O Scale Model Railway Scenery Propane Tank and Figure

FAQ – Product FAQs

O Scale Propane Tank & Figure – FAQ

What exactly is included in my order?

Your order includes three items: 1 O scale propane tank, 1 O scale figure, and 1 piece of brass wire to use as the gas pipe. All parts are supplied unpainted and unprimed.

What scale is this set and what is it based on?

This is an O scale set, based on a real propane tank example. The figure is created from a 3D scan of a real person, giving it realistic proportions and detail suitable for O scale layouts.

What material are the parts made from?

The tank and figure are resin printed pieces in grey. The brass wire included is a suitable gauge to represent the gas pipe in O scale.

Are the models pre-painted or finished?

No, the models are supplied unpainted and unprimed. The painted tank shown in any images is for example purposes only, to show what the model can look like once finished.

Are the parts assembled when they arrive?

All items are cleaned and cured by hand and supplied unassembled if needed. They are ready for you to prime, assemble (where required), and paint.

How delicate are these models?

Resin can be quite delicate, so it is best to handle the parts carefully and avoid dropping them. Take particular care with thinner details and the brass wire pipe.

Why are there small marks or lines on the surface?

We do our very best to remove support marks during the cleaning process, but some fine sanding may still be required. Minor layer lines or faint support marks are normal with resin printing and can usually be smoothed with light sanding and primer.

Can I bend the brass wire to shape the gas pipe?

Yes, the brass wire is included specifically so you can bend it into a suitable gas pipe shape for your scene. Bend it gently to avoid kinks, and test-fit it alongside the tank and figure before fixing it in place.

Is this suitable for beginners?

Yes, this is a straightforward little project. As long as you are comfortable with basic sanding, priming, and brush painting, you should have no trouble finishing and installing the tank and figure on your layout.

Can I use this tank in different layout eras?

The propane tank is based on a real example and can fit a variety of eras, depending on how you paint and weather it. A cleaner finish suits more modern scenes, while heavier weathering works well for older or industrial layouts.

Is the figure fixed to the tank or separate?

The figure is a separate resin piece, supplied unpainted. You can position it wherever you like on your layout, near the tank or elsewhere, depending on the scene you want to create.

Can I combine this with other detail parts?

Absolutely. The propane tank and figure work nicely alongside sheds, workshops, small industries, or domestic scenes. You can add fencing, ground cover, and other details to build a complete vignette around the tank.

The tank arrived broken in the post. What should I do?

If the piece is broken in transit, please take clear photos of the damage and the packaging as soon as you notice it. Contact us with those images and we will see what we can do to help.

The model broke after I started working on it. Can it be replaced?

We cannot be held responsible for breakages once the item has arrived safely, as resin is delicate and can be damaged during handling, assembly, or dropping. For minor breaks, you can often repair parts with cyanoacrylate (super glue) and careful reinforcement.

There are small bits of support left on my model. Is that normal?

All supports are removed before shipping, but very small remnants can occasionally remain in hard-to-reach areas. These can be gently removed with a sharp hobby knife and then lightly sanded smooth.

The surfaces look slightly rough. How can I improve them?

Lightly sand any rough areas with fine-grit sandpaper or sanding sticks, then apply a good quality primer. Often one or two coats of primer, with a gentle sand in between, will give you a smooth surface ready for painting.

The brass wire seems a bit bent from shipping. What can I do?

Brass wire can usually be straightened by gently rolling it between a flat surface and a smooth tool, such as the handle of a paintbrush. Work slowly to avoid introducing sharp kinks.

What should I do before I start painting?

Although the parts are cleaned and cured by hand, it is good practice to:

• Inspect the parts for any remaining support marks or faint lines.
• Gently sand problem areas with fine-grit sandpaper.
• Wash the parts in mild soapy water, rinse, and let them dry fully.
• Apply a suitable primer for resin before painting.

Do I need to glue anything?

The tank and figure are separate pieces, and the brass wire pipe will need to be fixed in place. Use a suitable adhesive for resin (such as cyanoacrylate) to attach the wire to the tank or base, and to fix the figure where you want it on your layout.

What type of paints work best on these models?

Acrylic model paints work very well on primed resin, and enamels can also be used if you prefer. The key is to apply a good primer first, then build up thin, even coats of paint for the best finish.

Any tips for painting the propane tank realistically?

For a realistic finish, you can:

• Start with a solid base colour over primer (light grey, white, or a company colour).
• Add subtle rust and dirt tones around the base, seams, and fittings.
• Use thin washes and dry-brushing to pick out details and create depth.
• Finish with a matte or satin varnish to protect the paintwork.

How should I paint the figure for best results?

The figure is a 3D scan of a real person, so it rewards careful painting. Prime the figure first, block in basic clothing and skin tones, then add simple highlights and shadows. A thin wash can help bring out folds in clothing and facial features.

How can I securely install the tank and figure on my layout?

Once painted and fully dry, you can fix the tank and figure to your baseboard or diorama using a small amount of strong adhesive. For extra security, you can drill tiny holes in the base and insert short pins or wire into the feet of the figure or the bottom of the tank before gluing.