Model Figures for Aeronaut Classic

[Peter Brown 15Participant @peterbrown15]

Scale?

[Peter Brown 15Participant @peterbrown15]

I hate to see an open top speed boat without figures. I’m looking for a couple of seated models for my Aeronaut Classic. Not sure of the scale of figure I need, hopefully someone can suggest a scale.

[Graham Ashby 1Participant @grahamashby1]

Couldn't agree more Peter. I'm going to need at least one figure for my current Sea Breeze build. I'm thinking I might try a 3D printing company. I've had model aeroplane pilots done in the past and they've been so good that they've completely transformed the look of the aeroplane. It'll be interesting to know what you go for.

I appreciate that hasn't helped you much, sorry.

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

The scale doesn't seem to be mentioned anywhere so you will need to work it out I guess. The seat will be fairly low, like a sports car but the driver should be able to rest their elbow on the coaming, a bit like a car door with the window down. The driver in seated position should be able to look through the windscreen so the top of the head of a man should probably be about level with the top of the windscreen. This will give you a clue to the distance between the top of the head and the underside of the thighs. Measure this off on yourself or a compliant acquaintance(!) and you should be a able to work out a rough scale from that. Then google figures at the required scale to see what comes up.

Colin

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Get some plasticene and model a figure, as crude as you like…or even simply make a card silhouette that fits and measure this.

​Failing that, go to a few charity shops and purchase some….figures….of possibly the right size to try out for fit.

​You must have a ROUGH estimate of the size figure you need,

Ashley

[Graham Ashby 1Participant @grahamashby1]

Posted by ashley needham on 11/02/2018 17:29:52:

…or even simply make a card silhouette that fits and measure this.

​Ashley, now that, is a good idea. I'll do just that and take it to my 3D printing chap.

Graham

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

Graham,.

I might be interested in the 3D stuff for the current (top secret) review. I do know the scale in this case.

Colin

[Graham Ashby 1Participant @grahamashby1]

Hi Colin,

I'll keep you posted! They're arguably a bit pricey but to mind well worth it. I'll see if I can dig out a pic of my last purchase.

Graham

[Peter Brown 15Participant @peterbrown15]

I'm thinking of a 4" figure for the classic but still not sure.

[David Marks 2Participant @davidmarks2]

An approximate idea of the scale of the model could be established by measuring the diameter of the steering wheel and comparing that measurement with the diameter of a car steering wheel. Although modern cars seem to have a smaller wheel than cars of say the 60s

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Peter. 4 inch figures are two a penny in charity shops. Treat yourself to one and try it. Ashley

[Byron Rees…(Ron)Participant @byronrees-ron]

Firstly, Well done Ashley for the skimmer caravan, looks great, good article.

Re the above probs, did no-one read my article on making scale figures in Model Boats Winter Special 2015. which included a centre spread pull-out showing you all the sizes and scales?…..doesn't seem like it anyway…sob sob.!!!

Re estimating scale, measure the wheelhouse door or something like that, most people have to get their head under the door frame , this can be a rough guide to the height of a scale figure. Once we know the rough height we can guage the scale and then tell you if there are any available to buy or if you have to make them yourself.

Cheers……….Ron.

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

It's an open top speedboat Ron so no wheelhouse or door frame unfortunately……

Colin

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Ron , Thanks for that.

​Re your article….fame today, obscurity tomorrow, that's what I find. Signing autographs in March, shoved aside in April. Such is life….

Ashley

[Peter Brown 15Participant @peterbrown15]

Managed to get a figure for the Classic. I think she's about 7 inches.

[Peter Brown 15Participant @peterbrown15]

Here's another one. Model boating has never been so glamorous

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Peter. DM will be squirming in his seat looking at that!!! I would say it is about right, a difficult size though. When looking for figures for my MFA Fantome I discovered that the original advertising pictures used Pippa dolls, of a 6 inch size, and sourcing vintage Pippa dolls almost cost me as much as the boat! (almost, but I had some luck finding Pippa dolls cheap at a toy fair).

​Action hero type figures might be had, but will need fettling as they will be a bit muscle bound.

​Harry in Taz likes to use action figures, and has a good one in the likeness of DM…

Ashley

[Dave MilbournParticipant @davemilbourn48782]

DM will be squirming in his seat looking at that!!!

Sorry but it's horrible, even if it does have a passing resemblance to Katherine Ryan (whom I love deeply…).

DM

[Graham Ashby 1Participant @grahamashby1]

For what it's worth Peter, I'm tending toward DM's view. I hate to say it but she might have to go. Pack her back off to Barbie World. Trust me, it's for the best

[Ray Wood 3Participant @raywood3]

OMG dolls !! these de-value a fine model boat so much, please make her swim for shore

I find Doctor Who or Harry Potter figures look like normal human beings

Regards Ray this guy was .50p in a charity shop

Edited By Ray Wood 2 on 19/02/2018 09:01:07

Edited By Ray Wood 2 on 19/02/2018 09:02:56

[Peter Brown 15Participant @peterbrown15]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. No chance of swimming ashore, I’ve attached a bungi cord. No it’s not bondage. Seriously if I could get a decent male figure in the 7 inch category that didn’t need work I would ditch the girlfriend

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

eter. It is your boat, if you are happy with the figure, leave it on there. It looks like a bit of fun, and some people like their boats to be unmanned. It is all personal preference, there is no right or rong (how many times have I said that??)

Ashley

​Figure enhancing boat, as below

​

Edited By ashley needham on 19/02/2018 09:21:19

[Graham Ashby 1Participant @grahamashby1]

Ashley's absolutely right Peter… Push her over the side at the earliest opportunity and all will be forgiven

[Dave MilbournParticipant @davemilbourn48782]

Ashley

"Figure enhancing boat" is absolutely what I believe, I would prefer to fit decent lifelike figures to my models rather than Barbie or Pippa dolls – or those scary thugs that Harry uses. I now have a reasonably lifelike figure in my second Huntsman 31. Once the dust has settled after the house-move and I have my PC set up I'l take his picture for you, to dispel the myth once and for all!

Dave M

[Peter Brown 15Participant @peterbrown15]

Thanks all, here’s a challenge. If anyone can find me a decent charity shop figure circa 7 inches, I’m happy to pay postage and the cost of the figure.

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