Frequently Asked Questions

What is Little World Workshop?

Little World Workshop is my independent workshop, focused on the creation of handcrafted miniature worlds. I design and make every piece by hand, treating each scene as a small composition — something to be explored, displayed and collected. My work is available directly from my own shop, as well as through eBay and Etsy.

Where are you based?

I live and work in Surrey, UK. The correspondence address for Little World Workshop is 5 Brayford Square, London, E1 0SG — postal only, not a workshop you can visit.

Can I visit your workshop?

Not at the moment — I work from a small private workshop and don't have a space set up for visitors. The best way to see the work in person is at one of the craft fairs and miniature events I attend throughout the year.

Can I see your work in person?

Yes — I show at craft fairs and miniature events throughout the year, and it's a great way to see the scale and detail up close. You'll find upcoming dates and locations on the events page.

What types of models and dioramas do you make?

Wargaming terrain, OO gauge model railway scenes, fantasy and whimsical pieces, and bespoke commissions. They sit across three collections — Workshop Originals, Pocket Worlds and Little World Pieces — and I also take on bespoke commissions.

What's the difference between Workshop Originals and Little World Pieces?

Workshop Originals are made for you — pieces built to order from a range of established designs. You choose what you'd like, and I build it for you. Little World Pieces are something different: one-off builds, each centred on a particular setting — a handturned bowl, a vintage tin, a glass dome — that I come across and can't resist making a world inside. They're never repeated, and when they're gone, they're gone. The newsletter is the best way to hear when new ones become available.

How do you make your models?

Each piece starts with a specific idea — a scene, a mood, something I want to make feel real at a few centimetres across. I work with clay, card, metal, foam, plastic, resin, and natural materials depending on what the piece needs. Paint and weathering come last. I don't consider something finished until it holds together as a scene rather than just a collection of parts.

How long have you been making models?

Over 25 years of miniature artistry and model-making. It started as a child and never really stopped. For much of that time it ran alongside model railways; more recently it's become its own thing entirely.

How long does it take to complete a diorama?

It depends on the piece. Something small and self-contained might take a few days. A larger or more complex scene can take several weeks. Every project is different.

What's the lead time for Workshop Originals?

Workshop Originals are made for you, with a lead time of 7 to 12 days. I'll confirm the timeline when you place your order.

Do you take custom orders?

Yes. If you have a particular scene or idea in mind, get in touch and we can talk through whether it's something I can take on. Lead times vary depending on complexity and how many pieces I have running at the time.

What scales do you work in?

Mostly 1:35, 1:48, and 1:72, though I'll work in other scales when the piece calls for it. My model railway pieces are built for OO gauge layouts (1/76.2 scale) and work equally well for 009 narrow gauge.

Can I request modifications to a model I see on your site?

Yes, if you've seen something close to what you're after, please get in touch. I'm happy to work with you to create what you want.

Where can I purchase your models?

You can purchase my models directly from my eBay store, Etsy, or — for the lowest prices — direct via my shop.

Do you ship internationally?

Due to the costs required to comply with EU requirements in General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) and EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation I am unable to ship to countries in the EU. For other countries, please get in touch.

What materials do you use?

Air drying clay, polymer clay, resin, wood, metal, card, and foam mostly — along with natural materials and found objects when they're right for a piece.

How do you ship your models?

Each piece is hand-wrapped and packed in a sturdy cardboard box before going out via Royal Mail guaranteed courier. I pack them the way I'd want something fragile sent to me.

Can I commission a diorama for a gift or special occasion?

Yes — and it's something I take particular care with. A piece built around a specific person or memory tends to be among the most satisfying work I do. Get in touch and we can talk through what you have in mind.

Do you offer tutorials or classes on diorama making?

I occasionally offer tutorials and behind-the-scenes looks at my process on the blog, and have written a number of guides and tips for model-making on my companion site, ModelRailwayEngineer.com.

Are your models suitable for children?

My model railway models can be used on a Hornby-style layout by older children, though they may require connection to the railway's electrical supply and should be supervised. My other models are display pieces only, and all contain small glued items that are not suitable for young children.

Do you offer a returns policy?

If something arrives damaged, please get in touch within 7 days and I'll put it right. Bespoke commission pieces are non-refundable.

Can you make a miniature of a real building?

Yes, homes, cottages, pubs, shops, railway buildings, workplaces, clubhouses, historic buildings and other places with personal significance can be made.

Can you make a miniature of a company building or workplace?

Yes. I can create a handmade miniature of a company building, office, factory, shop, pub, hotel, restaurant, clubhouse or other workplace. These can be made as retirement or leaving gifts, anniversary pieces, presentations or simply as a record of a place that has been important to a business or its people. I can usually work from photographs, so detailed architectural drawings aren't necessarily required.

Do you make miniature displays for museums and heritage organisations?

Yes. I can create small handmade dioramas and miniature scenes for museums, heritage organisations, local history displays and visitor attractions. These could depict a historic building, landscape, industrial site, railway scene or another aspect of local history. Each project is individually discussed so that the scale, level of detail and intended use can be considered.

Can you create specific buildings or scenes for model railways?

Yes, I've made many buildings and scenes for OO and 009 model railways and can make the scene to the style and size required.

Can you recreate a building that has closed, changed or been demolished?

Potentially, yes. If suitable photographs or other reference material exists, I can create a miniature interpretation of a building that has subsequently been altered, demolished or disappeared completely. This can work particularly well for former workplaces, pubs, shops, railway buildings and other places people remember.

What's the difference between your miniature buildings and architectural models?

My work is primarily about creating detailed, atmospheric miniature scenes rather than technical architectural models. While the proportions and recognisable features of a building are important, I also concentrate on weathering, vegetation, terrain and the small details that give a place character. If you require a technically precise architectural model for planning or construction purposes, a specialist architectural modelmaker would usually be more appropriate.

How do I commission a miniature for a company or organisation?

Start by getting in touch with a brief description of what you'd like to have made. If possible, include photographs of the building, location or subject, the approximate size you have in mind, how the finished piece will be used and any date you need it by. You don't need to prepare a detailed specification — I can discuss the options with you and suggest an appropriate approach.