Painting & Posing HO (1/87) Scale Figurines | Boomer Diorama ~ # 228

Painting and Posing a single figurine can transform the narrative of a signature scene. It only takes one figurine to pull it off. Furthermore, HO Scale figurines are easier to paint than you think because they only need to convey an impression to the viewer.
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DISCLAIMER: I pay for all the products and materials I use in this video content, unless otherwise stated. I do not receive any affiliate sponsorship, fees, funds, support, or gifts from company products, and/or any other companies, (unless otherwise stated). I only endorse products for the benefit of the community and my own personal use, apart from indicated sponsors.

[@stephenhottle6783]

Happy Valentines Day. Dusty cracks me up 😂😻

[@boomerdiorama]

😁💓

[@johnschutt9187]

It doesn't get better than Boomer. Thanks.

[@boomerdiorama]

You are so kind. Thank you. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@keithdenner9441]

Beautiful work Boomer! Learned a new technique. Thank you!

[@boomerdiorama]

Great to hear!

[@ronaldjoyce7374]

Boomer, you have the patience of a saint and the hands of a surgeon, they look amazing!!! Maybe have a cop and a building inspector outside of the slum landlord building, LOL I’ll bet you could even do the landlord on his knees with cuffs on him, YAAA! 😂 Again, you’re amazing and thank you for the lessons, I look forward to all of them 😊 Ron

[@boomerdiorama]

Sounds like a good idea. ;-)

[@sammym.belfastchild]

Boomer , great technique for the figurines . Happy Valentine Boomer n Dusty ..

[@boomerdiorama]

Same to you! Cheers!

[@wilzdart]

You bet I am going to try that technic with oil. I love that brand of figures, even in N scale they have so much detail. I paint my N scale figures with a tooth pick and sewing needles. I just put a dot of paint and move it around, Will try the oil on them. Sure fun to see Dusty over seeing your work!! Well back to the bench, Thanks

[@boomerdiorama]

Go for it!

[@mikedurhan9941]

Thank you. Posing people and motor vehicles is a difficult thing to me. I don't like moving trains while motor vehicles are frozen in the middle of streets and highways. Also, I don't like people posed in public places 24-hours a day in some "action position". I like to see motor vehicles parked, and I like just a few people in "still-life" poses. Otherwise, the train is a motion picture while everything else in the scene is a snap shot, which does not make for a very good match-up. These videos are great.

[@boomerdiorama]

I feel the same way about it like you. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@user-bf1oc6zt1z]

Thanks! Greetings From Colorful Colorado WJ, Another GREAT Video Boomer. Thanks for showing the cool oil trick for skin-tone. Your Faithful Student, John P.S. Dusty is looking good in this vid. Thanks for the Dusty Picture in Community Tab

[@boomerdiorama]

You are welcome and thank you! Cheers!

[@memberofamreg676]

Top. The people from MiniPrints recently came to me fresh from the paint shop

[@boomerdiorama]

Cool!

[@jeroenvanboldrik4712]

You make it all seem so easy but again really nice to watch. You really are an artist and a good teacher. I lack your experience but found out that you will never discover anything if you don't try. It's like making music, you have to practice and not be afraid to make mistakes. I am glad I found your channel some time ago, watched all the episodes, and learned how to find my way. I once made a tree with the Luke Towan method. Started the tutorial and did it step by step ending with an Hey I can do it. The same goes for using paint, For a long time I was too scared to do it but now I'm experimenting with some acrylic paint and lots of water and most of all no expectations, just see what will happen, and every time I'm amazed. Even if I should be able to copy you the outcome will never be the same. That's because we are 2 different people, living in 2 different countries, with different families, etc. etc. etc. If you don't accept that it won't mean the other one is fake, that's jealousy. On the other hand, if you do accept it you will find an inspirational source and the start of your learning curve. Thanx again Boomer great performance.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for sharing . It's nice to hear from people who try stuff and practice because that is how we gain confidence and grow in our skills. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@luvindemtrains]

Fun stuff. I watch the military modelers do this and remember you saying you delved into that genre before. I definitely like your results. Thoroughly enjoyed you "playing" at the end. Thanks for sharing.

[@boomerdiorama]

This hobby is incredible in so many ways. Cheers ;-)

[@michaelimpey1407]

Boomer, thank you for a great method / technique for painting HO Figures. I have always struggled with the skin, as I used to do it last. Now I will do it first, and use the XF-15 Flesh, and then some oils in a drybush way. Thankj you for sharing, cheers, and take care, Michael

[@boomerdiorama]

You are welcome!

[@cbrailroader642]

This method is how I have always painted my military miniatures. I generally use flesh primer from Badger Stynlrez. And use the oils like this and even more staining colors like Terra Rosa, Asphaltum from Gamlin as well as Indian yellow, perleyne black, indigo blue are great staining colors.Just getting ready to start my new shelf layout build after we moved 2 years ago. Looking at a 20 inch deep x 8 ft long. Thanks for the video.

[@boomerdiorama]

O.K. Thanks for sharing!

[@deanrowland2210]

Thank you Boomer, I always learn from you. Cheers.

[@boomerdiorama]

Glad to hear it!

[@steveedwards9957]

So brilliant, so simple, thanks Boomer that was really interesting.

[@boomerdiorama]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@usssaratogacv3lefevre978]

So simple, yet looks good.

[@boomerdiorama]

It sort of completes this part of the scene. ;-)

[@patricknoveski6409]

Too cool. What an effect. Gonna paint my engineers!

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes. Engineers. Something I have been thinking about. ;-)

[@ainsleyperry5192]

Boomer, Dusty has that look on his face that say's, " Carefull, the boss has finally gone mad today!" The fire escape stairs over at the landlords must alway's be wet and slimy. You could very easily go head over "T" trying to get down them. So just hold on tight. Cheers, Chris Perry.

[@boomerdiorama]

Maybe a rope swing or a bungee jump cord for the top f the stairs . . . lol. ;-)

[@danielluebke]

The Preiser package mentions the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany), i.e., this package was produced prior to the German reunion in 1989... A very old treasure :-) Thanks for the video! It was - again - inspiring and nicely explained!

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for the info!

[@Joel_MERCIER]

This Preiser box #16342 is still produced and easily foundable in Europe (at least in France)

[@ausfoodgarden]

Wow, that Preiser set you showed is great. They call it fairground visitors here. 60 figures for AU$36 (about US$24) Quality figures for a low price. I'm definitely going to try the painting method you show here. Cheers!

[@boomerdiorama]

They are about the same price here in Canada as well. They are very cool though some creep me out a little . . . like the clowns on stilts. lol.

[@cloverdalerail1093]

Dusty looks well fed ..It is so New Westminster

[@boomerdiorama]

She thinks she owns the layout and acts real smug about it . . . lol. Yes . . . she eats well. ;-)

[@FunWithHOScaleStuff]

Hi. Dang! It's finally a video on peopling your miniature HO scale world (sans the restaurant). And thanks, I really need guidance on how to paint figures. Thumbs up. ;-)

[@boomerdiorama]

Keep it simple in the beginning. Everything needs to be "dumbed" down to start the ball rolling. ;-)

[@vincenthuying98]

Dear Boomer, awesome how you added the brass wire to stand up the figurines. Never saw that kind of method before, excellent way to create a stable ‘tripod’ stand. Love the way you showed the madness of the method concerning the painting of the figures. Definitely will put it on the ‘hard drive.’ So great to see how the paint method improves the looks and creates the illusion of several characters populating the layout. Cheerio

[@boomerdiorama]

Use a # 11 blade to start a hole in the heel. Then follow up with a very small drill bit the size of the wire. Take your time and most are successful. ;-)

[@jesselomas8626]

❤ to Dusty.. As usual, excellent! The space where the slum and warehouse has so much possible potential in anycase. Only YOU know what may transpire..

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for the tips!

[@Cowboy_Steve]

Howdy Boomer! Excellent video - really enjoyed it! This one is going on my saved list lol. Well done and thanks for sharing 🤠

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks 👍

[@MyFingerLakesRailwayLayout]

Great timing with the oils! I was just using them today for a flatbed truck, like you did in the barge slip. Distress the V-groove, rattle can tan, dry, then Burnt Umber oil, then wipe it off. Awesome! I have some Preiser figures, but I think the ModelU figures from UK are so much better, if you can find one that fits your story. Cheers!

[@boomerdiorama]

Glad it helped!

[@mr.e1944]

Thanks for sharing another technique. I am painting some figures right now and I think I will try this to see how it works for me. Thanks Boomer!

[@boomerdiorama]

Have fun!

[@mr.e1944]

@@boomerdiorama Thanks, I will!

[@bobhastings6464]

Love the video Boomer! For a few years I made my living custom painting war games figures in all scales. I love your approach , it reminds me of techniques I read in the old Verlinden books. Good job! Cheers from Ontario

[@boomerdiorama]

Yes indeed. It was a method that came from him. Cheers!

[@dan8402]

I saw a pack of like 30 figures I think Preiser for like $24. This is such a simple technique. It looks great for HO with not much more.

[@boomerdiorama]

Those figures are kinda rare so when I see then in (1/87) scale I tend to grab them.

[@julieswanson3212]

Dusty look relaxed thanks for showing how to paint people my wife really enjoys how to make trees and has got many supplies to start doing trees

[@boomerdiorama]

I'm getting the tree bug again as well. Thanks for sharing! Cheers.😁

[@DisVietVetUSA]

Happy Valentines Day, I haven'y commented in quite awhile and not that I haven't wanted to, but we all need our space. Pink paint made me think about the movie Barbie. Imagination is your personal engine of viewing, reordering and creating the moment or moments of the story. Dust is so majestic and beautiful to see in your videos. I am the Jack of all Trades guy today as things seed to need fixin all the time around here...

[@boomerdiorama]

Cleaning and fixing never ends . . . lol. I hear yah. Cheers.

[@patmccarthy1624]

Aw, Boomer! This could have been an hour longer! As always, thanks for a great lesson!

[@boomerdiorama]

This Sunday I cover more of the Studio Scene. ;-)

[@johnathanlewis2049]

Hi Boomer!! You’ve got a definite knack for setting the scene. That guy looking out the window at the Slum Lord building only to see the railroad tracks back there! You should definitely leave that figure at that location. I saw in your video a grey industrial building with a loading dock. Maybe set a figure on the dock bringing in or taking out what needs done for pickup or delivery. Love your layout and the work you put into it!! It’s very inspirational!! Have a great day!!

[@boomerdiorama]

Sounds good. Maybe the guy with the shotgun on the receiving dock . . . lol.

[@ronvelner6530]

I watched Dusty several times and froze the image, as a cat lover I can't get enough of it. I've had a few cats that looked a lot like her/him, so it's a joy to recognize. The diorama comes in second place 😜😉

[@boomerdiorama]

She is a beautiful cat Dusty is. Very healthy and full of spunk. She is quite large as well and would probably dominate most males . . . lol. ;-)

[@donhanley1213]

Thanks for the tutorial...amazing how simple it is to get those stunning effects.

[@boomerdiorama]

You're very welcome!

[@canoeingnav7618]

Happy Valentines Day Boomer and Dusty. Another awesome instructional video. Thank you.

[@boomerdiorama]

Same to you!

[@goforitpainting]

Cool as always 👍

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks again!

[@PolLight3000]

Absolutely stunning work again!👌🏻🤩 Well, I was hoping to see what role you have planned for the character with the gun, though.🤭 All these figures with rifles belong to a fairground shooting gallery. I converted them into civilian cops years ago.😊 (But the young woman isn't walking; she's supposed to lean against a bar table or counter.😉) To be honest, I painted all my H0 figures simply and directly, although partly with a lot of details but without the oil paint method. In my opinion in many cases it gives the figurines a somewhat "dirty" look, which I don't always like, especially not with police uniforms. However, I have to admit that my figures could definitely use a "little more" shadow and depth. You can see a Preiser trucker transformed into a sheriff in my first YT community post; this figure is already a few years old. I've liked it so far, but maybe I should rework it...🙄 By the way, about 30 years ago or so there was a report in our daily newspaper about an H0 layout that was built for a children's TV show. A real make-up artist was hired specifically to paint the figures, they were given eyes, eyebrows, etc....😮😅 Cheers from Southwest Germany.🍀👋🏻

[@boomerdiorama]

Thanks for sharing! Nice to hear from Germany. ;-)

[@PolLight3000]

@@boomerdiorama You're welcome. But I'm not the only German here, there are a few others who even comment much more often... ;-)

[@harperlarry49]

Wonderful work. I like the modified character holding the drap. Great way to create a character to fit the story. Thanks for sharing these techniques. Cheers - Larry.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you very much Larry! Cheers.

[@FunWithHOScaleStuff]

Excellent lesson. As a complete newbie I really appreciate your presentation on painting figures. I look forward to seeing your people begin to add to the outstanding scenic display you are creating. Sometimes your skills are intimidating to me but this presentation was just perfect. Happy Valentine's day.

[@boomerdiorama]

Awesome, thank you!

[@bobdutka1176]

Happy Valentines Day Boomer. Great tutorial. Will definitely be using your method on my figures. Seen your vid Boomer now I have to go wish my wife a Happy Valentines Day. Lol😁👍

[@dkservice424]

Thank you for sharing your unbelievable talent with us. I think you are hands down the best teacher/ artist on KZbin. All your work is amazing.

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you for the wonderful accolades. It's people like you and the community that inspires me. Cheers ~ Boomer.

[@JRossHunter]

If you repaint the legs later because you decide she's wearing hose, you could say she's wearing "later hosen". 😁

[@boomerdiorama]

Lol . . . 👍

[@Cowboy_Steve]

Boo! Boo! Ok... that was kind of funny 🤠

[@DRCRailroard]

Thanks, Boomer. I bet the HO figures really are a challenge to paint and detail. I, like you, have mixed emotions about adding people to the scene. If one can find or paint them with believable features, then they look like they belong and work to really serve a purpose to complete the scene, especially if it's a city scene otherwise it looks deserted like a neutron bomb was set off over the city. I think the more details one adds that depicts day to day life, such as people and vehicles, help to reflect realism and suggest activity taking place even though it's a static display. One can convey motion simply by the effective arrangement of the pieces using people with different poses. Can you blame the poor guy looking for a new apartment? You know the trains have been keeping him up all night. I'd be looking for a new place. Maybe if you made him a cat like Dusty, to keep him company, he could better cope with his situation. I think you need to have a little Dusty on your layout just like Jack the Menards dog.

[@boomerdiorama]

I think the guy is broke because he keeps going on about how he is going to restore that old Cadillac but never gets around to it . . . lol. Furthermore, his girlfriend won't lend him anymore money . . . lol. Cheers.

[@DRCRailroard]

@boomerdioramas That's a great observation, lol. I've always suspected that you have the skills of a therapist. Fortunately for us within the hobby, you realized that those skills could actually be put to better use learning a useful and rewarding craft. All kidding aside, I think a little Boomer, with a little Dusty by your side rail fanning a scene on your layout, would be an excellent way to create your signature scene and can be moved along to each new section being created. It would be a way of immersing yourself within your layout, telling your story within the story of creating a layout all while signing your creation. Happy rails.

[@ISAACBATENBURG]

Funny that you are so enthousiast about Preiser figures. Here in Europe a lot of the products for modelling we use come from Germany. The product you use are here quite unknown

[@boomerdiorama]

Oh cool!

[@derz-crackmodellbahnvideosinsp]

Same for you modelmate! ❤😉

[@boomerdiorama]

Cheers!

[@PeterTillman3]

Superb Boomer. I have set of those figures and have been hoping that you were going to do an in depth tutorial on how to paint them :)

[@boomerdiorama]

Best to keep the paint thin and simple when it comes to small scales like this.

[@PeterTillman3]

@@boomerdioramagot it - cheers Boomer

[@herricmountain]

Still have a few of the Preiser pack from my younger years in Model railroading, yes they are great. Never used oil paint before but definetly running out to buy some and try this new technic. Thanks for sharing, loving the tutorial videos and learning from you.

[@boomerdiorama]

Those colors are great for weathering rolling stock and vehicles as well.

[@workingfolk]

I just pictured turning that 'shady' character's gun into a saxophone and place him busking in front of the Nighthawks diner. The stories are endless.

[@boomerdiorama]

Lol . . . great idea!

[@edoneil1875]

Thank you for showing us how to do this

[@boomerdiorama]

Any time!

[@kelvinbranom10]

If I'm not mistaken your also familiar with Sheperd Paine a scale figures modeler. Paine put out a soft cover book from Kalmbach called Building and Painting Scale Figures, Handbook No.13.

[@boomerdiorama]

I have all those books and read them many times. ;-) Cheers!

[@4everdc302]

Still on board🚂🇨🇦🙋

[@boomerdiorama]

Cheers!

[@ralphrenzetti22]

Great tutorial on painting figures! Thanks! I agree with you 100% on the Priesser figures and I know that you sculpt a lot of your own figures/animals, but you should contact, or at least look at the work of Bernard Hellen of MiniPrints he’s located hear in Toronto and has a whole line and growing of 3D printed figures, animals and vehicles. He usually attends train shows and actually will take a 3D scan of people and create a sort of mini you for your layout.

[@boomerdiorama]

Happy Valentines Day Ralph . . . ;-) Cheers.

[@micheldescoteaux7192]

As far as I know the company's no longer in business These were originally my first choices for price and quality as well as painted figures and sets.

[@boomerdiorama]

You can still find them if you poke around brick and mortar hobby shops. ;-)

[@micheldescoteaux7192]

@@boomerdiorama I have and they're few and far between depending on what you're looking for sets.

[@paullindell]

I have a figure kit with buildable bodies ie heads, arms and legs. I think it also a preiser product.

[@boomerdiorama]

I like them quite a bit. It doesn't take much to modify the pose really.

[@vsstub]

Thanks for all of the tutorials, I think I've watched most, if not all. This one is very timely. However, I'm wondering if you could comment on paint adhesion when spraying Tamiya XF paints. I've followed your instructions and love the finish, but it seems that any thing that touches the surface and the paint scrapes off - particularly plastic surfaces. Perhaps thinned too much? Thanks again for all of your inspiration.

[@boomerdiorama]

Are you using an Airbrush? I only use Tamiya paint with the airbrush except for terrain sometimes. It depends on the surface and the subject. Generally (but not often) I primer with any grey Tamiya a little heavier than normal. When all the thin coats are done I seal it with Tamiya "Flat Clear" XF-86. I only spray super thin filters when I weather things. Otherwise, I bump up the pigment some for other applications. You have to develop your own style and method as you practice and feel comfortable with the medium. The whole point of the exercise is to practice through trial and error. No way to avoid what you describe if you want to get good at it. Cheers ~ Boomer.😁

[@Wilett614]

Whats Your Cats Name ? He or she is a cutie !! I have a Cat that lays on my lap while building structures and Freight cars usually . She also loves to watch my trains running . Amazing Animals ! My dog could Care Less ! : )) lol

[@boomerdiorama]

Lol . . . The cat's name is Dusty. She thinks she owns the layout . . . lol. ;-) Cheers.

[@Quince828]

Thanks! This will change how I paint figures. I particularly like the idea of airbrushing flesh colour first. How do you secure the wire into the foot or body of the figure? And do you remove the wire after painting or use it to secure the figure in place on the layout?

[@boomerdiorama]

I start a hole in the heel with a # 11 Blade to accommodate the small drill bit which is the same size as the .005" rod. Yes, I keep the rod in so I can pin the figurine to the layout as is or with glue. ;-) 😁

[@hmathewsk28]

Hi Boomer. Thanks for the tutorial, great information as always. On a recent trip to the art supply store I saw liquitex acrylic inks. Have you used these. While watching the video the thought came to mind about using the acrylic ink vs oil.

[@boomerdiorama]

I have used them. They are great for weathering as well.

[@FunWithHOScaleStuff]

Does XF stand for extra flat? I have zero experience with paint. You stated this XF is your BASE color. I'm interested to know more about paint and I've been studying your videos on painting. Thanks for those by the way. So does Tamiya use XF to identify the paint as extra flat? Thanks.

[@boomerdiorama]

It is their Acronym for indicating "Flat" colors.

[@tomalcock620]

Do you have any tips on building a realistic mountain tunnel?? Thats the next project on my layout and am presently doing research to formulate my strategy.

[@boomerdiorama]

Cut a portal out of Balsa wood and cover it with "thick" paint or plaster. ;-)

[@cllines604]

every one talks about thinning the paint I want to know how get it thick???

[@boomerdiorama]

Use acrylic gel medium. It comes in different viscosities. Go to the artist supply store and ask them. Buy some, and then mix it into your paint to thicken it . . . ;-)

[@cllines604]

@@boomerdiorama thanks will try that

[@jesselomas8626]

A

[@boomerdiorama]

Thank you!

[@ravensonxpress]

The figurine behind the curtain has a little bit a crazy arm, it looks a little bit like a 7-axis robot arm and a little bit to long. Sorry, but I must laught every time I have seen it. Maybe he is a terminator watching out for Sarah Conor. Maybe a T200 or T300, the later versions T400 to T800 had more realistic arms. And now the storry tells us, who crashed the car. And I always believed, that feme fatals always wear red dresses, now I think it is much more difficult to recognize them, when they camoflage themselves in casual clothes.

[@boomerdiorama]

Cheers!😁