David Davis Posted July 24, 2023 Share Posted July 24, 2023 About ten years ago I was given a DB Sport and Scale Auster which just needed finishing off so it's high time I got on with it but progress has stalled at the fitting of the canopy glazing. Because the glazing is so extensive on this model, fitting a pilot figure is to me mandatory. I've had a look at pilot figures on line but they seem to be quite expensive so I was thinking of fitting an Action Man or Barbie's Ken instead. Come to think of it I could even fit Barbie herself! We mustn't be sexist must we! One of the pilots in La Coupe Des Barons, a couple of years ago, flew with a Barbie Doll in the cockpit but she crashed just like the rest of us. I will have to glue the pilot in place before fitting the canopy glazing because it will be imposible to get him/her into the pilot's seat once the top glazing is in place. Does anyone have any experience of using these dolls as pilots? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Fry Posted July 24, 2023 Share Posted July 24, 2023 They are a bit heavy. I did one once, got a head, hands, (ready painted) and clothing from E bay, and made a foam “doll”, dressed it, and it looked good. There is a hobby, making action man figures. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Davis Posted July 25, 2023 Author Share Posted July 25, 2023 I will go down to the charity shop, the "entraide" for French residents, in the next village tomorrow to see whether they have anything suitable. I don't think that the weight of a doll will be a problem with the Auster, they have a reputation for being floaters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J D 8 Posted July 25, 2023 Share Posted July 25, 2023 My DB Major Mannock's pilot is an original 1960's action man [ from when I was a youngster] He is a French Resistance fighter version under his overalls and has a seatbelt to hold him in. And another in Bleriot XI. As you say the weight is not an issue for models like the DB Auster. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Davis Posted July 27, 2023 Author Share Posted July 27, 2023 I bought a Barbie Doll from the local "entraide" or charity shop for 10 centimes yesterday. She will pilot my Auster. I will need to operate on her legs to get her into a sitting position and unfortunately she's in an evening dress. However, I know a seamstress who could make her something more suitable for flying. I need to have a couple of pairs of trousers altered anyway! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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