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Make. Paint. Build: Hints, tips and advice for model train enthusiasts, model makers and miniaturists


Model Making

Tips and techniques to make and paint better scale models and plastic kits for model railways, military plastic kits, miniatures and wargaming

Making a miniature bird nest

Photo of a miniature bird nest for model railways
How I made a miniature bird nest for White River Mills. [...]

Making an animated bonfire

Model bonfire for oo gauge model railway
How to make a miniature bonfire that glows just like a real fire. [...]

Unlock your inner architect: making exquisite polymer clay model houses

Photo showing how walls of a model house and made from polymer clay
With creativity, patience, and a dash of imagination, polymer clay artist Beni Grob makes diminutive model railway dwellings. [...]

EPS Foam or XPS Foam – which is best for diorama making

EPS vs XPS foam
Trying to decide between XPS and EPS foam for your next diorama or scenery project? Read on to discover the key differences. [...]

How NOT to clean your paintbrushes

Photo of dirty paint brushes in a dirty pot of water
Don't do what I did! Follow these simple steps to keep your paintbrushes intip-top condition. [...]

Handle with care: the parts of a paint brush and how to clean them

The parts of a paint brush
Don't let dirty paintbrushes hold you back from creating your next masterpiece!  Know what the various parts of a brush do and how to look after them. [...]

From Flat to Fantastic: Tips for better card kit models

model card kit construction
Master the art of card kit construction with these quick, easy, proven tips. [...]

An Essential Step for Plastic Miniature & Model Painting?

Washing miniatures and plastic models
Are paint problems ruining your miniature masterpieces? The answer could be as simple as a wash! Discover why washing is a must before painting and how to do [...]

Itty-bitty icicles

how to make miniature icicles.
Add a winter touch to your miniature models with these quick to make Itty-bitty icicles. [...]

The Beginner’s Guide To Static Grass

The Melin Llechi layout
If you're looking to add realistic greenery to your miniature landscapes, static grass is a great option. But, what exactly is static grass and how do you [...]

What is the difference between a Dremel collet and chuck?

If you work with Dremel's or other rotary tools, you'll have heard about collets and chucks. But what are they, which should you use and when. [...]

Can polymer clay be baked twice or rebaked?

Made a mistake or want to add something new to your polymer clay design after it's baked? Wondering if you can rebake it? Here's where you need to know. [...]

Making a model derelict barn

abandoned barn model
Making a scratch built barn to hide the fiddle yard entrance on the layout was a lot of fun. [...]

Best glue to add snow to your buildings

how to fix fake snow to model buildings
If you're making a Christmas diorama or snow scene on your model railway, you'll want snow on not just the ground but on buildings. But what glue should you [...]

Making miniature pumpkins

Miniature pumpkins
Possibly one of the cutest miniatures I've made. [...]

The best temperature and time to bake Fimo polymer clay

Oven thermometer showing best temperature for Fimo clay.
One of the most important things to know when baking Fimo is the perfect time and temperature to get the best results. [...]

Finishing touches

scale model pigeon
I've recently finished another building for my exhibition layout. Well, it'll do for now. [...]

Scratch building a 4mm scale storage shed

Photo of a stoage shed on a model railway.
How the storage sheds for White River Mills where constructed. [...]

7 Step Guide To Making Tarpaulin covers

How to make your own tarpaulin covers for wagons
You can buy ready-made tarpaulin wagons but you can also make your own. MRE goes undercover to find out how. [...]

How to make model sacks and sandbags

This cheap, quick and simple technique for making sandbags and sacks works for any scale and war game and requires little to now model making skills. [...]