Lots more small tasks completed today, including tender transfers, a shed code plate, sprung buffers, and little red and silver men!

The latter include two figures from Modelu and two that were included in the Connoisseur 4F kit. The former are 3D printed scans of real people in period clothing (i.e. they volunteer on either the SVR or the Llangollen Railway, I am not sure which). They come in red 'plastic' straight from Alan's 3D printer. The latter are traditional white metal figures which Jim McGowen includes in his kits. I have already painted up two of his for the Jinty (a.k.a. Dobbin).

Modelu's figures are perhaps the more realistic in that the shovel in the fireman's hand is actually being used rather than leant on (though all firemen lean on their shovels, don't they?) I am, however, not sure if Modelu's driver has his hand stretched out in the right place for the 4F's regulator. These are not criticisms at all, just that getting the perfect static pose for every situation is just not going to be possible. One of Modelu's characters has longer hair than was customary in the 1950s so he is not going to be on my list. But isn't it good to have choices?

I found that the white metal figures painted better with some etched primer on and so did the same with the 3D printed figures. By the way, a quick word to the couple who run Porthmadog Models in North Wales and who specialize in military figures. Mrs. "PM" took the time to give me a quick guide to selecting paints and then on how to apply them to small figures. If you are ever in Porthmadog, look them up if only to see the huge display in the centre of the shop. They do not carry much railway stock but have the full range of paints, etc.

So here are some before and after priming photos:

First the Modelu men unprimed:

And primed (I didn't use flash for this shot and it has some camera shake):

Next the Connoisseur men unprimed:

And primed: