Finescale Modelling Skills Day 2026
Passing on skills (c) Jim Summers 2026
Young modellers try their hands at a range of finescale techniques
Our museum youth group recently enjoyed an inspiring day out at the Finescale Modelling Skills Day at the Low Port Centre in Linlithgow…
The event, presented by the Scalefour Society as part of its 50th Jubilee year, brought together layouts, demonstrations and plenty of practical advice for anyone interested in railway modelling.
A group of 20 young participants travelled from Bo’ness to take part, keen to try their hands at a range of modelling skills. Throughout the day they explored techniques including track building, soldering, plasticard modelling, scenic work, 3D printing for modellers, RTR stock conversion and layout design. One of the highlights was the landscaping and static grass demonstration, which gave the group a closer look at how realistic scenery is built up layer by layer.
Workshops help connect the practical craft of modelling with the railway stories and historic detail that sit behind every layout. They also bring together generations of makers. In the words of one of the demonstrators:
“I thoroughly enjoyed talking to those that stopped by. And, it was nice to see a group of young lads from Bo’ness so enthusiastic about model railways—maybe there is still hope for our hobby yet.”
We would like to say a big thank you to Chris Gough for organising the event and to the Scalefour Society members for creating such a welcoming space for new and experienced modellers alike.
Connecting the generations across the workshop table (c) Liz Paton
COLLECTING THE RAILWAY – A MODEL FOR THE FUTURE
For a railway museum, collecting full-size objects is only getting harder. Locomotives and rolling stock are huge, heavy, often fragile, and costly to care for. Created with the accuracy demonstrated by the Scalefour Society, models offer more than a display solution: they provide a practical way to explore railway history, engineering knowledge and conservation handskills at a scale the public can see, handle and understand.
Our 2027 exhibition will explore that potential through the idea of models as 3D history, asking what this means for future collecting and interpretation, including how we explain the rolling stock already in our care. We will be sharing more about this as the 2027 exhibition takes shape.
3D history will be explored in detail in our 2027 exhibition
MODELLING ON A GRAND SCALE: THE CLASS 91 ‘SOUND AND STORIES’ PROJECT
On 26 September, with the help of the 225 Group, we will give visitors a first look at how simple, non-interventive modelling techniques can help us better understand the experience – the sights, sounds, and skills – of operating our Class 91 91131 ‘Henry Royce’ at high speed on the main line.
Read more about the ‘Sound and Stories’ project and how you can get involved here.