Expert: Frank Edgcombe - 9/7/2001

Question
I know very little about model railroading.  I have been searching for quality people figurines for sandtray work in my play therapy (psychotherapy) practice. Model RR figures seem like they would be ideal, but I don't know what the scale sizes (N, HO, O, S, Z, Guage 1) represent. When they say 1:87, etc., what does that mean? I would like figures that are smaller than standard dollhouse scale, perhaps a standing adult/adolescent of 3-4 inches, children smaller, but in various positions (sitting, standing, running, laying down)and with varying expressions on their faces.  I've used a kit for making realistic-looking trees that I got at a local hobby store but this store doesn't carry figures. (these trees--about 5-7 inches tall-- are great but they do "shed" the green spongy stuff into the sand).  I've seen some pictures of Preiser figures on the Internet.  These seem to be the best quality figures out there--and I need something that will be realistic, varied, interesting, durable, and safe for kids. I would like your opinions on these figures, as well as help understanding how big they are.  Should I get them unpainted?  If so, what would be the best paint to use? Do you think I'm on the right track (pun intended) looking at Preiser, or is there something else you would recommend?  Also, where can I get a Preiser catalog?  I'm also interested in some nicer toy soldiers than the plastic ones they sell in Toys r Us for 1.99 a bag.  I got my son some Brittains soldiers about 10-15 years ago, but can't find them anymore.  Any ideas? I know I've asked a lot--Thank you so much!


Answer
Hi! Susan, thank you for your question.  Model tain scales run down from G-Z, i.e. G,1,0,HO (stands for half 0),N and Z.
G is about 1/24th of full size, 1 is about 1/32th, 0 is 1/48th, H0 is 1/87th, N is 160th, and Z (the smallest) is 1/220th of full size.  If you are looking for a figure that represents a six foot high person dividing 72 inches by one of the above scale ratios will give you the height of the figure in inches. So an 0 gauge figure of a six foot man would be 72/48=1.5 inches.  A G gauge figure would be 72/24=3inches.  A Z gauge figure would be 72/220=.34 inches high.  A dolls house figure (at 1/12) would be 72/12=6 inches high.  Actually each scale is approxiamatlly half of the scale above.  Unfortunately the bigger the scale (G versus 0) the higher the price.  I would think that what you are looking for are G gauge, 1 gauge or 0 gauge figures.  Preiser is an excellent brand made in Germany.  Unpainted figures should be painted with an acrylic water based paint.  Any flat model paint would be good.  To get such colors not only model paints can be used but also craft paints that are acrylic.  A good craft store should have varieties of good pastel colors.  For sources I would look at model magazines such as "Garden Railways", "Fine Scale Modeller", "Model Railroader" for figure ads.  Walthers Inc. sells Preiser figures and has catalogs.  They are on the web at www.walthers.com   Now to the trees.  There are different materials for trees, unfortunetly most of them are good for display, but won't take too much handling.  When modelers make trees from scratch they spray the foliage material with an aerosol adhesive, like cheap hairspray or photo spray adhesive and then spinkle on green, ground foam.  You might wish to try that on your ready made trees, but it might make them sticky to the touch.  I'd do it outside and try it, lightly, on a tree or two.  I hope this helps. Frank.