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If you’re curious about card modelling or looking for an affordable, easy way to add buildings to your railway layout or diorama, Scalescenes kits are one of the best places to begin. These downloadable, print‑at‑home kits let you build detailed structures using nothing more than paper, card, glue, and a bit of patience! Because you control the printing and the materials, they’re ideal for beginners who want to create realistic-looking structures without the risk of messing up, as well as more experienced modellers who want to scratch build their own scenes. What is included in a Scalescenes Kit? Scalescenes produces high‑quality, downloadable PDF kits covering everything from small lineside huts to large industrial buildings. Each kit includes texture sheets, parts sheets, and clear instructions. You print the pages at home, mount them onto card of the recommended thickness, cut out the components, and assemble them into a finished model. The textures are crisp, the designs are clever, and the construction methods are intentionally repeatable so you build confidence with every project. The Scalescenes T018a Lock Keeper's Cottage kit - Kit available here and laser cut card parts here What You Need to Get Started One of the biggest advantages of Scalescenes is that you don’t need a workshop full of tools. To build your first kit, you will need: A colour printer Good‑quality paper or self adhesive labels Mounting card (usually 1mm and 2mm) A sharp craft knife A steel rule A cutting mat Spray mount, PVA, or a glue stick A bit of time and a steady hand! That’s genuinely enough to complete your first model. Everything else - fancy tools, specialist glues, or laser‑cut parts - is optional and can be added later as you find your own style. Cutting by Hand vs. Using Laser‑Cut Parts Every Scalescenes kit is designed so you can  cut every single piece by hand. Many modellers enjoy that part of the process, and it’s a great way to learn how card behaves. But it’s also the stage that takes the most time and can be the most frustrating for beginners, especially when you hit repetitive pieces, tiny details, or curved shapes. That’s where ChrisInDen laser‑cut card parts  come in. They’re completely optional, but they offer three big advantages: Perfectly clean, accurate edges  that are difficult to achieve consistently by hand and without going through endless scalpel blades Huge time savings especially on repetitive or structural components Stress‑free handling of fiddly parts including curves and tiny details All of the pieces you need without having to source different card types or worry about thicknesses P erfect fit for our laser cut window frames available for many Scalescenes kits You still build the model yourself, you just skip the most demanding and tedious work (if you’ve ever cut out hundreds of windows then you’ll know what I mean!). It’s a great way to boost confidence and get a professional finish, particularly on your first few kits. A ChrisInDen laser-cut card parts kit Why Scalescenes Is Ideal for Beginners Scalescenes kits are intentionally forgiving. If you make a mistake, you can reprint a sheet. If you want to try a different finish, you can experiment without fear. And once you've downloaded the kit you can make as many as you like. The instructions are clear, the construction methods are logical, and the results look far more impressive than the simplicity of the process suggests. It’s a hobby where you learn by doing, and every build teaches you something new. Where This Series Goes Next This post is the first in a three‑part beginner series. Next, we’ll share practical tips and tricks  to help you cut cleaner lines, avoid warping, get sharper folds, and fix mistakes without stress. After that, we’ll walk through building your first complete model  using the Scalescenes Coal Office, a small, confidence‑boosting project that’s perfect for new modellers. Subscribe to the ChrisInDen newsletter here to get new blog posts straight to your inbox.

There’s something about January that makes it a good time to start a fresh modelling project. The rush of Christmas is behind us, the days are still short, and a bit of time at the workbench can be just the thing to ease into the new year. If you’re looking for a satisfying build to get your teeth into, Scalescenes have plenty of excellent kits to choose from, and we’ve got the laser‑cut card parts ready to help you get started. As always, Scalescenes kits need to be purchased and downloaded directly from the Scalescenes website at: https://scalescenes.com/ and the matching laser‑cut card parts can be ordered from us here at ChrisInDen. With that said, here are five meaty projects that make ideal January builds. 1. Build a Complete Layout in a Box File If you fancy a self‑contained project or you’re just getting started in the hobby the Scalescenes Industrial Box File Kit LY01 and Canal Wharf Box File Kit LY02 are hard to beat. It’s remarkable what you can create inside an ordinary office box file - a fully detailed micro‑layout with buildings, scenery, and plenty of character with opportunity to showcase a variety of model-making skills. These kits are particularly good for beginners because they don’t require a large layout or a lot of space. Everything is designed to fit neatly inside the box, and the end result is surprisingly impressive. Its a great standalone model so if you need something compact and easy to transport to shows or your local modelling club then these kits are perfect. The laser‑cut parts make the build more straightforward and help ensure everything fits together cleanly, ideal if you’re easing back into modelling after the Christmas break. Don't forget we do a laser-cut window set for the canal wharf kit as well! 2. Create a Full Industrial Diorama For something with a bit more heft, the Scalescenes industrial range offers a brilliant opportunity to build a complete scene. Kits like the Industrial Warehouse T024a , Industrial Boiler House T024b , Industrial Workshop T024c , Industrial Water Tower T024d and Industrial Chimney T026b  can be combined to create a convincing industrial district on your layout. This is a great project if you enjoy detailed model-making and want the accuracy and finesse of Scalescenes textures. Each building has its own character, and when you put them together you get a scene that feels lived‑in and purposeful, the sort of place where you can almost hear the machinery humming! It’s also a flexible project. You can build the whole lot as a single diorama, or add the structures to different parts of your layout over time. Either way, it’s a rewarding winter build with plenty of scope for weathering, detailing, and personal touches. 3. Make a Stunning Centrepiece with the T014 Church Kit If you’re after a big, detailed kit to settle into during the darker evenings, the T014 Church  is a lovely choice. It’s one of Scalescenes’ more substantial builds, and the finished model makes a beautiful focal point on any layout. The church works well as a standalone display model too. There’s a lot of satisfaction in seeing the tower, buttresses, and stonework come together, and the detailing gives you plenty to get stuck into. It’s the sort of project you can take your time with, ideal for January, when a slower, more absorbing build can be just what you need. Our laser‑cut card pack takes care of the fiddlier structural elements and all of those curved cuts, leaving you free to enjoy the craft of assembling and finishing the model. 4. Build a Vibrant Street Scene If you prefer something with variety, Scalescenes’ range of house and shop buildings offers endless possibilities. You can mix and match different kits (such as the T022a Terraced Houses , the T008 and T008a low relief house fronts and backs , the T022c Corner Shops , T013a 1970's Semi-detached houses ) to create a lively street scene full of character, just add the people! This kind of project is great fun because you can build it up gradually. Add a row of houses one weekend, a pub the next, then start filling in the details: signage, chimneys, street furniture. Before you know it, you’ve got a whole neighbourhood taking shape. It’s also a good way to experiment with different finishes and weathering styles. A street scene gives you plenty of scope to try new techniques without committing to a single large structure. And if you need some finishing touches look out for our 3D printed chimney sets coming soon! 5. Tackle a Satisfying Maritime Build with the Clyde Puffer For something a bit different, the Clyde Puffer T030b  kit is a cracking project. It’s a substantial build in its own right, with plenty of detail to enjoy, and the finished model has real presence. You can display it on its own, but it also works beautifully as part of a dockside scene. Pair it with Scalescenes kits like the Dock Edge T016  or Fishing Boats T030a / T030d , and add a few of our 3D‑printed details like life buoys or our Clyde Puffer features and you’ve got the makings of a busy little harbour. It’s a great winter project: absorbing, a bit challenging in places, and very satisfying when you see it all come together. Ready to Start Your First Project of the Year? Whether you’re building a tiny layout in a box file or tackling a full industrial scene, January is a brilliant time to begin something new. All Scalescenes kits can be downloaded directly from the Scalescenes website at https://scalescenes.com/ and you’ll find the matching laser‑cut card parts here at ChrisInDen. If you do start a new project this month, we’d love to see how you get on so feel free to share your progress with us. It’s always a pleasure to see these kits brought to life.

Hi everyone I am pleased to announce that the Scalescenes Industrial Box File laser cut parts kit is now available on the website. Like the Canal Wharf kit, this model is designed to fit inside a standard box file, dimensions for which can be found in the instructions from Scalescenes but can also be used to create a diorama as part of larger layout. There are loads of great examples on the Scalescenes Facebook group of modelers using this kit as the basis for a scene on a larger layout. I hope you enjoy the kit, please contact me with any feedback or questions. Happy modelling Chris

Hi everyone I am really pleased to announce the release of a laser cut kit for all the card parts required for the Scalescenes Small Fishing Boats kit T030d in both OO Gauge and N Gauge which are now available on my website at https://www.chrisinden.co.uk/product-page/laser-cut-parts-for-scalescenes-small-fishing-boats-t030d In order to complete the kit you still need to download the kit from www.scalescenes.com. Don't forget to let me know which kits you would like to see developed next, I do them in demand order. Next up is the Church and the Modern Cargo Ship. Please note also that this kit has been developed with the approval of scalescenes.com. Please drop me a line with any questions.

Hi everyone I am really pleased to announce the release of a laser cut kit for all the card parts required for the Scalescenes Stone Warehouse kit T026c in both OO Gauge and N Gauge which are now available on my website at https://www.chrisinden.co.uk/product-page/laser-cut-parts-for-scalescenes-stone-warehouse-t026c In order to complete the kit you still need to download the kit from www.scalescenes.com. Please note also that this kit has been developed with the approval of scalescenes.com. Please drop me a line with any questions.

Hi everyone, just a quick reminder that the interim Christmas Modelers Medley will take place tomorrow, I will be sending the invite out later today. It is important to note that Christmas jumpers are mandatory, the more garish the better. See you tomorrow.

Hi Everyone I have now activated our online forum. Please create a topic for each of your builds and add progress pictures, questions and observations for all members. Please ensure that once completed, you provide a picture of your completed model. All completed model will be entered in the draw for a £10 Scalescenes voucher in January. Keep modelling Chris

Hi everyone and welcome to the new members who have joined our community in the last month. Saturday November 7th sees the return of the Modellers Medley, our usual relaxed online get together where we can chat about modelling, share tips and techniques and do a bit of modelling at the same time. I will be continuing the construction of the Scalescenes Factory Warehouse and we will be joined by John Gowers who will be giving a talk on how he constructed the impressive control panels for the Kimble layout. If you would like to receive an invite, please register as a member, it's free, at www.chrisinden.co.uk, hit the login button, top right and register your details to keep up to date with what is happening in the community. I will be sending out the invite on Friday evening. It's been a busy few weeks in the den, a lot of my time was taken up putting together a layout design for a client, ably assisted by my friends Pete and John at RME, www.rmeuk.co.uk. The track plan is complete as is the baseboard design so just waiting for things to ease on the Covid front so I can make the baseboards and deliver them to the client. Having joined the 3 Counties area group meeting, I volunteered to give a presentation on CANCOMPUTE at the next meeting on November 11th, after which, I realised that I no longer had a suitable module to run it from so set about building a kit obtained from RME. Myself and the guys at RME are now in receipt of the RC522 RFID readers and chips so I will be updating you all on progress with these in due course. Layout Not a lot of progress here I'm afraid, I have build a little bit more track but nothing of such note that would justify a picture. I have however, with the help of one of the ChrisInDen members decided to rename the layout to Tylersfield, this is a name with meaning and it does away with the previous confusion. Thanks for reading folks. See you on the 7th of November! Stay safe and keep modelling.

Hi everyone A quick reminder that our inaugural Model Makers Medley is taking place this Saturday October 3rd 0900-1200 BST (GMT+1) I am conscious that since the start of the pandemic, we are inundated by online meetings and calls so here is something different. There is nothing better than a group of like minded individuals getting together, sharing their knowledge and indulging in what they enjoy, model making of course! So, to that end the monthly Model Makers Medley is born, an agenda free session where we can meet up , build models and chat. I know for a fact that learning will come from the experience along with some good laughs. There is no commitment to stay for the duration, just drop in and out as you feel fit. If you haven't done so already, please go to my website home page, select Log In at the top right and register to become a member of the community. On the evening before the call, I will email you joining instructions and I look forward very much to seeing you on day. In the meantime, stay safe and keep modelling.

Hi everyone and welcome to all of the new members who have joined our community in the last month. It is my hope that together we can build an environment where we can just chill, chat and maybe do some modelling as well! I have now scheduled the next six months’ worth of get togethers to give you all a chance to get them in your busy diaries and negotiate with your significant others! The meetups will take place online on the first Saturday of every month between 0900 and 1200 with the inaugural meeting being Saturday the 3rd of October . There is no fixed agenda and no obligation to do the whole stint, just drop in when you want. I would be really keen to hear what topics you would like to discuss and I would also like to try and arrange some expert guest speakers for us as well (please feel free to drop me an e-mail if there are any items you would be interested in covering). I hope you can join me and bring along some of your ongoing projects, I look forward to meeting you all. If you haven’t done so already, head on over to the ChrisInDen Facebook page, give us a like and join our group or alternatively join the ChrisInDen membership at www.chrisinden.co.uk, hit the login button, top right and register your details to keep up to date with what is happening in the community. So that’s the plan! And now here’s a quick update on what’s been happening in the den: JMRI Course Part 2: Another great weekend with my friends from RME diving in to the idiosyncrasies of JMRI, a truly global affair (Thanks Gregg, AUS), covering advanced blocks, NX Routing, Signal Masts and Signal Mast Logic. We did touch on scripts just to ensure that those that weren’t fried, were done to a turn! Thanks to Pete as always taking the technical lead, John for his objective approach and all who attended for keeping awake whilst I was presenting. All in all a great event and a perfect precursor to our face to face courses scheduled next year, lockdown permitting. More to come as always. The layout To make things confusing, the layout is also called ChrisInDen, but I will try and make clear what I am talking about to avoid confusion, I really need to change the name. If anyone has a suggestion for a layout name, feel free to comment. (Keep it clean please) The track building mojo seems to have fired up again and I managed to make further inroads on the ChrisInDen layout. I don’t know about you, but I seem to have to re-learn all of the techniques every time I do it. (Message to self: rinse and repeat, often). There are no major improvement photo’s I can show but I would like to call out Marcway models in Sheffield, for providing me with some much needed rail, one of the longest standing local model shops in the area. The proliferation of online services is great but, in my opinion, there is nothing better than visiting your local(ish) shop for face to face discussion and advice. Observation from the media I watched an interesting video from Charlie at Chadwick re track cleaning, a far-ranging subject with many solutions to a perennial problem. Here is a link to the video, make of it what you will. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dy_lWcxwYyo Tip of the moment When threading chairs to rail on hand built track, cut the rail oversize and file the ends of the rail to a sharp “V” to facilitate easy insertion of the chairs. Once they are all on the rail, cut off the taper and dress accordingly. Future plans at ChrisnDen I have a number of things on the radar subject to interest: - Scalescenes Group Build – I will make available for a small fee a laser cut kit of of the Scalescenes free download Weightbridge/Coal Office kit. The kit will include all the heavy and medium card elements, the remainder of which you will need to print yourself (I can help here if necessary). We can then do a group build. For those not familiar with the concept, we all build the same thing within an agreed range across a certain period, culminating in a show and tell at the end. It’s a bit of a laugh and may warrant a prize for one of the entries. A JMRI Taster - JMRI is an incredible free application, the purpose of this presentation will be to show some of the capability of this platform. It won’t be a long affair but will give a taste for those that are not familiar with it. Other Potential Subject Areas Air Brushing Product reviews Plastic kit construction Tools & techniques part one Latest from my friend at RME Weathering Thanks for reading folks. See you on the 4th of October!

Here is a video I did showing how to install Kadee under track magnets by routing a recess in the baseboard. It's in two parts as the battery went flat half way through. Doh! :- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=it6_vmDGooU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=it6_vmDGooU&t=133s I've just watched these and it is clear that they need some work. I will provide a revised video in due course, please contact me with any questions. Hit me up with any questions.

Hi all. I have finally created the ChrisInDen website where I hope to keep you updated with all happenings in the workshop and give you access to my products and products from selective suppliers that can really add value to what we do.