1:72 Wernher von Braun

A 1:72 figure for a diorama (Brengun)

The item is a single figure in 1:72 scale, that is roughly two and a half centimeters tall, supplied unpainted and without a base. The figure carries the name of a particular historical person, but from a building point of view it is an ordinary small figure that completes the scene beside a model. It is not a kit and it cannot be built on its own as a model of a machine.

What a figure does on a model

A figure in scale plays two roles above all on a diorama. It gives the viewer a sense of scale, because it is only next to a human figure that it becomes clear how big the model really is. And at the same time it gives the scene action: a figure beside an aircraft or a vehicle creates the impression of a frozen moment that a model standing on its own does not have. That is exactly why figures for dioramas are bought individually and combined as needed.

Tips for working and painting

First clear the casting of the remains of the casting process: cut the parting line off with a scalpel and sand the area gently. If it is a resin casting, wash it beforehand in lukewarm soapy water to remove the mold release agent. A thin coat of primer follows, ideally a light one, because in this scale paint is applied in thin coats and the base shows through. Paint with acrylics and a fine brush, bring the shapes out with a deep wash into the folds and a dry brush along the edges. Suggest the face and the eyes in 1:72 scale rather than painting them in detail, as exaggerated contrast looks unnatural. Finally cover the figure with matte varnish and glue it to the base with super glue.

Who the figure is for

• builders of dioramas in 1:72 scale who need a human figure for scale
• modelers completing a scene beside an aircraft or technical model
• collectors of small figures in this scale
• those willing to tackle painting a small figure with a fine brush

The figure is supplied unpainted. Paints, glue and the base are not included in the package.