Module 23
Figures & Accessories
Enhance your layout with suitable miniature people and scenic accents
Model Figures & Accessories
Without any people or accessories to populate your layout it can look somewhat lifeless and lacking any purpose. The knack is to choose the right figures and accents to complement your railway and enhance the realism without looking out of place.
If your skills do not extend to making your own (I will cover this aspect more fully later in this module) you will need to avail yourself of suitable products on the market. Some, though not all, large-scale railway manufacturers offer a limited range of figures, but you can also take advantage of figurines produced for dolls-houses and seasonal model villages, etc.
Theme: If you have chosen to model a particular theme it is wise to stick to this and seek out model people that reinforce this premise whilst giving your layout character. Smart dressed business folk would certainly look out of place in a rural farming community just as much as cows would in a city street (at least not in the UK). Try to ensure that the figures and artefacts used to “dress” your display are in keeping with the location and era you are seeking to represent.
Scale: The other key to achieving some degree of realism is to keep to the scale ratios of your locomotives and rolling stock. We have already learned that Large-Scale Trains covers a breadth of different scales of which 1:20.3, 1:22.5; 1:29 and 1:32 are but a few. Whereas you might get away with mixing 1:29 rolling stock with 1:32 scale the same is not really true where miniature people are concerned, and a much stricter level of consistency is recommended.
If you are able to compare figures from different manufacturers you will find that there is simply no way those advertised as suitable for G-scale railways could possibly inhabit the same space and not look incongruous. Ah, you may say, but if I place the smaller people at the back of the scene this will add perspective and not be that noticeable. After all people come in all sorts of shapes and sizes anyway. It’s a nice theory, but in practice visitors are likely to have a number of vantage points along the line and the subterfuge will be quickly exposed.
Far safer, is to adhere to your primary choice of scale so if you layout is 1:22.5 hold on to that ratio when selecting your miniature people and accessories rather than compromise
This approach will tend to constrain your choice a little but will achieve better results in the end.
Relationship: Relatives scales between model people are equally important when it comes to the relationship between buildings and surrounding scenery.
Figures that are visibly much higher than the doors on nearby structures or are so small they would have great difficulty in climbing aboard a train will always “jar” so respective positioning must also be a major consideration.
In fact this whole topic is a potential minefield but with some thoughtful planning and careful application you can really add life to your layout.
Dioramas:
One approach you might consider adopting is to create a series of visual model dioramas in the sense of representing a scene(s) with three-dimensional miniature figures frozen in time. Hand-painted model figures tend to be quite expensive (around £6 – 13 each on average for good quality specimens) and it would cost a veritable fortune to populate an inner city station with lot of individual people (who can all too often seem ‘static’ and somewhat directionless.)
As an example, a steam engine with a three-man train crew with the fireman filling a water tank while an engineer oils the wheels and the driver looks on from his cab.
Another could be a housewife pegging out the washing on the clothes-line whilst her husband chops wood with an axe and their child plays her toys under their watchful gaze.
The banner headline for this module showing a elderly gent relaxing in his rocking chair outside his shed with pet dog at his feet and accessorised makes the perfect composition.
There is no limit to constructing these little tableaus and they can create the impression of activity to an otherwise static scene. Incidentally, I am aware that I could be accused of being chauvinistic and sexist in using gender stereotypes to illustrate the above but when steam engines road the rails, well before the millennials “woke”, these considerations rarely arose . I would also be amazed if there were any female locomotive drivers in the 1890’s.
Sources of Supply
So much for the theory but how about sourcing the most suitable figures and current availability as the supply market is changing rapidly.
Whilst it is true that several large-scale model train manufacturers also produce a range of figures the name that comes immediately to mind is that of Preiser (Paul M. Preiser GmbH), a traditional family owned business based in Germany (since 1949) and Mauritius, producing realistic miniature model figures and accessories in no less than 13 scales including Z (1:220), N (1:160), TT (1:120), HO (1:87), 1:22.5 (G scale), 1:25, 1:32 (Gauge 1)) and 1:35. They also distribute the ex-Merten elastolin Mistolin figures (1:25) having acquired the company and moulds.
Preiser figures have a number of applications and are considered to be the finest, most perfect, injection moulded and hand-painted miniatures in the world. As you might expect the prices do reflect this attention to detail and if you are not careful you could find yourself spending more on populating your railway or railroad than on all the other equipment put together! Their extensive range means that, whatever people or accessory you need for your railway the chances are that you will find them in their catalogue from vintage to contemporary and even a washing line!
For large-scale model railway applications the main choices that are relevant are 1:22.5, 1:24, 1:25, and 1.32 scale depending on your chosen modelling scale.
It would probably require several additional modules to cover the full range so I will just select a few of the products that particularly appealed to me. However, your railway may be set in quite a different region with its own theme and you will need to search for appropriate models to serve your particular purpose.
The rate at which new models are introduced each year is staggering and you may find that certain figures are ‘out-of-stock’, resting or possibly discontinued. You may have to widen your search for a particular example further than you might expect but this is true of many large-scale model railway items and one becomes quite adept at tracking things down.
The only concern I personally have, is that these figures are so superb that even though I have a few in my collection I am loath to leave them out permanently on my outdoor railway in case they suffer damage from the elements or some night-time mammal activity.
These examples are all in 1:22.5 scale but you can usually find the corresponding design in the other ratios. Here is the link to the company’s website where you can download detailed information on the company and the product ranges available.
Preiser
Whereas the impressive range of Preiser products caters well for the European modelling scene it is not entirely satisfactory for populating model railroads in other countries apart from a limited selection of early North American track layers and railway personnel. For figures more appropriate to the North American landscape one must look to that continent for a solution.
Unfortunately, many historical suppliers (notably Aristo-craft but also several family concerns) are no longer actively in business for a variety of reasons some concerned with age or health and some no doubt to do with the distribution and uptake of their moulded resin products.
In the following paragraphs I will try and highlight some of these niche suppliers who have made an impact and you may well be able to find examples of their production on the second-hand market if it is no longer available as new.
The first supplier I would like to draw attention to is Fine Folk Figures – a limited line of nicely moulded 1:20.3 scale (c.3” - 3.5” high) cast resin railroad figures in standing and sitting poses incorporating some fine detail. Ideal for adding character to North American themed layouts, especially those representing eras in the late 1880’s to the early 1930’s. Usually supplied ready to paint with minimal preparation but are occasionally available in limited quantities as custom painted figures.
Sourcing can prove a little difficult as I am not aware of any UK stockists. When originally introduced in around 2003 they were marketed by Mike’s Backshop in Lakeside , California (www.mikesbackshop.com) but more recently are available from Ozark Miniatures (ozarksales@awinets.com).
Supply Line Models
Keeping to the American theme we move on to another well-established range of 22 finely detailed half-inch scale (1:24 ) figures produced by SLM (Supply Line Models) featuring a mix of characters including train crews, workers, hobos, and fare-paying passengers. These come cleanly moulded in resin, look very lifelike and at one time or another have been supplied as unpainted, primed, or fully painted.
Although scaled to 1:24 ( or around 3” high for a tall 6’ male) they would be equally at home on a 1:22.5 layout based on USA narrow gauge practice and possibly even 1:20.3 Finescale at a pinch.
As at 4th January 2020 SLM's website still posts a message to say that they are closed until March 18, 2019 (probably due to the Covid-19 pandemic) but they may still be available from Fun & Games in Jefferson City who seem to specialise in scale model figures (although their website has not been updated since September 2013 so there is no guarantee that they are still trading.)
Fun & Games also supply their own original range of large-scale figures sculpted by Jim Barron (GJB) and Joe Crea (GJC) -- specifically for the Bachmann Shay, Climax and American, but they are also claimed to fit other Bachmann, Accucraft, Berlyn, Missouri Locomotive Company, and most other 1:20.3 locomotives); and Darrell Combs (GDC) – last updated in May 2012.
Both these websites can be reached using the button hyperlinks below:
Here are just a few examples of the SLM (Supply Line Models) original range of 1/2" scale figures potentially suited to 1:22.5 and 1:20.3 scale.:
These are a selection of figures crafted for Fun & Games Large Scale range figures potentially suited to 1:22.5 and 1:20.3 scale.:
Fun & Games
Fun & Games also supply their own original range of large-scale figures sculpted by Jim Barron (GJB) and Joe Crea (GJC) -- specifically for the Bachmann Shay, Climax and American, but they are also claimed to fit other Bachmann, Accucraft, Berlyn, Missouri Locomotive Company, and most other 1:20.3 locomotives); and Darrell Combs (GDC) – last updated in May 2012.
Both these websites can be reached using the button hyperlinks below:
Yet another source of USA railroad figures used to be Just Plain Folk, but the website domain is up for sale so unfortunately John Schneider, the owner and founder, may no longer be in business. However, some of his line of hand-painted resin figures (approx.. 1:22.5 scale) appear to be still available from Reindeer Pass Railroad.
It’s best if I leave John to explain how he came to sculp such an extensive range of miniature people (extracted from an old catalogue still online).
“It all started with these guys. Just Plain Folk is my brand name and I have been using that name since the middle 80’s. Most of my figures had been made by Mr. Wimmer from Germany and also by me chopping heads and arms to rearrange body parts. Along came a new carver to me and asked for a job. I thought I would give him a try and asked him to make me 4 STILL WORKERS. My idea was to make a still and sell the complete unit with the 4 brothers working away.
The above photo shows what the carver was able to come up with after I explained the different positions that I wanted. Having the figures not completed but looking down at the heads was a photo I will always have in my head. I wanted to share that first photo with you.
Well, I never made that STILL and these four guys became my LOADING DOCK WORKERS instead. The quality and the workmanship of this new carver were appreciated by me and I decided to elevate the name to my SIGNATURE SERIES. All of the figures under that heading are carved only by this carver and the line is now well over 100 pieces and growing. Please take a look inside and enjoy my figures. As the line expands, so too will the thickness of this catalogue”
JOHN SCHNEIDER
You can view the Signature Series Catalogue via this hyperlink button:
Just Plain Folk
The Signature Series figures incorporate excellent detail and are neatly painted in restrained colours and reflect the styles of the 1930's and 1940's although they could be deployed in a number of eras and situations.
Here are just a few examples:
Railroad Folk
Next in line as far as 1:20.3 scale figures suitable for a US fine-scale FN3 narrow gauge layout are concerned is Railroad Avenue although their website redirects G Gauge customers to their two distributors, viz. BridgeMasters and Railroad Express (although I could only find one example on the latter site. It is probably easier to go direct to Meyer Imports although the prices are
considerably higher.
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This is a nice collection of detailed, ready-painted, large-scale railroad workers and townsfolk which would have many applications.
I understand that the masters were carved by Scott Bowers.
It would seem that they are produced in relatively short runs from time to time so you can never be quite sure if the model you require is likely to be in stock.
Woodland Scenics
I shall now move on to some of the bigger players in large-scale trains to give a abroad-based view of products available. Woodland Scenics based in the USA, are one well known supplier of all manner of scenic products and accessories but possibly more in connection with smaller indoor scales than garden railways. However, they do produce a range of quality detailed G Scale figures (essentially between 1:22.5 and 1:24 scale) which may just be what you are looking for to add character to your layout. It is often commented that this particular line of figures have a cartoon appearance and tend to have over-sized "pumpkin" shaped heads so if you are set on achieving a degree of realism on your layout you need to select carefully.
All are cast in resins and hand-painted but some enthusiasts will find the colour schemes a little garish at times. These figures often come in ready-made dioramas with 3 or more characters in each set and the cost is usually a little less than selecting single people.
The large-scale line-up are proportioned to around Fn3 Scale (5'9" male in 1:20.3; 6'6" in 1:22.5 scale and a lofty 6'10" in 1:24 (therefore, not suitable for 1:29 or 1:32 scale layouts). Currently there are around
40-50 types available but as usual don't expect every dealer to have all the items all the time. Even without production gaps it would cost dealers a fortune to hold such large inventory for what is, after all, a minority interest.
I will confine the illustrations to a few which I think would have the most appeal to a railway modeller seeking to add character to his/her layout.
Carlo Spirito
Reverting to the smaller dedicated producers of figures suitable for large-scale operations I must mention one of the least known (certainly I had no knowledge of this sculptor until I carried out dedicated research on the subject. He is Carlo Spirito, long retired in 2010, who carved the masters for limited editions of 7/8ths scale unpainted figures cast in polythene resin. Later on he also diversified into ½” and 1” models.
Each figure kit (comprising various alternative heads and limbs) was accompanied by a set of detailed instructions on how to remove flash, generally clean-up etc. before assembly and painting. I use the past tense as these model figures were produced in the late 1990’s and are only now likely to be found on the secondary market so the instructions are likely to have been lost.
A standing figure measured 5” high which would be close to 5’9” in 7/8th scale. The models would be unsuitable for other scales but as noted above Carlo also expanded his range to include half-inch and 1 inch figures.
Please note that the website for Trackside Details now belongs to David Sciacca and no longer refers to figures. In fact I have been unable to locate exactly which party or parties may have purchased his moulds and whether or not, they continued to produce figures after 2009.
He does, however, still have a personal website from which this reference information has been culled. Carlo is certainly a very talented and innovative modeller.
This is Carlo’s explanation of his involvement in casting model figures:
“Starting in 1995, I began to sculpt scale figures to accompany my Model Trains. As I got more adept at it,
I got requests for copies, so I began moulding them in silicon rubber, and casting them in white polyurethane
resin. I focused on 7/8ths inch scale, but also offered figures in 1/2 inch, 1:20 scale, and, most recently, in
1" scale. I sold hundreds of figures to modelers all over the world, and master sculpts to several companies
for resale.
I sold my masters and moulds in 2010 and retired from the business.
Scale Dimensions:
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1/2" scale figures are about 3" high c. 5’ tall (1:20.3); 5’8” tall (1:22.5”); 6’ tall (1:24)
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1:20 figures are about 3.5” high c. 5’10 tall (1:20.3); 6’7” tall (1:22.5”); 7 ’ (1:24)
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7/8ths figures are about 5.7" high c. 5’ (1:20.3); 5’8” (1:22.5”); 6’ (1:24) and
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1" figures are 6" high c. 10'2" (1:20.3); 11'3" (1:22.5”); 12’ (1:24)
Here are some train related examples:
Hobbies Plus
For USA based modellers I also came across another eBay seller in Minnesota who supplies unpainted G Scale or 1:24 / 1:25 resin moulded figures for around US$7 each under the name Hobbies Plus (ronald6386). You need to contact the seller direct if you reside elsewhere.
Here are just a few examples:
Busy Bodies & Short Staff
If you are looking specifically for 7/8th inch figures, with a certain idiosyncratic flavour in particular, then you are likely to be interested in another tie-in between the Warwickshire based Model Earth Design company (Si Harris) and the Australian Argyle Locomotive Works figure manufacturers with appropriately named “Short Staff” to supply the latter’s model figures to the UK market. The originals were sculptured by Chris Johnson and the range is designed to complement Rob Bennett’s ’Busy Bodies’ figures in the same scale.
All figures are supplied unpainted and will require appropriate ‘deflashing’ and minor assembly as some of the heads are interchangeable on products supplied in Australia. Si has expertly painted several examples to show what they look like in their finished state.
Modelearth is also the home for “Busy Bodies” created by Rob Bennett and Simon Harris. This expanding growing of figures in 7/8th scale also now feature, wherever possible, spherical ball joints on ankles, wrists, shoulders and necks, to provide for ultimate flexibility when assembling and posing your figures in a similar fashion to those Short Staff figures available from Argyle.
All are supplied unpainted or you can apply to Pendle Valley Workshop located in Carnforth if you would prefer painted versions to save you the trouble. You can also download the relevant catalogues from the Summerlands Chuffers website. Please note that some of these website are not yet secure.
Who new aquiring model railway figures for your railway could be such fun.
Remind me. What exactly is 7/8 inch scale?
7/8th inch (SE*) scale is a designation used by a growing number of modellers to describe narrow gauge model trains which run on either Gauge 1 (45 mm or 1.772 in) or O gauge (32 mm or 1.26 in) track. In SE scale, 7/8ths of an inch equals one foot, which is a ratio of 1:13.7.
On 45 mm (1.772 in) gauge track this represents real life narrow gauge railways that are 2 ft (610 mm) gauge (known as SE45), while on 32 mm (1.26 in) gauge track this represents 18 in (457 mm) railways (known as SE32).
Modelling in a scale where 7/8" = 1'- 0" is relatively new (within the last 20 years)[year needed] and, as a result, the majority of the modellers build from scratch.
* There appears to have been a healthy debate among enthusiasts on both sides of the "pomd" about the correct term for railways in this scale. Suggestions including '7/8n2' and '8thes' but SE32 or SE45 would seem the most logical.
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 Loggers Bound for New Zealand |
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Richard Kapuaala is yet another highly gifted sculptor responsible for producing scale models of real people including members of his family and railroad workers associated with American Railroads under the name “Scale Humans”. Some years ago he started not only sculpturing the actual masters but created the moulds, casted the final figures and even hand-painted them if required.
More recently Richard looks to be embracing the relatively new innovative technology of 3D printing using advanced manufacturing technology and innovative plastics to create even more figures suitable for use on model railways. He currently list over 200 figures as small as Z Scale right the way up to 7/8ths and 1:20.32 scale.
Many 3D printed figures come in a choice of matte translucent plastic that showcases fine or incredibly fine and intricate details. Not all sizes are necessarily available but I expect Richard might be willing to do special commissions on request.
These are premium figures and you can expect to pay anything around $24 upwards for 1:20.3 scale replicas and considerably more for intricating detailing.
Scale Humans
Omen Miniatures
Another name on the UK model railway scene I did not immediately recognise is Omen Miniatures who are best known for their 0 Gauge 1:43 castings. They also stock several 1:32 scale figures for those of you who model mainline in this ratio. Please contact Nigel Smith or more information:
POLA (Faller)
Another major presence in the model railway scenic arena is POLA, now owned by Faller and based in the town of Gütenbach in the beautiful Black Forest region of Germany. The company were founded in 1946 and have a long tradition and involvement in the production of scenic items for the model railway marketplace.
Pola are of most interest as the vast majority of their construction kits and miniature figures are devoted to G Gauge 1:22.5 scale so perfect for layouts with a strong LGB bias.
In this module we need to focus on their figure production and whilst product base does not have the depth of Preiser they still deserve their place in the market and continue to introduce new variations. The quality of moulding is particularly good and most of the figures have a European ' feel' as one might expect.
Here are just a few of the models produced over the years or scheduled for release in the coming year.
So much for specialist model figure suppliers but what about the “big boys” of railroading like Bachmann, Aristo-craft, LGB, Marklin, Piko, MTH, USA Trains, etc. ?
Well it's a mixed bag.
All participate in this market sector to a limited degree but not necessarily with much enthusiasm. It as if they feel that they ought to be doing something but would rather leave it to the scenic suppliers who are more versed in the possibilities and indeed, intricacies of miniature model production. Surely they could sub-contract figurine production to a specialist producer and simply badge under their own name?
At the time of its demise Aristo-craft did feature a line-up of figures, introduced as long ago as 1997 – presumably because they chose to model main line trains at a compromise scale of 1:29 and there were few miniatures around in that ratio at the time.
Despite its demise Aristo-craft Trains were one of the more active in this category with its ready-painted, plastic resin Li’l People for Scenics” series (ART 6000 Series) comprising around 100 versions reflecting the nostalgic early to mid-1900’s era. The range was quite diverse with disparate characters such as bride and groom, clowns, ice skaters, farmers, lumberjacks, shepherds, and hobos alongside regular railroad personnel such as stationmaster, conductor, brakeman, fireman, and rail passengers in both seated and standing poses.
Examples can still be found in new condition but more frequently on the second user markets, sometimes commanding a sizeable premium over their original “pocket-money” selling prices.
Although these figures were marketed as 1:29 scale they appear to be closer to 1:24 scale (or dolls house style), no doubt to people the trains manufactured to the same scale in their early Delton Classic Range but seem a little oversized for the 1:29 scale mainline trains with which the company were better associated later on.
Here are just a few of the many sets released during their company lifetime:
Bachmann Industries have been far less enterprising in so far as figures for large-scale are concerned. In fact, until fairly recently, the company had only managed to feature a total of 11 if you discount the “Thomas the Tank” and modern Scenecraft characters. Strangely enough their over-size people appear to be nearer 1:20.3 scale (rather than a nominal 1:22.5 scale for the rest of their non-Spectrum trains). All are male railroad figures and have flexible arms and heads so that they can be suitably posed.
It is as if the firm, despite being acknowledged to be the largest model railway train supplier in the world, had just abdicated any role in enabling its customers to populate their large-scale layouts with town and country folk for some reason.
However, they have redeemed themselves by coming out with a much better range under the branding of “Scenecraft” being marketed exclusively through Bachmann Europe. These figures are far more accurately sculpted and produced to a high standard. They appear to be orientated towards UK scenes and attire.
These figures are not mentioned at all in Bachmann Trains USA Catalogues and there is no apparent way of downloading any details but there again, they would look seriously out of place for the periods (eras) typified by Bachmann’s American Narrow Gauge locomotives and rolling stock unless you modelled a heritage Railroad when modern apparel would be fine. Indeed, there is no reference to these characters in any of Bachmann Trains Catalogues or any apparent means of downloading a copy.
Let us examine the Scenecraft range in more detail. At the moment there are around 30 - 40 items in this size, mainly supplied in pairs of figures, which represents good value for money for reproductions of this nature. The precise scale is difficult to discern but they are marketed as being in 1:22.5 scale but there are noticeable variations in height between engine crew and station personnel. However, most are distinctly modern and European in appearance which would be fine if you model current era railways but not so useful if you prefer steam prototypes (other than preserved lines that is).
Here are just a few examples:
The Scenecraft range also includes similar designs in the smaller 16mm scale although there do not appear to be that many to choose from at the moment and they are more expensive than their large-scale counterparts. Unfortunately, there are no buildings in the G Scale collection at the moment.
What about the famed LGB who imbued new life in the waning G Gauge hobby in the early 1960’s?
Over the years LGB have rung the changes on their range of figures and their current catalogue lists only around 20 different packs of figures.
These have become a little more modern in style and tend to be painted in very bright, rather garish colours. You may need to tone down the painting if you seek a greater degree of realism. The figures are reasonably well crafted but perhaps not up to the standards one might expect from a company of LGB’s stature. They are no way near the quality of Preiser for example.
I sense that LGB may have tended to rest on their laurels when it comes to populating their attractive train sets. The selection looks rather tired and in need of a little rejuvenation. The wild west folk in particular appear very 'caricaturist'. That is purely a personal observation, and you are free to make up your own mind.
Unfortunately, my collection of LGB Catalogues only goes back so far and the official Marklin/LGB Archives only go back to around 2007 so information is somewhat scarce. Even the Champex-Linden and GartenBahnDataBase resources reveal very little information on the subject.
In fact, figures do not appear to have featured prominently in LGB’s promotions either, although I believe that around 100 figures may have been issued at one time or another.
Plenty of images still exist when second-user items come up for auction and it is probably best to just present some of these and leave you to your own research.
These are the most typical figures in their 1:22.5 range:
That’s Aristo-craft, Bachmann and LGB ticked off the list. So far there has been a tendency to produce G scale figures to 1:22.5 or 1:20.3 scale which leaves followers of Gauge 1 “true to scale” mainline trains …. (1:29 and 1:32) obliged to feature model people that would have great difficulty in fitting through the doors of the majority of passenger cars. This was recognised by MTH (regrettably about to close down at time of writing in early Spring 2021) and they did market a limited range of carded Gauge 1 figures closer to 1:32 scale but there seem to be very few examples still around and they don't seem to have been as numerous as their 0 Gauge figures. I would snap up any remaining examples while you can.
I have only just realised that I have missed out the firm of Prehm in my round-up of specialist figure suppliers. Prehm-Miniaturen is a long established German maker of structures and accessories suitable for G scale model railroading, located in Duisburg. Their range includes high quality, hand-painted, and authentically detailed model figures in both non-toxic zinc magnesium alloy and plastic in 1: 22 to 1:24 scale. The finished models are very realistic and exhibit a high degree of sculpting and finishing ability but at around €20 each the budget can be quickly go exhausted.
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Their official website is not yet ’https’ secure but you may wish to visit it for full information:
prehm-miniaturen (prehm-miniaturen.com) (not https secure)
USA Trains also decided to include seated 1920 passengers in their mainline standard gauge “Ultimate” Series of Heavyweight Passenger Cars in 1:29 scale and these are also available in at least two sets of 7 figures (R320 and R321) for separate purchase should you wish to add more.
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Piko are another major supplier in the G Scale orbit these days and might well be expected to try and at least match LGB in the miniature figure market given their strong showing in G Scale model building kits.
Somewhat surprisingly, especially given their vigour in making inroads into the huge USA market, they disappoint to the extent that they only feature one such example. A modern attired, seated, and bearded driver. Apparently his name is Rene.
It is difficult to envisage this model figure looking at all realistic when placed in the cab of any one of the many USA steam locomotives in the firm's expanding portfolio. Perhaps next year.
