Firstly, my apologies is this is in the wrong section of the forum.
I'm currently working a number 1/144 scale model diorama projects that call for the inclusion of multiple engineers/technicians/scientist figures. I struck me that N gauge figures could fit the bill nicely. I'm mainly after technician/ engineer types, in a mixture of shirt sleeves with tie, labcoats or overalls, many with hard hats.
The only suitable figures I can find so far are by Noch and Graham Farish. almost all of which would need repainting.
https://www.modelrailwaysdirect.co.uk/buildings-and-people-n/graham-farish-379-311-n-scale-traction-maintenance-depot-workers/ (https://www.modelrailwaysdirect.co.uk/buildings-and-people-n/graham-farish-379-311-n-scale-traction-maintenance-depot-workers/)
https://www.modelrailwaysdirect.co.uk/buildings-and-people-n/graham-farish-379-312-n-scale-civil-engineers/ (https://www.modelrailwaysdirect.co.uk/buildings-and-people-n/graham-farish-379-312-n-scale-civil-engineers/)
https://www.modelrailwaysdirect.co.uk/buildings-and-people-n/graham-farish-379-316-n-scale-factory-workers-and-foreman/ (https://www.modelrailwaysdirect.co.uk/buildings-and-people-n/graham-farish-379-316-n-scale-factory-workers-and-foreman/)
https://www.trainshop.co.uk/figures-animals-figures-n/20979-railway-shunters-6-figure-set-4007246362790.html (https://www.trainshop.co.uk/figures-animals-figures-n/20979-railway-shunters-6-figure-set-4007246362790.html)
These are all pretty expensive for what you get, I presume mainly because they only come as pre-painted sets. Can anyone suggest suitable figures that might be available where I won't have the cost of someone else pre-painting the figures?
Thanks
Try these
https://www.shapeways.com/marketplace/miniatures/figurines?q=n-scale&sort=&facet%5BpdcId%5D%5B%5D=348&facet%5Bprice%5D%5Bmin%5D=1&facet%5Bprice%5D%5Bmax%5D=2500&facet%5Bprice%5D%5Bfrom%5D=1&facet%5Bprice%5D%5Bto%5D=2500 (https://www.shapeways.com/marketplace/miniatures/figurines?q=n-scale&sort=&facet%5BpdcId%5D%5B%5D=348&facet%5Bprice%5D%5Bmin%5D=1&facet%5Bprice%5D%5Bmax%5D=2500&facet%5Bprice%5D%5Bfrom%5D=1&facet%5Bprice%5D%5Bto%5D=2500)
https://www.modelu3d.co.uk/figures/ (https://www.modelu3d.co.uk/figures/)
https://www.andianmodels.com/3d-printed-figures (https://www.andianmodels.com/3d-printed-figures)
It may be worth buying a 3d printer - advice in our 3d forum
https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?board=136.0 (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?board=136.0)
Have you seen Preiser's range? At 1:160 they might be a bit on the small side for your 1:144 diorama but their range does include unpainted figures.
Steven B.