Make. Paint. Build: Hints, tips and advice for model train enthusiasts, model makers and miniaturists
Projects
Progress reports, track plans, tips and updates from the construction of my model railways. Includes N, OO and 009 gauge layouts. Based on railways in Cornwall and a 1980s Network South East themed railway.
Making a miniature bird nest
How I made a miniature bird nest for White River Mills. [...]
It has a name! Why my model railway is called White River Mills
After much contemplation, countless cups of tea, and a dash of inspiration, I've finally given my 009 exhibition layout a name: Welcome to White River [...]
An optical illusion
It's been bugging me for ages. [...]
Making an animated bonfire
How to make a miniature bonfire that glows just like a real fire. [...]
Making an animated outhouse
Time for a break. [...]
Front of house for the exhibition layout
From the very start of constructing this layout, I've intended the layout to be boxed in. [...]
Making a model derelict barn
Making a scratch built barn to hide the fiddle yard entrance on the layout was a lot of fun. [...]
Adding animals
As a break from building construction for the layout, I painted a few more animals that will be live around the railway. [...]
Modelling a smithy, exhibition layout
With the goods shed almost complete, I've moved onto to the smithy. [...]
Finishing touches
I've recently finished another building for my exhibition layout. Well, it'll do for now. [...]
Scratch building a 4mm scale storage shed
How the storage sheds for White River Mills where constructed. [...]
Background scenic sounds
Want ambient background sounds on your layout, it's cheaper and easier than might you think. [...]
Layout wiring
For a change I decided not to break anything on my exhibition layout. [...]
I didn’t mean to do that
How working on the model river lead to flooding one of my points with masking fluid! [...]
Making a river, exhibition layout
Starting on the scenery. [...]
A moving waterwheel
My exhibition layout will feature a mill with turning waterwheel. This article explains the simple electrics behind this. [...]
How to create convincing corners with Plasticard
Plasticard, aka Styrene sheet, is a great material for making buildings but just gluing sheets together can leave you with ugly corners. This article looks at [...]
Building an OO scale mill house
Building a mill house. [...]
Revision, exhibition layout
With the baseboard construction and track laid down, I've had a chance to plan some of the detail of the layout and typically this highlighted a problem. [...]
Laying the track
Now for the fun part. [...]
