What is a good way to temporarily mount figures on my layout?

Whether they are from Noch, Preiser, Faller, Merten, Bachmann, Woodland Scenics or another manufacturer, when it comes to temporarily mounting scale figures, there are several effective methods you can employ to ensure your figures remain securely in place whilst still allowing for easy repositioning. One popular approach is to use Blu Tack, a reusable adhesive putty that provides a strong hold without leaving residue on your figures or layout.

To use Blu Tack, simply take a small piece and roll it into a ball. Press the ball onto the underside of your figure's base, then gently press the figure onto your desired location on the layout. The Blu Tack will hold the figure securely, but you can easily remove the figure and reposition it as needed without damaging the model or the layout.

Another option is to use small magnets. You can glue a small magnet to the underside of your figure's base using a strong adhesive like super glue. Then, place a corresponding magnet underneath your layout's surface, ensuring that the polarities align. This method allows you to quickly place and remove figures as desired, while the magnetic hold keeps them stable.

For a more concealed approach, you can create a small hole in your layout's surface and insert a short piece of wire or a small nail. Then, drill a corresponding hole in the base of your figure, ensuring a snug fit. You can then place the figure onto the wire or nail, which will hold it securely in place. This method works particularly well for figures that will remain in the same position for extended periods.

Finally, there are always dedicated adhesives such as Tacky Wax which stay tacky and hold the figures in place while allowing easy removal at a later stage.

Whichever method you choose, always handle your figures with care to avoid damage. These temporary mounting solutions allow for greater flexibility in arranging your scale figures, enabling you to create dynamic and ever-changing scenes on your model railway layout.