Why do N scale figures suck so, so bad?

[peteski]

Those are Nn3. @Dave V is modeling standard gauge.

Can you explain the difference between Nn3 and standard gauge N figures? 

[eric220]

Can you explain the difference between Nn3 and standard gauge N figures? 

 

[Maletrain]

Can you explain the difference between Nn3 and standard gauge N figures? 

N scale hyperthyroid?   

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Ah, so you want guys posing for photographs. 

No, I just want normal looking railroad crew members. Not guys in bib overalls and Kromer caps. Is that REALLY that much to ask?

[peteski]

No, I just want normal looking railroad crew members. Not guys in bib overalls and Kromer caps. Is that REALLY that much to ask?

So you want people in static positions, wearing ordinary clothes?  There are plenty of Preiser figures that should fit that bill.  But the fabric pattern of the flannel shits is hard to do in N scale. 

EDIT: am intentionally leaving the mis-typed word for shirts because it is just plain amusing.  I like your response R L Smith!

[R L Smith]

But the fabric pattern of the flannel shits is hard to do in N scale. 

I sure hope you meant "shirts"...

I can't imagine how small the flannel print would be on...well, the word you accidentally used... 

[robert3985]

So you want people in static positions, wearing ordinary clothes?  There are plenty of Preiser figures that should fit that bill.  But the fabric pattern of the flannel shits is hard to do in N scale. 

EDIT: am intentionally leaving the mis-typed word for shirts because it is just plain amusing.  I like your response R L Smith!

Just for shirts and giggles I thought I'd post a pic of Mr. Flyfisherman who constantly fished just below the 1000 Mile Tree Monument on my old Ntrak Wilhemina Pass module.  Originally a Preiser unpainted fisherman, I gave him a new pole made from brass wire and painted it to look as if it were a three-piece bamboo pole, along with appropriately colored creel, green waders, denim jeans with a red bandanna with white spots, and extra flies in his hatband for easy retrieval. 

Photo (1) - Mr. Flyfisherman in Weber River below the 1000 Mile Tree Monument sometime in the late 50's:


Photo (2) - Ultra close-up of Mr. Flyfisherman before I added an appropriate fly reel to his pole:


Soooo...although I think that it might be tedious...getting a flannel shirt pattern on a figure in N-scale might not be as ridiculous as it would seem at first.

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

[Missaberoad]

Back in my old club there was a member who painted a figure with a striped tie... Flannel seems possible lol

[coosvalley]

No, I just want normal looking railroad crew members. Not guys in bib overalls and Kromer caps. Is that REALLY that much to ask?

Don't forget the ever present red bandanna !..

I like the old LaBelle crew members, they're not bad...

[Missaberoad]

File the hat into a ballcap and paint the coveralls to look like denim or a Carhartt color (black or brown) and you have a fairly typical modern railroader minus the PPE...

I always thought this set was one of the better ones avalible for railroaders

http://davidksmith.com/n-scale-figures/images/preiser/79036.jpg

...and of course you need Managers 

http://davidksmith.com/n-scale-figures/images/preiser/79700.jpg

[sirenwerks]

...and of course you need Managers 

http://davidksmith.com/n-scale-figures/images/preiser/79700.jpg

Actually, that's just the politicians set rebranded.

[Philip H]

modern PPE:

http://davidksmith.com/n-scale-figures/images/farish/379-309.jpg

[DKS]

The biggest problem is that they're only appropriate for the first half of the 20th century...

Preiser has begun moving into the latter half of the 20th Century. Note that Preiser calls the first set in this group "American street scenery." Interesting to see how some Europeans perceive Americans.

http://davidksmith.com/n-scale-figures/images/preiser/79164.jpg

This one is called "Street scenes." Yes, I do believe that is a gun being held by the second figure.

http://davidksmith.com/n-scale-figures/images/preiser/79175.jpg

And then we have "On the stairs."

http://davidksmith.com/n-scale-figures/images/preiser/79174.jpg

Kato also offers some contemporary figures, although most of them are strongly Japanese. Their "Yard Crew" may be useful, particularly in light of Ed's comment...

Where are the engine crews in t shirts and jeans?

http://davidksmith.com/n-scale-figures/images/kato/24-270.jpg

RailNScale looks like a promising source. Here are some trick bike riders, one of them wearing a backwards baseball cap--can't get much more contemporary than that.

http://davidksmith.com/n-scale-figures/images/other/rns-N2279F.jpg

[Philip H]

@David K. Smith - those  "modern" Preiser sets are interesting in that they all feature people of color.  Not something I've seen much before, and sorely needed for accuracy down south.  Thanks for bringing them up.

It looks to me like the Kato engine crew guys are all in the Witness Protection Program . . .

[R L Smith]

EDIT: am intentionally leaving the mis-typed word for shirts because it is just plain amusing.

Well, if there is anyone with the skill set to paint flannel detail on N Scale sized, ummm, <insert euphamism here>... it would be @peteski !!