Modelling4Comfort
Welcome to my collection of modelling projects - dioramas, scratch builds, kits and more. Each piece represents hours of learning, problem-solving, and figuring things out as I go. I love to recycle and discover new uses for materials. From maritime vessels to gardens, English houses and nature scenes, these miniature worlds tell their own stories.
How to Explore Projects
Each project page gives an overview of the concept, what I was trying to do, and how it turned out. For those who want to dive deeper into the build process, check out the Build Logs section where you’ll find step-by-step documentation of construction methods, what worked (and what didn’t), and techniques I tried. The Techniques section is in early stages of development, but will eventually feature standalone guides and tips pulled from various projects.
Gorch Fock Training Ship
I never imagined getting involved in model building until I bought a kit for my grandson to inspire him. Years later, after it remained in the cupboard, I offered to build it for him. After several months of intense learning through trial and error, I completed the Gorch Fock training ship in May 2020.
This detailed replica of a traditional German sailing vessel is complete with authentic rigging and weathered details. Unfortunately I do not have any record of the building process.
SS Great Britain
The revolutionary passenger steamship designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Launched in 1843, she was the first iron-hulled, propeller-driven ship to cross the Atlantic.
This project came about when we visited the SS Great Britain museum in Bristol in December 2021. "This is my next project", I said. My search for a kit to build this ship turned to nothing. Finally, I bought a book about the ship, collated all the materials I could find and embarked on my first scratch build undertaking. This ambitious project captured one of the most significant vessels in maritime history and cemented my fascination with building models from scratch.
Cathy's Flower House
A charming miniature flower shop with LED lighting. This delightful Rolife kit brings together intricate details, warm lighting, and the cozy atmosphere of a traditional flower shop.
Bookshop Memories
A charming DIY Book Nook Kit from BookNookKit.com, creating an enchanting miniature bookshop scene perfect for display. This delightful kit features laser-cut wooden components, intricate details, and atmospheric LED lighting in a compact format designed to fit beautifully on a bookshelf.
Simon's Coffee Shop
A delightful miniature coffee shop from Fat Brain Toys, built over five holiday days. Originally purchased for my granddaughters (ages 6 and 10), the intricate details proved more suitable for adult builders. The kit features laser-cut plywood panels, realistic miniature accessories, and comprehensive instructions that made for an engaging and relaxing build.
Log Cabin in the Woods
A detailed scratch-built log cabin diorama set deep in the woods, featuring handcrafted cabin structure with individual logs, stone chimney, and timber roof. The woodland environment uses real plant materials, natural moss and lichen, and carefully prepared vegetation to create an authentic forest setting. The cabin features detailed corner notching, weathered shingles, and a front porch integrated naturally into the landscape.
English Country Garden
A charming English cottage with authentic thatched roof surrounded by a traditional cottage garden featuring over 50 miniature plant species. The 12m × 12m garden (at scale) includes climbing roses, herbaceous borders, vegetable patches, and carefully arranged flowerbeds capturing the essence of classic English garden design.
Traditional English Cottage
A detailed scratch-built English cottage inspired by a 2017 photograph, brought to life using 3D visualization and architectural research. This ambitious build features authentic flint and brick walls, a complex multi-faceted roof with paper tiles, hand-crafted windows and doors, and extensive landscaping with over 40 handmade plants and trees. Built as a personal challenge to transform a 2D image into a three-dimensional model, exploring new materials and techniques throughout the build.
Henrhyd Falls South Wales
An authentic representation of Wales' tallest waterfall at 1:250 scale, capturing the dramatic 27-meter cascade within the Brecon Beacons National Park. This challenging diorama features a vertical cliff face with Welsh geological formations, detailed water effects showing the falls' power and movement, and ancient temperate rainforest woodland with characteristic moss-covered rocks and trees. The build captures Henrhyd Falls' unique character including the famous walkway behind the waterfall featured in The Dark Knight Rises.
Caravaning in Wales
A commissioned scratch-build capturing a family's camping adventures with their Eriba Triton caravan and VW Golf estate on a scenic Welsh riverside campsite. This ambitious project features detailed 1:42 scale replicas of the caravan and vehicle, custom-sculpted figures including the family dog Tilly, and authentic Welsh countryside scenery complete with river, vegetation, and realistic grass effects.
Sea Rescue
A dramatic maritime rescue scene capturing the bravery and dedication of sea rescue services. This project will feature a detailed rescue vessel in action with authentic equipment, dynamic seascape, and realistic water effects to honor those who risk their lives saving others at sea.
Small Projects & Restorations
Not every project needs months of work to carry deep meaning. This collection brings together three meaningful small builds: a treasured WWII wooden Spitfire carved by my wife's father and carefully restored, a vintage 1906 Renault model completed in memory of our departed neighbor Jeff, and handcrafted dollhouse bunker beds built for my granddaughter's miniature friends. Each project tells its own story of memory, tribute, and connection.
Bamboo River Lookout
A charming scratch-built bamboo lookout cabin overlooking a tranquil river scene, created as an "in-between" project to experiment with natural materials and practice figure-making techniques. Features authentic bamboo construction with dried bamboo leaf roofing, hand-sculpted figures using wire armatures and air-dry clay, and detailed river scene with fishing accessories. Built as a special gift for my granddaughter's miniature world.
Plant Displays Series
A unique, ongoing botanical modeling collection featuring detailed artistic representations of selected plant species. Each display includes scratch-built components: leaf models, flower constructions, carved root systems, seed encapsulations, and seasonal representations. Plants currently in progress include Daffodil, Snowdrops, Protea, Strelitzia, Bluebells, Ranunculus, and Poinsettia. This multi-year project uses only natural materials and handcrafted techniques—no manufactured plastics or 3D printing.
- Henrhyd Falls
- Ancient Forest
Project Categories
🚢 Maritime & Nautical
Ships, boats, and coastal scenes capturing the romance and drama of the sea.
🏡 Architectural
Buildings, homes, and structures showcasing various architectural styles and periods.
🌲 Nature & Landscape
Natural environments from forests to waterfalls, bringing the outdoors in miniature.
🎭 Historical
Period-accurate recreations of historical scenes and settings.
About My Process
Each project typically involves:
- Research & Planning - Historical accuracy and reference gathering
- Base Construction - Creating the foundation and terrain
- Structure Building - Main elements and architectural features
- Detailing - Fine details, weathering, and character elements
- Finishing - Painting, lighting, and final touches
- Photography - Capturing the finished scene
Techniques Used
- Weathering - Creating realistic age and wear
- Scratch Building - Custom elements from raw materials
- Kit Bashing - Combining and modifying commercial kits
- Terrain Making - Realistic ground, water, and vegetation
- Lighting - LED integration for dramatic effect
- Green Screen Photography - Composite backgrounds for enhanced presentation
Want to Follow Along?
Check out the Build Logs section for detailed progress updates on current projects, or explore Techniques to learn about the methods and materials I use.