Crafting stories in miniature

Welcome to Little World Workshop, the creative home of Andy Leaning. I craft one-of-a-kind models that bring railways, wargaming, and fantasy worlds to life. Each piece is handmade, full of character and detail and built with soul, not from a mould. Perfect for enthusiasts who want something truly special.

The spark: from railways to worlds

My journey with model trains started when I was a little boy when my dad made me a little push-along train from an old telegraph pole (yes, that’s a much younger me in the photo) and I first saw trains on the railway line at the bottom of my parents garden in Wimbledon.

The sights, smells, and sounds that these huge and magnificent machines made as they flew past my garden and the goings on in the mysterious signal box just down the road stirred something deep within my childhood imagination.

My fixation was compounded by the discovery of Ivor the Engine on TV. To the little me, the railway works and buildings of the Merioneth and Llantisilly Railway on which Ivor’s adventures took place were wonderful, exciting, and fascinating to watch and it wasn’t long before I started building model railways.

I built endless layouts and this passion continues to this day, creating intricately detailed, lifelike, models. A few years ago, I created Model Railway Engineer, a website where I share my enjoyment and experiences with fellow enthusiasts. At its peak, it attracted over 240,000 visitors a year and I still enjoy making models for OO, 009, and N gauge railways, watching my small trains navigate the intricate worlds I’ve built.

However, over time, my interests grew beyond railways. What began as a hobby became an obsession with creating small, immersive worlds that tell their own stories. This is how Little World Workshop was conceived.

The industrial dream: nature reclaims the past

Much of my inspiration comes from the industrial heritage era, when machines and buildings were not just functional, but built with care and beauty. I’m drawn to how these once-grand structures are slowly reclaimed by nature and weathered by time. In my industrial-themed models, metals rust with autumnal colours and vines creep up decaying stonewalls, blending man-made decay with nature’s quiet persistence.

A leap into fantasy: enchantment in miniature

While I’m captivated by the industrial past, my imagination also leads me towards fantasy worlds. I create whimsical models of enchanted fairy toadstools, magical forests and spaces where anything feels possible. Though these pieces aren’t linked to railways or industry, they share a deep connection to nature and storytelling, inviting viewers to explore worlds where magic feels real.

The Workshop: a place where stories come to life

The name Little World Workshop reflects the type of work I do, how I do it, and where I do it—creating miniature worlds where history, imagination, and craftsmanship meet. In this space, away from the stresses of the outside world, my ideas take form and intricate worlds come to life, one detail at a time.

I blend traditional materials like wood, metal, and plaster with modern tools such as 3D printers, resin, and digital microscopes. This mix of old and new allows me to create highly detailed scenes with a natural look, feel, and depth.

An invitation: step into my worlds

At Little World Workshop, I believe even the smallest creations can tell stories. Whether drawing from history or fantasy, my aim is to craft one-of-a-kind models and dioramas that inspire wonder and curiosity.

So, whether you’re a collector, a model railway enthusiast looking for a unique scene, or simply someone who appreciates the art of miniatures, I invite you to discover the things I’ve crafted. And I hope that through my work, you’ll experience the same sense of magic and joy I feel when building them.

Come explore Little World Workshop, and let your imagination wander.