Card shops

Assembly started in a shopping centre and completed back at home on the bench - this set of Metcalf Models cardboard shops has been around a bit.

"Serious" modellers probably look down their nose at kits like these - and I'll admit I wouldn't use them on a layout myself - but I like them. For a start, they are attractive in a cartoony sort of way. Pretty even.

Best of all though, assembly is within the skill level of pretty much anyone. If you are a beginner, you can MAKE something for your model railway. All that is required is a knife, ruler and tube of UHU.

Add a dash of patience and there is a the satisfaction of crafting a model with your own hands. From there, if the bug bites, who knows what you'll end up doing.