How To - improve ready made figures for your model railway - exhibition quality figures on a budget

Many of us use off the shelf, factory painted figures.
They're great.
They're cheap, easy to get hold of and there are figures in all shapes and sizes to fit on any layout or diorama.
What if you want to have better looking figures though?
Well, here's how you can have great looking figures by adapting the ones you buy from your local model shop.
Ill show you what methods and materials I use to make my figures look 'a million dollars' while only spending pence on each one.

[@blairgowrieforestrailwayan2786]

Thanks for that I now need to up my game and paint my Loco crews.

[@JAMESDEMU-RailwayModeller]

Its certainly worth doing. Would like to see yours when they're done. Drop a link to any videos you make in the comments below please as I'd love to take a look at what you do with yours.

[@FredWilbury]

That’s what I try to do with my figures..... nicely done James ..... that’s one of my pet hates great layouts in the mag with close ups of crappie been out in the sun too long figures ..... regards Fred

[@JAMESDEMU-RailwayModeller]

Thanks Fred. Totally agree, you see some great layouts ruined by one or two cheap items placed on them that just ruin the scene. My models arent perfect but I try to create a plausible scene where everything looks like it should be there.

[@phil36310]

Great tutorial ! So much more 'realistic'. Thanks for sharing.

[@JAMESDEMU-RailwayModeller]

Thank you. Pleaed you liked it.

[@alexhill9169]

Simple but very effective James.

[@JAMESDEMU-RailwayModeller]

Thanks Alex

[@jasonpierce-newmodelbarmy3394]

A massive improvement over the stock figures mate. Excellent work and very informative as usual. I can never understand why manufacturers charge so much for their badly painted figures. It would be nice if there were more good unpainted figures available at a sensible price. Being mostly N gauge I find that the decent looking figures are incredibly expensive painted or not.

[@JAMESDEMU-RailwayModeller]

Thanks Jason. Its often struck me as odd that you can now get 3d printed figures (unpainted) for about £4 each which is the same price as hand finished individual figures from various German suppliers. Maybe one day we'll be treated to some prperly painted 2mm figures but i'd not hold my breath.

[@tobymorris8781]

Very good sir. I loved your idea on how to hold them while painting.

[@JAMESDEMU-RailwayModeller]

Thanks Toby

[@martinrowland2863]

Great tutorial, i use blue tack on a wine cork to paint figures and other small items,works a treat.

[@JAMESDEMU-RailwayModeller]

Thanks. Good idea using the wine Cork. I'll give that a try in the future.

[@martinrowland2863]

@@JAMESDEMU-RailwayModeller ❤️

[@peaks4719]

Very good work sir

[@JAMESDEMU-RailwayModeller]

Cheers mate 👍

[@WarwickRoadAndy]

Another very informative vlog, well done James

[@JAMESDEMU-RailwayModeller]

Thank you Andy.

[@georgemartinezjr]

Awesome job what Brand of paint and Brushes you use

[@JAMESDEMU-RailwayModeller]

Thanks George, I use Humbrol acrylic & enamel paints alongside some Vallejo acrylics. I've a mix of brushes I've acquired over several years. nothing expensive but a good variety of sizes.

[@georgemartinezjr]

,ah good o I d Humhrol

[@georgemartinezjr]

Have you ever used Milliput Or Magic Sculpt to do any Modification to this Figures

[@JAMESDEMU-RailwayModeller]

Yes George, if there's a bit missing (like an arm) or I want to change their clothes/hats etc. then I have used milliput for that.

[@georgemartinezjr]

When you make a New with Milliput Do use armature wore Or something like small Dia. Soldiering Wire

[@mattandlisestevens]

What paint do you use for the flesh tones and is the slate gray the only colour you use to add washes with on figures thanks

[@JAMESDEMU-RailwayModeller]

Hi, the paint used for skin is Vallejo 006 "light flesh". I do mix a touch of either red or brown into it for some figures to add a bit of variety and depth to the colour. I also use a brown wash depending on what the figure is and what they are supposed to be doing. The brown picks out facial detail etc but diesnt give the appearance of a person with a bit of dirt behind their ears. Hope that helps.

[@paulsevers7740]

like most English people you are mispronouncing Modelu - it is WELSH so is pronounced modelee!

[@JAMESDEMU-RailwayModeller]

Thanks Paul. I didn't know that but will try to pronounce it correctly in the future.