JULIAN LILLEY looks at what's new from Preiser this year.
Preiser offer the largest range of hand painted highly detailed figures and accessories in most of the popular modelling Scales. The more popular the scale the larger their offering is. Their OO/HO range has a staggering 1,669 options.
If you consider that most of these sets have six figures or animals in them, that's 10,000 different items! With a lot of us being in lock down, right now is a good time to view their whole range.
Over the last few years Preiser have been adding items to their boating theme. These include sailing dinghies, the beautiful Riva Italian motor launches, fishing boats, swimmers, pontoons and much more.
This year they have increased the options of dinghies by another four where you could simulate a regatta taking place. If you are adventurous you could build a magnetic drive system powering the boats around the lake.
PR10676 Korsar Boat with Sailors (2) Exclusive Figure Set
PR10677 Korsar Boat with Sailors (2) Exclusive Figure Set
PR10679 Korsar Boat with Sailors (2) Exclusive Figure Set
PR10681 Korsar Boat with Sailors (2) Exclusive Figure Set
Also added this year for added realism is a Boat hire kiosk, information displays and life belts and various street food stands including the Donner kebab stand seen below.
PR17317 Information Displays/Lifebelt Set
PR10747 Doner Kebap Sales Stand (5) Exclusive Figure Set
And for that extra touch of drama why not have a swimmer being rescued from the water.
PR10744 Rescued from the Water (5) Exclusive Figure Set
As I said in the Faller New Items article in the last edition, Model Railway manufacturers started to explore other eras than steam and early diesel and electric. Preiser are no exception adding several beautifully animated and painted sets as only they can.
The next three figure sets would look good on a platform or a street scene.
PR10737 Shoppers (7) Exclusive Figure Set
PR10738 Shoppers on Benches (6) Exclusive Figure Set
PR10793 Passers By (6) Exclusive Figure Set
To compliment the Faller Stables, Preiser have added this horse riding set that you could also put in a country lane.
PR10794 Horse Riding Lessons (6) Exclusive Figure Set
A few other sets that caught my eye for British Outline and Continental layouts - although for British change the title from wine festival to pub garden!
PR10754 Road Workers (2) with Compressor Exclusive Figure Set
PR10783 Wine Festival (6) Exclusive Figure Set
PR10741 Woman Hanging Laundry (4) Exclusive Figure Set
The sharp eyed amongst you might ask why a BMW 327 Cabriolet from the late 1930s is featured under modern. Well, it's because it's modelled on a classic car enthusiast and his partner. A very common sight around Gaugemaster HQ when the Goodwood Revival meeting is on.
PR33270 BMW 327 Cabriolet Proud Owners Scene Figure Set
Not forgetting the steam era, this set containing construction workers on a break is beautifully animated and finished.
PR33263 Construction Workers on a Break Trailer Scene
PR17716 Wells Planted with Flowers (2)
PR17717 Flowers in Containers (6)
It is in G Scale that you really appreciate the detailed modelling that goes into Preiser figures - this year is no exception with the three sets shown. The cartwright is particularly fine example and would look good in any village setting.
PR44936 Women Hanging Laundry (2) Figure Set
O Scale British Outline has had a bit of a renaissance recently and these figures are ideal for adding to your layout.
PR65376 Engine Drivers (2) and Firemen (2) Figure Set
PR65378 Elderly Travellers (4) Figure Set
Not forgetting the N Scale modellers, due to come out is an excellent value set of 70 unpainted working people from all Trades. You might get a headache painting these though... (Ed - You'll need a set of Helping Hands!).
PR79009 Working People (70) Unpainted Figure Set
And finally, for inspiration for your layouts and to read the story of this fascinating German company is a book about Preiser (in English). This one will certainly be on my Christmas List this year!
PR96001 Preiser Figures - To Fall In Love
CLICK HERE to take a look at the 2020 new items leaflet.