Children on Bicycle

Not since I finished the driver figure for the Fowler has a new figure joined the population on my 1/19 scale layout Nystrup Gravel. Now a new figure is adding many never seen before elements to the layout. Not only is the figure two figures and a bicycle, they are also a boy and a girl - the first female on the large scale Nystrup Gravel. The figures are also from a new manufacturer Figurendesign Volker Bauer from Germany. So many firsts!

Two children on a single bike and on Nystrup Gravel company territory! Workshop manager Petersen is not amused...

All figures on Nystrup Gravel have until now been delivered by Modelu in 3D prints from scanned real-life persons in period clothing styles. All male, all adults and mostly very 'industrial'. As Nystrup Gravel is an industrial railway layout, that's very fine. But to add a little variety I have been looking for some figures that wasn't males or adults. Two children on a bike would look good.

Following Figurendesign Volker Bauer on Facebook turned out to be a good idea. This week I saw a new figure presented: two small children on a little bicycle. From ordering to delivery only 3 days passed and I couldn't wait to open the package. The figure is supplied prepainted and well protected in a double cardboard box. 

Straight out of the box. The package arrived just as I was sorting discarded helmets for use on the vintage railway where I volunteer.

Image of the figure from the website of Figurendesign Volker Bauer. I'm glad my model didn't have the red hair on the girl.

The figure is hand sculpted and once finished, scanned. The file is then able to be printed in a variety of scales - even in 'odd scales' if you advise the manufacturer. I chose a readily available scale 1/22 version. Printing is to a high standar although the facial detail is a little soft. Painting is quite good with room for improvment in just a few places. The look is a bit too glossy for my taste and I will probably give the figure a layer of matt varnish once I'm finished working on it. I have a few details I would like to add. Other than that it is an excellent little model in itself and it has added much needed diversity to my layout. It will add charm and interest to any layout where children are often overlooked as a feature. The pose is well chosen for a pair of kids having stopped for a moment to observe something.

In the 1950's public child care in Denmark was still in its infancy and many children in rural areas had a lot of time for themselves - particularly before starting in school. Here a little boy and his younger sister has strayed onto the Nystrup Gravel yard. Full of exiting trains and places to hide.