Sailors figures on shrouds rat-lines

[Michelnou]

I would like to put some sailor figures (scale 1/50) on rat-lines and also on the desk of my 1820 schooner model.

Where could I find the figures which will allow me to accomplish  that ?

Thanks

Mike

[wefalck]

Most probably you will not find something ready off the shelf. You will have to be looking for some 1:48 military or railroad figurines and do some plastic surgery and re-dressing on them. There are various cheap styrene ones for which conversion techniques are simple. It more difficult with white-metal ones. Looking around ebay for used ones could also be a good and cheap source.

 

There are various books and guides on the Internet on how to work with such figurines and how to paint them. It is actually a whole hobby area.

 

We already had a thread on the subject here with in the same topical area.

 

You may want to look for prints by Garneray, who, being a mariner himself, drew various seamen in the mast, I believe.

 

 

[EricWilliamMarshall]

Is this the thread you were thinking of, @wefalck? 

There is this from the article database as well: https://thenrg.org/resources/Documents/articles/ModelingSmallFigures.pdf
And as mentioned, there are some wargaming figures that cover naval topics, for example (but in the wrong scale): https://newlinedesigns.co.uk/product-category/newline-designs-20mm-ranges/newline-designs-20mm-ranges-napoleonics/newline-designs-20mm-ranges-napoleonics-naval/

There is this as well: 

 

I found this to be a good introduction but it convinced me not to 'not go there': https://ospreypublishing.com/modelling-and-painting-figures-pb

Generally there are not any easy options. This search may start your path: https://www.google.com/search?q=war++Modelling+and+Painting+Figures+book&sxsrf=AOaemvKuiIiy9FUfgVnOXk0r1ZI8RrHQlQ%3A1634745616377&ei=ED1wYcSJFo64ggeT5LGwAQ&ved=0ahUKEwjE0Yv-rdnzAhUOnOAKHRNyDBYQ4dUDCA4&uact=5&oq=war++Modelling+and+Painting+Figures+book&gs_lcp=Cgdnd3Mtd2l6EAM6CAghEBYQHRAeOgUIIRCgAToFCCEQqwI6BAghEApKBAhBGAFQzdUKWKOVC2DMmwtoAXAAeACAAYABiAHhB5IBBDExLjKYAQCgAQKgAQHAAQE&sclient=gws-wiz

Also wargames and role-playing game have spawned a number of videos and sites regarding modding and creating figures or even 3D printing them: https://www.google.com/search?q=make+your+own+tabletop+miniatures&sxsrf=AOaemvLyQmCKpUAk9dmDU_qJ1qFY-OAa7A%3A1634745998370&ei=jj5wYaGAFrG-ggeFwbSQCA&oq=make+your+own+tabletop+miniatures&gs_lcp=Cgdnd3Mtd2l6EAEYADIFCAAQgAQ6BwgAEEcQsAM6BAgjECc6BggAEAcQHjoICAAQCBAHEB46BQgAEIYDOgYIABAIEB46BQgAEM0CSgQIQRgAUJHtAVi5_gFg8Y8CaAFwAngAgAHRAYgBmAaSAQU4LjAuMZgBAKABAcgBCMABAQ&sclient=gws-wiz

Good luck!! 

Edited October 20, 2021 by EricWilliamMarshall

[Michelnou]

I thank you for your advices.

 

Finally I have ordered some Amati crew figures (h = 32mm) and I ask myself how to stabilize and fix them on the desk. Have you an idea on this subject ?

May be is it necessary to use a little rod inserted in desk and figure both ?

 

I take this message to thank all Model Ship World members who have given to me advices and so have helped me to build a Baltimore Schooner.

Being a neophyte, I could not have built this model without their patience and kindness. I am very grateful to them.

 

Mike from France

[wefalck]

A common way of doing that is indeed to drill a hole into one foot (in the heel, to give enough depth)  and insert a short piece of wire. This wire then is inserted into a hole drilled into the deck, or wherever needed. The difficulty is to adjust the position so that it looks natural.