What is a miniature animal?
Miniaturisation consistsà of proportionally reducing all the parts of an object (dimensions, volume, weight, etc.). Miniature animals are therefore the result of the miniaturisation of animals. In rail modelling, manufacturers use various éduction scales to achieve this - theéscales O, HO, N or Z.These models are generally made from resin, plastic or metal. Whether horses, cows, dogs, cats, birds or any other animal, these pets are available in a wide variety of poses to allow enthusiasts to personalise a design.These animals are hand-painted to reproduce each detail in a realistic way. Miniature painted animals are also available. This option allows the modeler to completely customise their miniature figures with the colours they want.
How to paint miniature animals?
Different techniques can be used to paint miniature animals depending on the model's prerequisites and skills. Here are some commonly used methods for painting miniature animals:
The brush
Brush painting is the most common method for painting miniature animals. It offers precise control and allows you to create fine details. Brushes of different sizes and shapes are used to apply base colours, shadows, gradations and details such as eyes, paws and hair. Acrylic or oil paints are often used with this technique. A fine brush can be used to paint miniature animals in HO or N scale.
L39;aérographe
The aérographe is a tool that sprays paint à through a nozzle. It creates uniform layers of colour and smooth transitions. It is particularly useful for smooth surfaces and subtle gradation effects. Acrylic paints specially formulated for airbrushing are commonly used with this technique. The aeacute;rographe can be used to paint large miniature animals; for example, à l'eeacute;chelle G.
How are miniature animals made?
Different production techniques are used to make miniature animals in série:
Injection moulding
This method is used to create miniature plastic animals. A mould is created in the shape of the animal, then molten plastic is injected into the mould. Once cooled and solidified, the plastic is removed from the mould, resulting in a miniature figurine.
Sculpting
Some miniature animals are made by hand sculpting the material, such as clay, polymere or wood. Artisans use specialised tools to shape the material and create the animal's details.
3D printing
With the advent of 3D printing, it is now possible to make miniature animals using this technology. A digital model of the animal is created and sent to a 3D printer, which superimposes successive layers of material to build the 3D object.
The coulée
Casting is a method in which a liquid material, such as metal or resin, is poured into a mould to create the miniature animal. Once the material has solidified, the mould is removed and the finished product is obtained.
Assembly
Some miniature animals are made by assembling different pre-made parts. This may involve the use of plastic parts, wire, fabric or other materials to create the complete animal.
It is important to note that the method of manufacture will depend on the material used, the complexity of the miniature animal and the specific requirements of the manufacturer.
What are the most répandus miniature animals?
In the world of railroad modelling, several miniature animals are commonly used to customise horns. Here are the most common:
Horses
Miniature horses add a real plus to the décor of a train electricécircuit whoseème has a link with the world oféquitation. Various accessories recreate the atmosphere of a riding school or equestrian centre: mule, heel, pony, mare, cart, paddock, etc.
Farm animals
Farm animals give a miniature railway bucket a touch of the countryside. There are plenty of animals to recreate the atmosphere of a farm and its various components (barn, farmyard, hutch, henhouse, sheepfold, fences, tractor, etc.). Here are a few suggestions for figurines to model a large farm: éleveur or farmer, rabbit, standing animals, sheep, bélier, turkey, pig, peacock, pig, rooster, bull or ânesse.
Pets
Almost every breed of dog is represented on the miniature scale.Bull Terrier, German Shepherd, Braque, Border Collie, Husky, Bulldog, Dachshund, Schnauzer, Miniature Spitz, Golden Retriever, Basset Hound, Brittany Spaniel and Chihuahua, to name but a few.Whether accompanied by their masters or not, pets such as dogs and cats are ideal for recruiting realistic everyday characters.From a hound dog for hunting to a small flat dog, these expressive pet figurines illustrate different situations with authenticity and enhance the look of a home.
Birds
Miniature bird figurines, such as magpies, pigeons, sparrows, owls, owls, swallows and eagles can be placed in trees, on wires or on the ground;They can be placed in trees, on electrical wires or on the roofs of buildings to simulate the presence of wildlife in an urban or rural environment. These small accessories can be used to personalise a model. It's often the little details that make the difference.
Wild animals
The animals of the forest, too, are very interesting characters to arrange in a three-dimensional display. A hedgehog, wild boar, fox or roe deer figurine can personalise the most remote areas of a diorama. In addition to the local fauna, you can also feature the mammals of a zoo: antelope, giraffe, tiger, black leopard, etc.
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Why install miniature animals in a décor?
Installing miniature animals in a train horn has many advantages. They bring a train horn to life in 3D, creating an inhabited environment. These miniature figures allow you to tell a story and enhance the scénario of your rail operating game. Model railroading is a technical and artistic hobby. It involves making trains run, but also retracing the history of the railways by reconstructing period sets. This work begins with a documentation phase, followed by the actual production. Our collection of figurines is very useful for finding miniature animals that correspond to a given world.
How to attach miniature animals in a diorama
There are various methods for fixing miniature animals in a diorama. Some models use special modelling glue to attach the animals to the surface of the diorama. This method is simple and effective, but requires careful handling to avoid damage. Another widely used method involves drilling small holes in the diorama and inserting metal rods attached to the figures, thus providing greater stability. This technique also allows the position of the miniature animals to be altered if necessary. Some miniature animals are also fitted with bases that can be fixed directly to the backing using glue or screws. Whichever method is used, it is important to ensure that the scale and location are appropriate for the harmonious integration of miniature animals into a hanger.
In résumé
Miniature animals play an essential role in customising the horns of model railway trains. These finely engraved and hand-painted animals are strikingly realistic. Whether it's a question of imitating domestic, farm or wild animals, model train enthusiasts have a wide choice of ways to personalise their sets. Making miniature animals requires real craftsmanship. Installing these animals in a horn adds a touch of life and reinforces the storytelling of the scenario.
