figures or no figures

Most of the time, yes. The human element of having a human figure in it connects the model to the observer, in my opinion, and gives you a proper sense of scale.

I only wish someone would make some good 1/24 figures for car models!

It depends, sometimes I do, sometimes not. It depends on the quality of the figure.

For me it depends.  I am currently building a 1/35 Italian tank that wears the captured markings of the Australian 6th Arm. Div.  To give it more "authenticity" and push through the Aussie theme I am adding figures.  I the past it was hit or miss if I did.  One depends on how the kit figure looks, if I want to dish out for an aftermarket figure or what I want to accomplish with the model.  But I m enjoying figure painting more and more, so I may start adding more to my builds.

Brian

Speaking of figures, is there anywhere to go to get seated fighter pilots? Specifically 1/43 scale. I've been searching and haven't found squat.

Sometimes...

I certainly like to with armor. Most vehicles do not look right without a driver and TC. On aircraft, if it comes with a  good quality figure, I may add it, unless the cockpit is really begging to be shown off. In that case, into spares bin to await a new mount...

If my memory serves me correctly, I have three kits with figures. One is an Italeri WC-51, which, being 1:72, I'll never finish; just too dang small. The second is a Tamiya Kampfpanzer Leopard, which has a bust of a commander sticking through one of its hatches. Since it has no detail inside the turret (which I'd think would be pretty noticeable if the hatch is open), I'll be leaving him out. The third is a Tamiya Zakspeed Capri, which has a figure of its driver, Hans Heyer. Finishing the car is a higher priority than painting and decaling Herr Heyer, but he'll probably sit in the car sometime after it's done.

If a figure is supplied with the kit, I obviously consider using it on a case-by-case basis. I can't see myself buying stand-alone figures, though, unless I intend to build a diorama--which won't be for a while yet.

Used to when I was a kid. I've been thinking of trying to add a few to some newer builds with some gained knowledge over the years.

Understandable not to include the injected molded plastic aircraft figures. Unless newer re-tooled releases they are just plain poor moldings and sculpts. The very least get a set of resin heads to swap out as a alternative to spending more on resin figure replacements.

Faces can be done with pin washes and highlights, the main thing is to get the colors right for a convincing figure. Avoid using black and always mix 'flesh' color with brown and / or red. Eyes are not seen in smaller scales and very difficult to produce using paint. Basically its best to assume the figure is squinting than add 'frog eyes' and ruin a otherwise great figure. Pencil crayons can be used for details like eye brows and cheek highlights over a flat clear coat. Add a final shin with skin grease brushed off your forehead.

Wabashwheels

Like most of the folks here, it depends on how the kit is going.  If it looks like the figure will add to the impact of the cockpit, he goes in.  If the cockpit looks great without him, he stays out.  One kit  I'm anxious to build is the Tamiya F4U-1D Corsair  with the motor tug.  It has a great pilot figure with his arm over the edge of the cockpit wall, looking over his shoulder.  How could you not use that guy somewhere?  A figure like that adds a lot to the visual interest of an aircraft.  I have modified a few figures to liven them up, but I would still like to see the manufacturers take the initiative and create some of these types of figures that could be plugged into production kits.  It would just add another dimension to the hobby.    Rick

That's a good point, Rick, that is a great pilot figure.  The figures in Tamiya's P-51D kits are great figures, too.  And I was pleasantly surprised when I finally managed to get the F2A and see the kit figure, another pilot in an interesting pose, not just sitting staring straight ahead.

As to the cost of figures, I keep my eyes open for bargains.  I've picked up Verlinden's WWII USN pilot set, and their WWII USAAF aircrew sets, from eBay, for very reasonable prices.  But I'm not above shelling out for a great set like the Tamiya set of USN pilots, deck crew and moto-tug (the same tug and driver that are in the F4U kit).  That set has a bonus figure, too, a pilot on the moto-tug sprues, not mentioned on the box or in the instruction sheet.

If you belong to a modeling club, don't be too proud to ask the guys in your club for their figures, if they're not going to use them.  Or offer a swap.  You'll probably find guys willing to trade.

Regards,

Brad

Aircraft no, armor sometimes.

Like most of the folks here, it depends on how the kit is going.  If it looks like the figure will add to the impact of the cockpit, he goes in.  If the cockpit looks great without him, he stays out.  One kit  I'm anxious to build is the Tamiya F4U-1D Corsair  with the motor tug.  It has a great pilot figure with his arm over the edge of the cockpit wall, looking over his shoulder.  How could you not use that guy somewhere?  A figure like that adds a lot to the visual interest of an aircraft.  I have modified a few figures to liven them up, but I would still like to see the manufacturers take the initiative and create some of these types of figures that could be plugged into production kits.  It would just add another dimension to the hobby.    Rick

I don't use them in the plane, but like to place them standing by it......I like dioramas

sometimes yes..... sometimes no........just depends on how I feel about a certain build.Cost is a factor also,I don't always want to spend big bucks on figures.

I'm in the same school as 'the Baron'.  I prefer a figure to be next to the vehicle rather than in it whenever possible.

It depends on the particular kit, but generally, I do.  I like to have a human figure of some kind, to help give a better sense of the scale of the aircraft, and if the model is finished as an action model, like an in-flight model, or an aircraft taxiing on a runway or carrier deck, it looks better with a pilot in the cockpit.

Of course, I can just as easily place a figure next to the model, rather than in it, bearing the same points in mind.

Having said that, I did leave the excellent pilot figure out of my Eduard 1/48 P-39Q, so people could see a little more of the cockpit details.  But I'll use him in some other aircraft, eventually.

I know some modelers feel that they are "ordnance" modelers, who can achieve fantastic results with a model of a machine, but that they can't finish a figure.  To those of you who feel that way, I encourage you to try.  You probably have the skills and tools that need to do the job, but you won't know until you try.  Especially in smaller scales, like 1/48 or 1/72.  You can achieve very good looks washes.

Regards,

Brad

Usually I do not.

Regards,  Rick