Topic: Little People (not leprechauns!) (Read 10644 times)

OneBladeMissing · « **on:** August 18, 2006, 04:29:57 pm »

I notice, looking at pictures of peoples models on the Mayhem website, that some have crew aboard them. Now, I've never built scale models, but I have built semi-scale and I've always been of the opinion that putting crew on a boat turns it from being a model into a toy.
While a crewless boat motoring around a lake or pond might look odd, I would be reluctant to put figures on any boat I've built.
Anybody got any opinions/views about this?

barriew · « **Reply #1 on:** August 18, 2006, 04:34:30 pm »

That depends on the figures you put on - Barbie and Ken are out. Realistic crew or passenger figures add life to the model.

Barrie

GOGSAMWE · « **Reply #2 on:** August 18, 2006, 04:44:00 pm »

Err ???

Why go the trouble of building a scale boat and NOT having any crew on it ?

Vision and imagination go a long way to add authenticity and realism to any model.

sigh..... but each to their own

Steve

malcolmfrary · « **Reply #3 on:** August 18, 2006, 04:52:32 pm »

A lot depends on the model, but anybody who saw the pair of warships at CADMA would have seen that the figures not only brought them to life, but also told a lot of little stories by their positioning and grouping.
Any chance of the piccies appearing, Martin?

Guy Bagley · « **Reply #4 on:** August 18, 2006, 04:56:15 pm »

if you look at the crew/ figures that cap maquettes supply and the similar ones from speedline models you will see they are good quality and accurate, not at all toylike......they are detailed models in their own right......

add these to a toy like looking model and i thnk the overall appearance will be of a toy like boat......with or without crew !

add these detailed model figures to a detailed model boat and you have detailed models......not toys.........................

thats my take on it anyway.......

tonyH · « **Reply #5 on:** August 18, 2006, 05:04:08 pm »

Too right about crew. You've got to spend as much time on the crew as any other complex fittings. I can't understand spending months over a scale Chris Craft or Riva and then B & K make their appearances.

But that's only my take on it.

Tony

Pointy · « **Reply #6 on:** August 18, 2006, 06:20:38 pm »

Depend if the model moves.

When you've got your model on the water and its at a scale speed it 'comes alive' its like a mini real one. Yet the most animated things on a boat would be its crew if you could see them but on a model they will always be frozen like statues or bits of equipment- therefore reinforcing the fact that it is a model and in my opinion spoiling the effect.

Different on a static model, that can be like a 3d snap shot in time and yes crew do add something to it.

warspite · « **Reply #7 on:** August 18, 2006, 08:13:48 pm »

Snap shot in time! which is exactly what modelers are trying to achieve when they build scale replicas of bygone ships etc crew on a warship manning the guns gives the viewer, when it's on it's stand, the chance to image what is going on, fishing vessels showing men gutting fish and reeling in the nets, kids really love seeing crew, how many spectators have pointed to a scene that is on a boat and exclaimed to their freinds what they have just seen, whereas no crew and sometimes you see just a wry smile appear at the detail.

Just a thought

ambernblu · « **Reply #8 on:** August 18, 2006, 08:33:49 pm »

... I just think like a few of you have mentioned, that if there would be figures on the boat in real life, then it just seems daft not to put some on the model.

Of course I can understand the argument that says if the model boat is on display, then it should be empty... and I can also understand an unwillingness to populate a working model boat with inanimate figures to represent people (even though I would be quite happy with that) OK, your choice.

To me though, a model boat does not come alive without being able to represent its interaction with human beings - because after all, a real boat was designed around human beings, for human beings... In just the same way, I have model people standing on my model platforms and i fully intend to populate my railway carriages at some point in the future, because railways, like boats were built for - and around people!

Oh and did someone say there's no place for a Barbie....? I built this boat (from Model Boats plans service out of balsa - its called Scamp if I recall) for my daughter about 16 years ago or so - and it is now enjoyed by my 4 year old granddaughter who is slowly getting the hang of the Tx....

There was absolutely no way you can leave an open seated boat to run around the lake - it would look daft! So we shopped around for a suitably sized doll.... and its still one of the better runners in my small fleet even today!

Cheers, Brian

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JayDee · « **Reply #9 on:** August 18, 2006, 08:57:29 pm »

Hello,

"LITTLE PEOPLE" is the name of my Wife's miniatures business ! ! !.

If anyone is making a 1/12 Scale boat and needs some accurate bits and bobs she can get them for you.

A friend made a Windermere Steam Launch, needed a Crew and a Lady to sit in the Cabin, in a Victorian Silk Gown, wide brimmed Hat, the whole biz - - - no problem and all to Scale !!.

Have a look at http://www.hazel-dowds-littlepeople.co.uk/

We will both be at the EPIC show, I will have my Schooner, Bluenose, Hazel will have her miniatures Stand.
John.

Daryl · « **Reply #10 on:** August 18, 2006, 10:13:53 pm »

I have a 1/72 scale Schnellboote which is fully populated with crew at their action stations. Being so small I sail it pools or whenthe water is flat . I have a fishing boat with a crew on on guy in the wheel house and another looking out to sea with their two dogs sniffing at something on the deck. I have had quite a few admiring comments on them at exhibitions. On two occasions from people who have served on the fishing boat and a WW2 kriegsmarine veteran who served on the Schnellboots.

Properly placed at with thought to thier posses crew makes the model come alive, but each to their own. All of my fleet has crew where possible even a 1/96 early 20th century tramp steamer.

Daryl

GOGSAMWE · « **Reply #11 on:** August 18, 2006, 11:07:39 pm »

I think the "Aye's" have it then ...

what the heck , anyway, do whatever "floats" your boat...

btw, I even got newspapers for the captain to read on my boat.. won't get that detail in ToysRus

Steve

warspite · « **Reply #12 on:** August 18, 2006, 11:26:43 pm »

schnellboote like this one?

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Roger in France · « **Reply #13 on:** August 19, 2006, 11:43:56 am »

As I may have said before, on this Forum or elsewhere.....I think there are two issues which divide boaters quite dramatically. The first (as this thread shows) is "To crew or not to crew?" and the second is "To weather or not to weather".

Personally I prefer to crew and to weather but some do neiher, one or both. As was said, "Whatever floats your boat". However, either or both done badly is in my view worse than not doing it. There are some terrible crew about, many are doll like and inappropriate to the type of boat; some are out of scale and some are posed most unaturally. Also with weathering some is over the top and some innacurate. I feel the only un-weatherd boat should be "hobby boats" i.e. those used for pleasure (cruisers; yachts) and boats for ceremonial purposes (admirals barges and royal vessels).

I am also aware that at some shows judges allow their personal preferences to influence their scoring on these aspcts.

There can be no difinitive answer. If you like it, do it. Above all, have fun.

Roger in France.

tonyH · « **Reply #14 on:** August 19, 2006, 02:34:38 pm »

One of the real 'b*****s' about crewing is the lack of consistency by figure manufacturers of what scale they're ACTUALLY working to.
I'm building at 1:36 so 1:35 figures are ideal for modification but, whilst Tamiya Wermacht are all a straping 5'9" high from the soles of their boots to the top of their caps, the poor old Confederate cannon crew from Yokohama Industries etc are a lusty 6'4 in bare feet.
So if you're trying to get a good variety of poses..............

Tony

Doc · « **Reply #15 on:** August 19, 2006, 02:39:20 pm »

I'd really like to add a crew to a couple of my boats. The problem isn't the where to put them so much as the where to find them! The local toy stores are certainly possibilities but trying to explain to the sales people what you are looking for, and why, can really be embarrassing (makes more sense if you know me and the people around here - lol).
- 'Doc

Daryl · « **Reply #16 on:** August 19, 2006, 04:13:45 pm »

My Scnellboote is the Revell S-100 class, not only have I crewed it at action stations but weathered it with dirt streaks down the side and a generally run down appearance. One of my friends did point out that no self respecting captain would alow his boat to get that dirty as he would have been up for a court marschall. I then produced a copy of a photo on the wonderful www.prinzeugen.net site of aS-100class entering harbour with a somewhat run down appearance.

I personally think crew brings life to a boat.

Daryl

warspite · « **Reply #17 on:** August 20, 2006, 08:44:30 pm »

Thats why i try to stay at 1/72nd scale or H0/00, rail figures can be press ganged into service (well i am taller than them, well just)

BarryM · « **Reply #18 on:** September 24, 2006, 04:46:34 pm »

Quote from: Daryl on August 19, 2006, 04:13:45 pm

My Scnellboote is the Revell S-100 class, not only have I crewed it at action stations but weathered it with dirt streaks down the side and a generally run down appearance. One of my friends did point out that no self respecting captain would alow his boat to get that dirty as he would have been up for a court marschall. I then produced a copy of a photo on the wonderful www.prinzeugen.net site of aS-100class entering harbour with a somewhat run down appearance.

I personally think crew brings life to a boat.

Daryl

Ships. most of them, are built of steel and from the day that construction starts, they start to rust. Even a ship new-launched will have some rust somewhere no matter how glossy, wet and new the paint. Warships may look tiddly in peace time but in wartime they can be as tatty as the oldest tramp. Boot topping will be oil-stained, rust streaks will fall from bitts, fairleads, scuppers and most seams. The only thing that (probably) will shine is the brasswork within the First Lieutenants vision.

chromedome · « **Reply #19 on:** September 24, 2006, 07:25:11 pm »

don't see many submariner figures on conning towers...would look daft if you wanted to dive.

::)

chromedome

cbr900 · « **Reply #20 on:** September 24, 2006, 07:38:04 pm »

I have three figures on the conning tower of my sub when it dives they hold their breath till I resurface...

Roy

GOGSAMWE · « **Reply #21 on:** September 24, 2006, 07:40:16 pm »

Quote from: cbr900 on September 24, 2006, 07:38:04 pm

I have three figures on the conning tower of my sub when it dives they hold their breath till I resurface...

Roy

He hee

Do you go with em, then Roy ?

Steve

ambernblu · « **Reply #22 on:** September 24, 2006, 07:48:02 pm »

Quote from: cbr900 on September 24, 2006, 07:38:04 pm

I have three figures on the conning tower of my sub when it dives they hold their breath till I resurface...
Roy

:'(

:'( See what I mean - don't set me off......!!

GOGSAMWE · « **Reply #23 on:** September 24, 2006, 07:52:19 pm »

He hee

Brian ( or is it Brain

)

They say ...."Grown men don't cry.."

Gogs say..... "who says, we are grown men ?"

Steve

cbr900 · « **Reply #24 on:** September 24, 2006, 07:59:28 pm »

Well so far the sub can stay under longer than I can, but my crew can hold there breath for as long as it takes....

Roy

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Author Topic: Little People (not leprechauns!) (Read 10644 times)

GOGSAMWE

Pointy

warspite

ambernblu

Daryl

GOGSAMWE

warspite

Roger in France

Daryl

warspite

GOGSAMWE

ambernblu

GOGSAMWE