News from your model shop - 28th May 2023

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One of the great things about developing scene elements for a layout is that in most cases it can be a very subjective process, meaning that the theme can be developed to be as big or small as the modeller wishes.  The modeller can research what kits or figure sets are available on the market to help develop their chosen theme.  This can lead to a very modular approach which helps a modeller to accurately plan aspects of the layout by determining which items they wish to include.  Take for instance the theme 'At the Market'.  There is a good selection of kits and figure sets available for this theme in OO/HO gauge.  Each is relatively small and compact but at the same time quite colourful and uniquely individual.  This is especially useful for modellers where layout space is at a premium and who have to balance impact and interest with available space.

Even for something as simple as a market stall, there is a surprisingly wide selection of alternatives available.  Most of the major producers have something to offer, either in the form of specific figures and cameo sets or kits.  Metcalfe is well known for their product line of detailed and sturdy kits in card, such as their 'Market Stalls' offering.  Other well-known manufacturers specialise in plastic, such as Vollmer with their 'Outdoor Farmers Market' kit.  Ancorton, on the other hand, specialises in laser-cut wood offerings, such as their 'Market Barrows' kit. 



Busch of Germany is a major supplier of figure sets for OO/HO Gauge layouts.  Their kits are compact enough in themselves to be eye-catching standalone items but also work well in combination with other items from their range and those of other manufacturers.  Their 'Fashion and Luggage Stalls' set provides an intriguing cameo and will work well in combination with other similar items such as their 'Pumpkin and Salads Stalls' and the 'Market Stand Fruit & Vegetables' cameo set.  These items utilise pre-coloured parts for ease of assembly, though some supplied figures may need to be painted.



Typing a theme such as 'market' into a search engine is a quick and effective means to establish the available range of kits and cameo sets available for a specific subject.  It is also an effective way to compare the items available from a variety of manufacturers.  For example, in addition to the previous kits by Busch, we can seamlessly add the 'Market Seller and Customers' by Preiser, 'At the Fish Market' by Noch and the 'Farmer's Market' by Woodland Scenics.  All of these would maintain the consistent 'Market' based theme established by the previously mentioned Busch kits whilst working harmoniously with them to further develop the theme.


The 'Market' theme can also be used by modellers looking to develop a purpose-built diorama.  The plastic kit manufacturer Miniart has produced a wide range of kits that can help create both military and domestic dioramas.  Applying our 'Market' theme to their kit range we are presented with a number of interesting options, such as the 'Market Cart with Vegetables, the 'Fruit Cart' and the 'Street Fruit Shop'.  All of these items are produced in 1/35 scale which is popular with diorama modellers as it offers great detail without being overly demanding on available space.

Whether modelling a layout or establishing a diorama, developing a theme is a great way to achieve a truly unique and diverse modelling project.  The simple theme of 'At the Market' has produced a wide range of interesting and mutually supporting kits and figure sets.  This inevitably helps modellers plan and expand on a layout theme as each item is compact and self-contained.  The theme can then be grown in a modular fashion to be as big and wide-ranging as the modeller has deemed appropriate.  For a layout, this is a great way for a modeller to achieve an interesting and eye-catching landscape that suitably complements the trains moving through it.  Likewise, for a diorama modeller, it will allow them to interlink diverse but mutually supporting elements that help build an interesting and visually appealing project.  Why not try working a specific theme into your next project?

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