robgizlu Posted May 16, 2022 Share Posted May 16, 2022 When I first started modelling ships in 1/350, I struggled to find figures to populate the builds. I ignored the etch 2D offerings as at this scale they looked unconvincing. My introduction to 1/350 maritime modelling happily co-incided with the flowering of highly detailed 3D printed accessories for weapons, ship's boats and other deck details but seemingly not for figures. This is slowly changing and 3D modelling is allowing individuals to print their own figures. Our own @Chewbacca's HMS Puma that I was lucky enough to see "in the Flesh", is testament to the impact that figures can have on a model...... Sadly for us mortals without the expertise to print our own, it's still down to commercial offerings and so I thought I' review those figures that I've manged to obtain to date. So here goes.... Some you might be aware of - some not. From left to right https://ionmodel.com/ https://northstarmodels.com/product-category/figures/1-350/ https://blackcatmodels.eu/en/118-figures https://www.facebook.com/HOLDEN8702 (Luis Hidalgo figures, with a catalogue at https://www.shapeways.com/shops/panzer-vs-tanks-3) So first some metrics and a reflection on relative size ION Model figures Av ht =4.7 mm @1/350 scale = 5.3ft / 1.64m North Star Av ht =5.0 mm @1/350 scale = 5.7ft / 1.78m Black Cat Av ht =5.0 mm @1/350 scale = 5.7ft / 1.78m Holden figures Av ht =5.2 mm @1/350 scale = 5.9ft / 1.82m Details IonModel - cost today - May 2022 - £16.99 70 figures come on 5 sprues joind at the head end. As the title suggests - poses are arelaxed. Removal is straight forwards with a sharp scalpel blade. I've suffered almost no casualties Pros Relaxed with a variety of undramatic poses. Easy to remove RN uniform Easy delivery if iin stock at Hannants Cons They are small Body proportion is slightly off IMHO with relatively small heads Lack of uniform choice North Star - cost today - May 2022 11.99 - 17.99 Euros North Star have been around the longest . You are presented with approximately 50 figures in relaxed and oftern working poses. There are 4 sets in all. Pros Detailed anatomy and uniform - Good proportion and sharp moulding Interesting and varied poses including climbing ladders Cons VERY difficult to remove from the sprue. A micro razor saw is needed as most often both feet are moulded to the sprue. If you use a scalpel alone expect multiple amputations Long delivery times that during the Covid period extended up to 12 weeks Limited availability Possibly now only available from North star Direct, with eye-watering delivery charges greater than the cost of the figures Black Cat Models - Current Cost 12.46 Euros Presented on a single sprue with 72 figures And the observant amongst you will have already realised that stricly speaking these are not Royal Navy figures. However with a minimum of fileing the US navy hat will do for an RN hat for a sailor in fatigues, as they so often appear in wartime pictures, especially on the smaller ships. I've pestered Ben Druel to consider releasing RN specific figures, so far without success! Pros Far easier to remove than the North Star even though they are attached by feet Relaxed non-dramtic poses Relatively cheap Good availability Cons Not RN specific Comparatively small-sized Heads are slightly on the small size in proportion HOLDEN figures - current cost approx 1Euro = 4 figures They came as individuals in plastic packs Pros Huge range of RN specific figures with various alternatives including steel helmets, Duffle coats, life preservers etc, etc Check out the whole range at https://www.shapeways.com/shops/panzer-vs-tanks-3 Well proportioned Already detached Other accessories available - eg tyres to be used as fenders Cheap Fast delivery from Spain - usually within 7 days Merchant navy range will be ideal for Drifters, Corvettes, small ships etc Cons Relatively large Definition not as precise as for North Star Here is a pic of relative sizes from left to right - ION, North Star (partially painted), Black Cat, and Holden (merchant Navy figures) A huge size difference is apparent from the ION to the Holden figures, to such an extent that I don't think they could be used together. Summary The Availability of 3D printed figures available commercially is growing and we should celebrate that! There are variations in size and proportion that should be taken into account if mixiing from one brand with another, though - individuals in real life will differ in size and proportion. The "Holden" range from Luis Hidalgo ihas been available on Shapeways for a number of years but now that he is printing himself actual cost and delivery charges have dropped dramatically. I'm sure many of you will welcome the variety of different appaearances this range provides. I hope this overview proves helpful Rob 13 12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Courageous Posted May 16, 2022 Share Posted May 16, 2022 56 minutes ago, robgizlu said: I hope this overview proves helpful Thanks for the review Rob. The quick review and your PM has helped me to choose the figs; going with ION for my 1/350 civilians on my Fushimi build and Holden figs for my Renown builds. Stuart 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adm Lord De Univers Posted May 16, 2022 Share Posted May 16, 2022 Extremely useful, thank you Rob. David 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norseman 3:16 Posted May 17, 2022 Share Posted May 17, 2022 Very good review. I was looking for figures and now feel I can make a more informed choice. Thank you! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robgizlu Posted May 24, 2022 Author Share Posted May 24, 2022 Looks like Starling Modals will be releasing their own RN figure sets in 1/700 and 1/350. Check out their Facebook announcement. Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robgizlu Posted June 4, 2022 Author Share Posted June 4, 2022 I've received the Starling figures. I'll review the RN figures that are also released in other scales as well as 1/350 and 1/700. There is a simultanous release of RN Post WW2 Carrier crew that are sure to be popular Av height - 5.2 - 5.3mm = 5' 9" - 6' There are 1/700 figures on the left that are insanely small. The 1/350 figures arrive in a "tub" with the backs of the figures attached by very fine sprue points. Interestingly 6 figures had printing defects missing either feet or heads. Seeing as a set comprise 30 figures - to have 20% lost to attrition before you start seems a little unfair. They are nicely moulded though appear on the thin "gracile" side. All are standing and there are 10 different poses which are replicated x 3. It's hard to distinguish rating from officers. None have helmets or life preservers. Despite being tallish they are definitely on the thin (small) size, so that mixing them with figures of other makes will need some thought. The (headless) Starling figure is on the Left then Black Cat , North Star, and finally ION on the right Pros Cheap at £6.00 for 30 figures Will be easy to free from printing sprue points (I think) Relaxed standing poses Yet more RN figures to choose from Cons Several damaged or arrived after faulty printing. The 1/700 figures are printed with supports either side that "roof" the figures whilst in transit which seems a worthwhile and sensible step. Not so with the 1/350 figures Not particularly detailed On the small side though comparable with North Star and Black Cat Rather generic with sailors uniform, no helmets, life-preservers etc though it's possible more will come Rob 4 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mick b Posted June 4, 2022 Share Posted June 4, 2022 (edited) Thanks Rob, very informative, how is your wallet recovering after this outlay? 😊 I bought some resin figures from L’Arsenal way back but don’t think they were RN specifically. Mike Edited June 4, 2022 by mick b 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robgizlu Posted June 4, 2022 Author Share Posted June 4, 2022 43 minutes ago, mick b said: Thanks Rob, very informative, how is your wallet recovering after this outlay? 😊 I bought some resin figures from L’Arsenal way back but don’t think they were RN specifically. Mike Services to modelling Once you've bought the North Star figures - everything else seems as cheap as chips! Just hope it's helpful Rob 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kapteenipirk Posted June 4, 2022 Share Posted June 4, 2022 Cheers for this comparative review. I'll certainly be putting those Black cat model USN figures on my list. I have pretty definite plans to start 3D-modelling/printing my own WWII USN ships at some point, and it would be nice to have some crew aboard. I say USN, as otherwise im just gonna end up with too long a list of choices for ships (tough i will likely do at-least one or two Japanese BB's as they are simply gorgeous) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ex-FAAWAFU Posted June 25, 2022 Share Posted June 25, 2022 Thanks for this, Rob (I’ve been rather absent for a few weeks, so had missed it); really useful. Apart from the Holden (& Starling) I have representatives of all the others & agree with your assessments of the pros & cons. My challenge is that most of the figures I want are for Ark Royal, and for a very specific moment in her history at that. Bridge, lookouts, weapons crews etc. can all be assembled from what’s available… but I’m going to have 21 Swordfish burning & turning on deck in what are known to have been conditions so rough that they supplemented the normal flight deck crews in order to get the strike ranged. Figures crouching / lying down with chocks, holding onto aircraft wing tips and so on… not to mention the upper chest & head of c.60 aircrew! Adaptations to modern FD figures are in my future, I think - but it’s a real problem. Chewy has, however, shown us what can be achieved 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomTango Posted July 22, 2022 Share Posted July 22, 2022 Very helpful thankyou. Just for anyone who may be wondering, the Northstar figures are still available. I ordered mine on the 15th of June and they just arrived. They look amazing. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chewbacca Posted July 24, 2022 Share Posted July 24, 2022 (edited) On 25/06/2022 at 08:43, Ex-FAAWAFU said: Thanks for this, Rob (I’ve been rather absent for a few weeks, so had missed it); really useful. Apart from the Holden (& Starling) I have representatives of all the others & agree with your assessments of the pros & cons. My challenge is that most of the figures I want are for Ark Royal, and for a very specific moment in her history at that. Bridge, lookouts, weapons crews etc. can all be assembled from what’s available… but I’m going to have 21 Swordfish burning & turning on deck in what are known to have been conditions so rough that they supplemented the normal flight deck crews in order to get the strike ranged. Figures crouching / lying down with chocks, holding onto aircraft wing tips and so on… not to mention the upper chest & head of c.60 aircrew! Adaptations to modern FD figures are in my future, I think - but it’s a real problem. Chewy has, however, shown us what can be achieved Hi Crisp, These are my latest ones for HECLA for the Flt Cdr and his Acmn, only to be added if in the 2 week extension that the GB has been given if can finish drawing and print a fair representation of a Wasp. If not, the ship remains at flying stations and the flight are waiting for the cab to come back! Sadly neither look anything like the Flt Cdr who was singularly responsible for me transferring my allegiance from Hydrography to aviation. What this macro photo does show is that my painting skills are not as good as my CAD skills! Needs some touch ups I think! If I can help with doing some bespoke figures for ARK let me know. I can't promise anything but I've got a range of poses now in a variety of kit so it shouldn't be too difficult to do something. Edited July 24, 2022 by Chewbacca 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomTango Posted July 24, 2022 Share Posted July 24, 2022 (edited) Maybe a bit of a derail but a painting tip for 5mm figures, more for speed than a quality thing. - Bite the bullet and go into a Games Workshop and buy a big pot of Nuln Oil wash. Put this on first, it has enough medium in it that it will also prime the figure. You can then use a fine brush to just add a small stroke of colour to raised areas, if you do this before the wash undercoat is fully dried they will bleed together and shade the figure. I normally then put a wash of Reikland Fleshshade on top just to tie it all together. I need a phone with a better camera....you cant see it well in that photo but the pre-wash method means you can just pick out the (limited!) facial detail and buttons. Edited July 24, 2022 by TomTango typo's 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robgizlu Posted August 16, 2022 Author Share Posted August 16, 2022 Mindful of my commnets about the relative size of figures as discussd above, I stumbled across this pic whilst trawling the IWM collection - such a marvellous resource A reminder as if we needed it that there is considerable variation in Human size anatomy and shapes Rob 4 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beefy66 Posted August 16, 2022 Share Posted August 16, 2022 Great photo Rob as well as the height variation it also shows the colour difference in the uniforms and duffel coats. Stay Safe beefy 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robgizlu Posted October 20, 2022 Author Share Posted October 20, 2022 So I propose to continue this comparative review as the products get used and new sets get released Good news this week is that Black Cat have released 6 sets of 1/350 figures with another promised 3 to come. They include RN sailors in "European" garb and also Tropical unifrom (2 sets apiece) with a set in Duffle coats and the last (to date) comprising FAA deck personnel and deck crew. To the best of my knowledge the sets of RN sailors in Tropical iniform are the first anywhere. I'll report when I manage to get my hands on some. I'm building the Starling S- Class submarine at the moment...... And it seemed only fitting to use the Starling figures on her. The bad news is that practically freeing them from their sprues has been a minor nightmare. As I mentioned above - many had moulding defects and when I came to really closely examine them 11 of 30 missed heads feet hands or arms. Each is attached by 4 sprue points at the rear of the figure. Now I am not a beginner at freeing figures and the North Star figures posed problems until some of you suggested using a micro-saw. Using a Micro-saw on the Starling figures together with a fresh No 11 blade, I was only able to separate 9 figures without damage. Unlike the sprue attachments with Black Cat or Micromaster with their 3D items that break easily often with gentle pressure from a thin set of tweezers, these attachment points need serious and meticulous work with the Microsaw. I should add that the 1/700 figures are attached by their feet alone, so my comments to date ONLY relate to the 1/350 offerings. I'll leave you to decide whether a 33% "availability" rate is good value. More soon when the new Black Cat RN figures arrive. Rob 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robgizlu Posted December 13, 2022 Author Share Posted December 13, 2022 Well - the Black Cat sets finally arrived with a lengthy 2week+ trip from France due to the UK Postal strikes. I've taken possesion of 4 sets Royal Navy Sailors European uniforms Royal Navy Gunners set Royal Navy Sailors Tropical uniforms Royal Navy sailors heavy weather or winter uniforms This was all my poor wallet can afford - there are an additional 5 sets of RN figures available. Who'd have ever thought!! So as with previous BlackCat figures average height for each figure is approximately 5mm giving a scale height of 5'9" or 1.75m. Bang on in my opinion for WW2 scale figures Current cost is €12.46 (£10.68 at todays exchange rate) and the figure numbers range from 52 to 84 according to set. Here's a crude comparator in size From L to R = Ion, North star x2 - Black Cat RN and US figures (US painted) It's really hard to photograph the figures given the size so here's the best I can provide RN European Relatively static poses though there is a separate "action" set. Relaxed poses (which I personally like) approximately a third with officers caps. The ratiings are in No 2 or 3 dress. 6 figures are in sea boots RN Gunners all with Steel helmets (Hoorah) and working dress RN Tropical uniforms Tropical dress with shorts, approx one third wear officers caps and 6 figures wear long trousers. RN heavy weather or winter All are in duffel coats (The Modeiling Gods have been gracious!!) About 40% have officers hats and no sea boots. The rest have steel helmets or ratings hats with seaboots. 12 figures have hoods pulled up Summary Christmas has truly come early for modellers of Royal Navy vessels that wish to crew them. To my mind these are currently the Best Royal Navy figures available. They are I feel, correctly sized and well sculpted. Whether you prefer static or action poses - you now have a very wide choice including for the first time, the choice of figures in tropical kit and most importantly of all for all you modellers of Home waters and North Atlantic subjects - Duffle coats!!!!!!!! For me this single set stands out and expect to see these figures on futures corvettes, minesweepers and trawler builds of mine in the future. An additional bonus is the comparative cheapness of these figures, 66 in the winter set for instance means that each figure will cost you the princely sum of 16p. Ben Druel has done a fantastic job and really leaves little left to be desired. A "Merchant Navy" set of generic figures would be all that I could conceivably want in the future. I do hope they sell well for him Rob 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ex-FAAWAFU Posted December 14, 2022 Share Posted December 14, 2022 Thanks, Rob; I had already seen the words “duffel coat” and bought some of Ben’s figures (not yet arrived), so I’m delighted that they’re as good as I hoped. Ark here they come (eventually) 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chewbacca Posted December 17, 2022 Share Posted December 17, 2022 Thanks Rob, that's really helpful. Much better than my 3D printed ones. Just need someone to upskill my painting now! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hardcastle Posted December 18, 2022 Share Posted December 18, 2022 So everyone, Do any of these producers do the same in 72nd at a reasonable price? Tim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bissyboat Posted January 30, 2023 Share Posted January 30, 2023 Very nice details. The figures are Ace. ⚓😎 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robgizlu Posted February 27, 2023 Author Share Posted February 27, 2023 I've come to realise that you can only really judge the quality and effectiveness of figures at this scale when they are painted. I am pleased to report that the recent Black Cat Figures from sets: RN sailors Winter suit RNsailors standing at rest (European Uniform) ...painted up beautifully. Here they are populating HMCS Eyebright, together with figures from "WW2 US sailors Set no 3" that provide a generic alternative in terms of uniform. Studying the WW2 photographs of Eyebright, virtually none of the crew seem to be wearing formal uniform, an experience echoed in photos of crew on many of the smaller wartime vessels. To this end I've nagged Ben at Black Cat to prooduce some "Merchant navy" types in generic clothing. Fingers crossed. There are 32 figures in all on Eyebright. . The figures in duffle coats are particularly excellent. Several appear painted with dark blackish paint as the RN WW2 waterprrof was very similar and commonplace. Now they really are my favourite figures. Rob 7 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilh Posted March 9, 2023 Share Posted March 9, 2023 (edited) Aside from the figures that water is excellent. Would you mind sharing how you did that? Edited March 9, 2023 by neilh poor choice of word 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robgizlu Posted March 9, 2023 Author Share Posted March 9, 2023 13 hours ago, neilh said: Aside from the figures that water is excellent. Would you mind sharing how you did that? Hi Neil It's all in the WIP: HTH Though the bugger is that the Cream styrofoam that I use does not seem to be available any longer Rob 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilh Posted March 10, 2023 Share Posted March 10, 2023 Thanks Rob, took a look at your WIP last night. Inspirational stuff and thanks for the pointer ( I should have thought of it!). 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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