Railroad Avenue Model Works figures

1:20.3-scale figures
Railroad Avenue Model Works
Box 550
Willits CA 95490
Price $12 each + $6 s&h (minimum
qty. for direct order: four)
Web site: www.railroadavenue.com

Cast resin, fully painted figures in 1:20.3 scale; eight currently available, all men
Pros: Well proportioned; interesting poses; subdued, realistic colors; figures are “weathered” for greater realism
Cons: Lips a little too red; some hat brims too thick; paint and/or weathering a little sloppy in places

Railroad Avenue, generally known for their excellent structures, has now come out with a line of large-scale figures, the masters for which were carved by Scott Bowers. The first batch of eight different ones were sent for review. Each figure is fully painted and ready to be put to work. The standing ones will stand up for themselves, needing no assistance. Some of the seated figures sit just fine, while others either need their feet on the ground or something sticky on their backsides to stay in place.

Generally speaking, these are good people. They are well proportioned and their poses look natural and unforced. While they are not photorealistic, their facial expressions are fine, especially when viewed from a few feet away. The painting is in realistically subdued colors, and there appears to be an overwash of gray, further toning things down. Paintwork is generally quite good, though on our review samples there were a couple instances of sloppiness. The lips of our samples were all a little redder than I would have liked.

There are eight figures currently available. These include Bob, a seated locomotive engineer in coveralls, proper hat, and a red bandana; Mike, his fireman, similarly attired (sans bandana and with his sleeves rolled up a little); Dan, sitting and contemplating (perhaps playing checkers); Freddy, also seated (maybe Dan’s checker mate); Slim, standing tall with a wide-brimmed hat; Jack, also in a hat, with hands over his prominent belly; Ben, in a red shirt and holding a rag (who could also stand to lose a little weight); and Jethro, happily asleep on the ground with his hat pulled over his eyes.

It’s been said that you can’t have too many people on your railway. This new batch from Railroad Avenue should certainly fit in well and add character to your line. .