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


Tools

Tools to make model making and building model railways easier, quicker and give better results.

Best low-speed hand drill for modellers

Drilling a Warhammer gun barrel figure with the Tamiya drill
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 [...]

Time for a new screwdriver set

Wiha screw driver being used on a model train
I recently treated myself to a new screwdriver set. [...]

Four E’s Vortex Paint Mixer Review

Four E's Mini Vortex 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. [...]

The six must-have Dremel Bits & accessories for model train enthusiasts

Dremel model railway
Enhance your model train railway with these six essential Dremel accessories. [...]

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. [...]

Best wire stripping tool for model railways and household electrics

best wire stripper
The easiest, fastest and best way to cut and strip wires for electrical work. [...]

Which Xuron track cutter to get (and how to use them for perfect cuts)

cutting model railway track
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. [...]

Best Ballast Spreader for N, OO and HO track updated for 2023

Best N Gauge Ballast Spreader
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 [...]

Holding foam board and plasticard in place when gluing

engineers block
When making buildings from either foam board, plasticard (styrene sheet) or card - such as Metcalfe kits - a common problem is how to hold the various pieces [...]

A stable aid to let you keep modelling when your hands shake

arm rest help model making and model trains-small
If tremors and shakes are keeping you away from your model making, this handy accessory will be a game changer for your modelling. [...]

Revitalising static grass

Bring your static grass bake to life with this cool little tool. [...]

A handy modelling tool

model tool
If only I had more fingers. That’s something almost every modeller has uttered at one point or another. [...]

The best head magnifier for model making

fancii head magnifier
It happens to us all. Some sooner, some later. But it happens. [...]

5 Must-Have Tools To Transform Your Track Work From Terror To Triumph

There are an astonishing 10,072 miles of track in the UK.     [...]

Dremel 3000 review: the best Dremel for model railways

Dremel 3000 review close up of Dremel tool
I'm a long time fan of Dremel's versatile rotary tools and the Dremel 3000 is one of my favourite tools — no make that my number one most used model making [...]

What I Wish I’d Known Before Starting A Model Railway

Building a model railway can be fun, challenging, and rewarding, but it's easy to make mistakes and overlook important details when starting. Here are some [...]

The 17 must-have tools for building a model railway

The 17 indispensable tools for making model railways. [...]