For kits that include a pilot figure, do you place the pilot in the cockpit or just exclude it? My thought on it is if doing a flying version then yes, if sitting on the ground then no. Just curious as to what others do.
I put the pilot in it on the ground. I also like to have the canopy open. I like the look of getting ready to start moving.
I used to exclude them. The challenge of painting a decent looking figure is looming large for me. I have multiple figures that need a decent paint job.
Now is as good as any other time.
That’s normally the way I approach it. If on the ground I leave the pilot out and if it’s flying…well you know. It might also depend on how good the pilot figure looks or if there is a great deal of extra detail that I’ve added to the cockpit that would be blocked from view with a pilot figure.
If I have a detailed seat with nice photo etched seat belts, etc, I don’t want to cover it up with a plastic guy sitting on top of it all.
[dto:]
Man, I can’t remember the last time I installed a pilot or built a plane gear up. Usually my bases are done up like tarmacs, so I’ll have some figures on the ground next to the aircraft. I like to be able to see my 'pits, fancy or not.
I did exactly the opposite on one build and put a pilot figure in the cockpit to help hide the lack of detail.
I had these thoughts with my latest build. I think a figure gives a pretty good idea of the sense of scale, or size, of the aircraft. Though, for me anyway, a figure takes longer to do than harnesses.
It would be really cool if kit figures weren’t all in the ‘flying’ position, grabbing the stick. Ready to go. A smiling pose. leaned over, talking the to the crew chief. Or, getting in. Galland smoking his cigar, etc. A great AM opportunity?
I have seen few modern kits with pilot figures as nice as the interior parts. If I had a good pilot I might include it. If the kit has a standing pilot I often do include it. The Revell Spirit of St. Louis had a very nice standing Lindberg figure, so I included a base, put grass over it, left door open and put Lindy by door.
I leave the crew figures out, too. I shake too badly to paint them with any sense of resemblance to a person.
If the pilot is good I’ll put it in the aircraft. It doesn’t matter to be if its in flight or not.
David
I never used the pilots when I built 1/48. That collection is long lost when the house was damaged back in time. They looked awful back then and obscured the work I did on my cockpits.
Have the best of both worlds, do an ejection dio maybe where the canopy is blown and the pilot is going up the seat rail.
Scott
I put the pilot figure in. The model looks better with a pilot when it flies imaginary missions around the living room.
I generally do not paint or use pilots. However, I will when the model absolutely makes it necessary. I built a Revel F6F-5 where the seat had a little piece sticking out - that went into the pilot. It would have looked real bad if I didn’t put the pilot in the plane. (I probably should have gotten an aftermarket seat.)
I normally exclude them for I pretty much suck at painting them LOL!!
A pilot or ground crew outside the aircraft (on the ground) gives the perspective of the size of the aircraft. It is a nice visual effect. Unless the aircraft is displayed as a “gate guard”, or drone, then a pilot should be in the cockpit (IMO).
I should have put this in with the original question, but if you build an aircraft with the gear down (ie non flying) do you put the canopy on? I know for the newer jets, you can have it propped up, but for most older aircraft, you either have to put it on or not. I’ve usually put the front windshield on, and left the mid canopy off
Personally, working in 1 / 48th, I can make a passable looking figure. Naturally, if in flight, she needs a pilot. I work with most of my models gear down, and generally have a preference for a maintenance scene (I suppose art imitates life) and find figures add a sense of scale, add to the scene and help tell a story, and occasionally, deflect the eye from any imperfections in the model. That being said, it took quite a bit of practice and experimenting to be able to get a good looking figure. Like everything, it’s practice.