Make. Paint. Build: Hints, tips and advice for model train enthusiasts, model makers and miniaturists
Reviews
Model making tools, accessories, paints and glues and model trains tried, tested and reviewed by a lifelong modeller. No incentives, payment or gifts were exchanged for the reviews with all products were purchased at normal prices.
Best low-speed hand drill for modellers
Looking for a quicker, easier, and safer way of drilling holes in plastic models, miniatures, and polymer clay? The Tamiya mini-drill is a hole-in-one for your [...]
The best dehumidifiers to keep your model railway safe (and keeping your trains run smoothly)
If your man cave is in a shed or log cabin in your garden or spare room and you have humidity problems, your railways and models are at risk. After a bit of [...]
Time for a new screwdriver set
I recently treated myself to a new screwdriver set. [...]
Four E’s Vortex Paint Mixer Review
Just over a year ago, I purchased the Four E's mini vortex paint mixer and have been using it since then to test it. Here's how I got on. [...]
Best air fryer for polymer clay
Playing with polymer clay is a wonderfully creative and enjoyable activity, but there's one major hurdle that can dampen your creative spirit.
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Taking a new tool for a spin
When old and cherished hand tools meet the ease, speed and convenience of a modern power tool. [...]
Best wire stripping tool for model railways and household electrics
The easiest, fastest and best way to cut and strip wires for electrical work. [...]
Best face mask for model making
It won't do for me. Now.
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The best model railway controllers for DC / analogue layouts
Want to upgrade from the standard model train controller? Not sure which controller to buy? This is my guide to picking the best analogue to fit your budget [...]
Don’t use this for baseboards
I'm always on the look out for new, cheaper or better materials to build model railways with so when someone wrote in suggesting fibreboard I had [...]
Which Xuron track cutter to get (and how to use them for perfect cuts)
Struggling to get clean, straight ends, for your N, OO, and HO track when cutting it? Here's how I use the Xuron cutters to get the perfect track every time.
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Best Ballast Spreader for N, OO and HO track updated for 2023
Ballast transforms your railway from a train set to a model railway but it's time-consuming, fiddly and slow to lay. No more with this brilliant little ballast [...]
Skip the pain of reaching across your layout with this inspired home built aid
How's this for a nifty idea. [...]
Masters Brush Cleaner, review
If you do a lot of painting you'll undoubtedly go through a lot of brushes. I did. But not any more. [...]
A rotating tool holder, it’s not what you might expect
Is your workbench a mess, with tools, paints and glues scattered around? Looking for an organiser? I was and have found what could be the perfect rotating [...]
A stable aid to let you keep modelling when your hands shake
If tremors and shakes are keeping you away from your model making, this handy accessory will be a game changer for your modelling. [...]
A handy modelling tool
If only I had more fingers.
That’s something almost every modeller has uttered at one point or another.
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Review Märklin 81701 Z Gauge Train Starter Set
It’s happened again and I was powerless to resist. [...]
Humbrol Clear Gloss – What, How, Why
Humbrol's Gloss Clear is an often overlooked material for model making but it's incredibly useful and is far more than just a clear finish. [...]
The best head magnifier for model making
It happens to us all. Some sooner, some later. But it happens. [...]
