Make. Paint. Build: Hints, tips and advice for model train enthusiasts, model makers and miniaturists
Diary of a miniaturist
The 2023 model railway survey
It's that time again! [...]
Organising and storing my paints
Life in lockdown continues, as does the move to our new house, which is putting a damper on my man-cave activities.
Instead, I've been looking at ways to [...]
Hidden Away – the genesis of a quick mini project
Hidden away behind a wall of trees, perched half way up a hillside, on the banks of Tamar in deepest Devon, is a small railway.
[...]
A family visit turns into railway reconnaissance
It wasn't planned but a family visit turned up an expected surprise and a massive aid to my layout construction.
[...]
Which are you?
Recently while making space for some of my father's things, I came across an old issue of Railway Modeller magazine. [...]
Richard Leaning, Dad.
This isn't a post I expected or wanted to write. [...]
Now I am become Stig, the model builder
How I went full Stig of the Dump for the sake of my models. [...]
A Day At The 2018 London Model Engineering Exhibition
A day spent with the smell of oil, grease and steam.
[...]
What’s Been Your Biggest Railway Blunder
So today wasn't one of my finest but it did remind me of this handy tip that might save you a train tragedy. [...]
Revealed: my most embarrassing model making moments
There I was happy in my own little world of model trains. And then I saw the odd expression on the face of a lady walking past. [...]
Of Gin, Grime and Geoff Burch
I spent last night in a local pub drinking some absolutely delicious Tiger Gin. What's that got to do with model railways you ask.... [...]
Invitations, Ivor and Invicta
How a wedding invite revealed the source of my life long passion and an exciting extension to my layout. [...]
I am the bringer of death
Here's a little secret. I'm terrible for starting new layouts before finishing the last one.
In fact, I've got several in various stages of "uncompletion" [...]
What George Stephenson Taught Me About Building Model Railways
George Stephenson (1781-1848) was one of the all time great engineers. But you already knew that. What you probably don’t know are all the wonderful things [...]
An Afternoon At STEAM – Swindon Railway Festival 2015
What better way to spend an otherwise quiet Sunday than a visit to the STEAM museum in Swindon for the 2015 Railway Festival. [...]
Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
I've got a confession...
[...]
The History Of Cornwall China Clay In Eight Paragraphs
Alongside Tin and Copper, another substance has been mined in Cornwall for hundreds and years and is like it's mineral counterparts has changed the face of [...]
