion to certain of our model cars!
Topic starter
14/03/2026 2:12 pm
@perrone1 The young man is Tom Holland, of Spiderman fame, and they are quality that I cannot afford.
Christopher Moroni and Tony Perrone reacted
15/03/2026 5:49 pm
I've had my little people for many years from Prieser advertised as 1/22,5 or 1/24 scale. Facial expressions not too bad.
Service boys stop for a group shot...
Except for the boss's kid on yet another break.
Folks waiting for service looking bored.
Then there's the cofused and dazed.
officer lost a hand in my last move but still on the job.
And the ladies.
This post was modified 2 months ago by David Vandermeer
David Vandermeer
Corinth, Texas
15/03/2026 11:12 pm
Love seeing your figures David.
Steve W has a number of realistic and strategically placed figures in his great series of collection photos from a few weeks ago, And Hollis wonderful 1/24 daily posts always feature some great figures. And Rich S frequently includes some amazing figures in his great pics. I'm still searching for a 1/24 Prieser 'man reading a newspaper; that Steve has. There is also a very large range of 1/35 figures that may work. I'm having no luck with the Preiser figure so this 1/35 is becoming tempting. I want him for a 1/24 bus stop diorama.
Topic starter
16/03/2026 1:24 pm
@geoff-jowett I was going to edit my post and accidentally deleted it. I was asking if the 1:35 can be a viable substitute for a 1:24, but I was thinking it would be more suitable for the 1:43, though even that would seem a stretch, based on this diagram:
Christopher Moroni reacted
Topic starter
16/03/2026 4:41 pm
I forgot to post the small 1:24 set I bought, which was a bit of this and a bit of that, but it offered me the opportunity to explore the option of having figures for my 1:24 models. It was an inexpensive option, so well worth the risk. Note, the bathing beauty is unlikely to be employed with my models. At a distance the figures are fine, though up close they do not meet my criteria.
Christopher Moroni reacted
16/03/2026 5:10 pm
@gdh actually just ordered this 1/24. Not as good quality as the Prieser figure but will do for now. I reckon I'll still order the 1/35 standing man. He will just be a Randy Newman character!
And this guy turned up in one of my 1/25 kits. Not sure what I'll do with him yet 🤔
Christopher Moroni reacted
Topic starter
16/03/2026 7:37 pm
@geoff-jowett I like the seated man. He has character and a little touching up the face with some color will do the trick. The other one...for him I think you'll need some lions and tigers and bears...
Geoff Jowett and Christopher Moroni reacted
16/03/2026 8:28 pm
All I can say is this: When it comes to scale figures, you get what you pay for, but there are a few exceptions.
- I have hundreds of 1/18 figures, some posable, some not, some painted better than others, some I've modified, some I haven't, etc.... but I NEVER overlook a source. Some of my best/favorite figures were Christmas ornaments or cake-toppers, if they're in scale I buy them! 😉
- The most common problem with scale figures is their paint. MOST are simply FAR TOO shiny to be convincing! CLOTHES do NOT shine; jeans do NOT have a gloss finish! SKIN does NOT have a clear coat! 😠 😠 😡
- One can purchase unpainted figures BUT they BETTER know what they're doing. If YOU can't apply FLAT paint or don't know how to blend & shade... be prepared to lay down SERIOUS coin for those who DO.
- Convincing scale figures are NOT cheap, but they LOOK real and do NOT shine! Here's just a few great examples of nicely done 1/18 figures:
GDH reacted
17/03/2026 2:49 am
they look fantastic Chris. Now u just need Lenins Rolls to go with the figure.
https://www.svvs.org/LeninRolls3.shtml
Christopher Moroni and GDH reacted
Topic starter
17/03/2026 2:54 pm
@chris Yes, I have found this to be true, for the least expensive I have found for what I want is just under forty euros, with shipping. Unfortunately, they are all in China and I am waiting for my first test. I bought her for the soon-to-arrive Horch 855. I think she'll be appropriate.
Geoff Jowett and Christopher Moroni reacted
Topic starter
17/03/2026 5:50 pm
@chris I forgot to ask if you have any of the examples you posted? Several of the Chinese sellers show this image, which you posted, and there are several of them which will be coming to Germany, IF my test order works out:
Here are other samples of 1:18 figures from the same seller(s), all of which are forty euros or thereabouts, including shipping:
The first girl in the previous lineup will be with this girl, the one I ordered for the black 1939 Horch 855:
These figures have the detail I am looking for, but everything looks good on the screen, and it remains to be seen what the product looks like in real time. It will be late April or early May before I receive her.
17/03/2026 7:41 pm
I forgot to ask if you have any of the examples you posted?
No, as I noted... I have hundreds of figures, and some are really nice, but I own NOTHING at these levels of detail. I'm fairly certain when yours arrives you will NOT be disappointed. I just hope it's NOT broken. "Fingers crossed!"
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