Top Ten Essential Model Making Materials (Easy To Find)

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Hopefully this isn't your typically cringy top ten video, but one that gives some useful advice for beginners to experts. I get a lot of questions asking how I've made models or what I've used to make them, so here's a handy guide sharing some things I've learnt since I started scratch-building models in 2014.
Leave any other ideas or suggestions in the comments for people to read! It's the worst thing feeling stuck on a project.
Also thanks to Brighton Terrier for the inspiration behind the Improved Engine Green background. Thanks to Norramby Branch for the music.

[@enderplant]

This is literally the video that I need THANK YOU SO MUCH

[@Terrier55Stepney]

YOU'RE WELCOME!!

[@enderplant]

Sorry for sounding like Sexy Sadie, what I really mean is... thank you so much for this video, it would be really useful.

[@ABellEngine]

This is really helpful. Thank you! You're one of the people in the Thomas The Tank Engine community who always gives inspiration. Please make more of these videos.

[@Terrier55Stepney]

Thanks so much! That's very kind of you, and I'm glad to have helped. :)

[@Charliejashworth]

Absolutely fantastic examples of what material that can be found in wherever really you have inspired me to find those materials that I could use for my own model railway mine is Tomy plurality and Trackmaster

[@BrakeCoach]

Never knew you could use cardstock for models. Thanks for the tip!

[@AdamWalter2012]

This is how I started getting making my own models this video inspired me

[@skarloeyno1510]

I'm rubbish at modelling but this video helped me so much to get better at it

[@SquidwardChat]

This is exactly what I needed to make some models! Thank you Max!

[@Terrier55Stepney]

You're welcome! Happy to know it's useful.

[@thestationpilot3640]

This was one of the most, if not THE most helpful model making video I've ever seen! I absolutely love the ways you've been able to make such impressive things with fairly typical items. Thank you so much for all of the helpful tips you've given in this video!

[@Terrier55Stepney]

Thanks so much! I'm glad it's been useful.

[@nlmfilms6641]

I use cardboard, from old containers, toothpicks, electrical casings, and bent stables. The fun is experimenting, and learning what you could do to make art! Neat Video btw!

[@dalekinthewater4708]

03:13
I chose Milliput- stronger and tougher. What I did for a scratch built Alligator Tug was that I made the outlines in Milliput and then painted some matchsticks and boom- simple Alligator Tug

[@the700shunter8]

Considering I’m just about to do scenery for my new model railway this has been extremely use full. Thank you so much for the great tips.

[@Terrier55Stepney]

I'm glad it's useful! Thank you.

[@alexis_ian]

Well this very informative! Appreciate how small items can be reused for scenery in model railway. I'm considering using old Tomy sets for my planned HO/OO layout!

[@Audamus]

Absolutely amazing and I’d love to see more videos in this style. I found your insight extremely helpful and it was cool to learn some behind the scenes stuff about your model building techniques. Keep it up and cheers from America~!

[@Terrier55Stepney]

Thanks so much! I'm glad it was a useful insight. Thanks from England.

[@jacobrealsponge.o2436]

thanks for all the tips man! And I loved seeing my GWR coaches in your vid!

[@Terrier55Stepney]

Thanks mate! They'll be seen much more than that, don't worry.

[@popgoesadryn]

Thank you Terrier55Stepney! I would love to see more of these. I also do model making but I only use 30% of the materials on this list…

[@Terrier55Stepney]

Thanks! If you have any ideas feel free to share them.

[@benwise6517]

Thank you so much, Stepney! This video really helps!

[@patrickwebb7311]

I really liked this video, definitely would like to see more. Thanks for the tips!

[@Terrier55Stepney]

Thanks!

[@BlaxlandRidge3]

Gotta love that T h i c c card.
This was very helpful thank you!

[@zephyr_bet_1522]

AMAZING, I could us this video to help with things I can do in the future.

[@CraneProductions27]

This is a fantastic showreel. You have done a lot ☺.

[@UsefulEngine11]

Awsome tips Max your work is so beautiful. And you need to do a nother one of these tip videos these are so helpful.

[@Terrier55Stepney]

Thanks so much!

[@magicguystudios7940]

Your videos are awesome my dude keep up the awesome work

[@TankEngine97]

I have been modelling for years and have been looking for and getting advise on how to improve my skills. This video will definitely come in hand.

[@Terrier55Stepney]

Thanks! I'm glad it's useful.

[@TankEngine97]

@@Terrier55StepneyOne piece of material I have been using a lot lately are foam boards which have one side you peal off which then can be used like a giant sticker to attach in my case brick printed paper.

[@GeohToy]

That Pontypandy fire station model is amazing!

[@sudrianrailwaystudios676]

Thank You for the tips, Max. I’m thinking of making models like that in the future.

[@Terrier55Stepney]

Thanks! Good luck.

[@sudrianrailwaystudios676]

Terrier55Stepney You’re Welcome. I will.

[@mildly_miffed_man1414]

Finally! Thank you Terrier!

[@Terrier55Stepney]

You're welcome.

[@RockyRailroadProductions_B0SS]

Incredibly helpful! Proper craft stores really should start to compete with coffee shops if they want to get more customers - Those sticks look pretty excellent on models!
Another material I use sometimes is this very thin, black-tinted wire used in making jewelry. It bends easily into corners, usually doesn't need paint, and can be cut to shape pretty easily.

[@Terrier55Stepney]

Thanks! Good idea, thanks for sharing!

[@shuntingyard]

Great advice Max! I'll make sure to use some of those things for customs and stuff for y layout! Thanks again! :D

[@Terrier55Stepney]

Thanks!

[@ScrapyardStudios]

Another thing cotton buds are good for is weathering. I weather with paint & cotton buds are good for rubbing off & spreading out black or brown or green for whatever type of weathering needed

[@calebc.2290]

This needs more than a live but this ❤️

[@Terrier55Stepney]

Thanks.

[@gedionart9630]

This video was very helpful. If possible please make a video about making an accurate and precise model

[@daniel14duck33]

Thank you max this helps me and many people a lot

[@Terrier55Stepney]

Thanks very much!

[@sashathetankengine1970]

Those things that are used for keeping candy Krabby Patties can be used as boats on the beach. Very good video, will use this when I'm making customs. Thanks for the helpful advice!

[@Terrier55Stepney]

Good idea. Thanks!

[@TheNewStoryteller]

You're not the only one that's into model making lad I've been into model making, you know the Pontypandy Fire station you made? Well I've done a model of Trevor's Bus out of wood studs … er no video about it uploaded as I never did one.I've got these questions about what you like.1. Which tune do you like using?2. How many times have you got into mishaps?3. What got you into using a little Austin 7 Motor Car to turn it into Caroline The Car?4. If you made Pontypandy Fire Station aren't you wanting to make Jupiter The Fire Engine? or find The ERTL Version?_____________________________________1. What are your thoughts on Gumby Visits Sorell Tasmania's Very Own Side Bridge Town?2. Do you want to use my Toby The Tram Engine Theme Tune?3. Do you visit Model Train Expos?

[@Terrier55Stepney]

Very nice!

[@CrashJayGaming]

If you want an idea for another video, it'd be how to work within scales. My Main concern when I make models is scaling well. Specifically buildings

[@londonbrightonsouthcoast]

We need more!

[@OUTofLANE]

dude thanks i needed this. keep working hard.

[@Terrier55Stepney]

Thank you!

[@sodorshero6546]

THANK YOU! YOU HAVE GIVEN ME INSPIRATION!

[@Terrier55Stepney]

THANK YOU.

[@KameronCousin]

Well done Max! You're my inspiration for scratch building! :D Did you see the models I made?

[@magicguystudios7940]

An entire castle class steam train 🚂 made out of match sticks that’s so bad ass dude

[@Pogle]

I NEEDED THIS SO BADLY TYSM

[@Terrier55Stepney]

YOU'RE WELCOME!

[@chessiejohnproductions]

Very great job terrier stepney 55

[@Terrier55Stepney]

Thanks!

[@clemmcguinness1087]

Very good, thank you

[@MSwolfdog158]

I would be used in cardboard, from old containers, toothpicks, electrical casings, mold casting, lazer printing, clay sculpting, and 3D Printing

[@Melody_Ninjago_Lover]

I really wanna make a Knapford station for my attempt at The Ffarquar branchline and a Dryaw station

[@miji-wara754]

Now Im inspired.

[@nwrstories8701]

What's the exact card you used to make your model buildings. I can't find how thick each card is on the website, so I don't know how sturdy and suitable they will be for model making.

[@thekaibacorpexpress4043]

Awesome video!

[@Terrier55Stepney]

Thanks!

[@thekaibacorpexpress4043]

@@Terrier55Stepney You're welcome!

[@LocoBoy95]

Absolutely helpful!

[@Terrier55Stepney]

Thanks!

[@Steamenginesunited3456]

Thanks for the tips dude! Have you ever used things like Lego chain for couplings on Bachmann models?

[@Terrier55Stepney]

Thanks! I don't own any Lego chain, but that's a good idea! Thanks for sharing.

[@liquidtompls5666]

Perfect timing

[@philipm1009]

Very nice video much enjoyed

[@Terrier55Stepney]

Thanks.

[@magicguystudios7940]

These materials are really amazing 😉 dude🚂😎🇬🇧

[@weirdguyben4833]

Oooh, thank you!

[@ChowderTDMOFCAL]

Do I mix the air dry clay with glue? Or do I just put glue on before the clay? I’m confused

[@Terrier55Stepney]

Both! Apply a small amount of glue to the surface, and also mix a small amount of glue into the clay in your hands as you apply it.

[@oldwarriorproductions8411]

Brilliant mate, but what do use for the rivets on ur Big Mickey model?

[@Terrier55Stepney]

Thank you! I used small craft gems that are usually used for card making I believe. Plenty on ebay to choose from. On my first Big Mickey model I just used a Sharpie!

[@lordluffington2351]

How do you add music 🎶 to your videos? Please

[@magicguystudios7940]

A gwr engine made out of cocktail sticks awesome

[@thecustomn.w.r5331]

You are very creative making only gold

[@Terrier55Stepney]

Thank you!

[@thecustomn.w.r5331]

@@Terrier55Stepney you're welcome

[@arthurb354]

YES this is a great video :)

[@Terrier55Stepney]

Thanks!

[@TracksideStudios06]

Super helpful video! Quick question, have you ever used Milliput?

[@Terrier55Stepney]

I own Milliput, but I'm actually yet to use it!

[@TracksideStudios06]

@@Terrier55Stepney It's an amazing product! It's pretty easy to use. Lots of people use it to make sandbags, I think it would look good on your sets.

[@masonmaggio6444]

What kind of cards do you use for the buildings and where can you get them??? Great and helpful video!!!

[@Terrier55Stepney]

I use Daler Rowney graduate mountboard. :) They're available in many hobby shops or online.

[@masonmaggio6444]

Terrier55Stepney gotcha, thank you for the helpful tips and Merry Christmas!!!

[@Terrier55Stepney]

@@masonmaggio6444 Merry Christmas to you too!

[@wills_corner]

I'm planning to create TUGS stuff

[@warbabyproductions]

Your a genius why did’t I think of that for windows

[@Terrier55Stepney]

I hope it helps!

[@brenlc1412]

Great video but I have 2 questions. At 2:14 why did you put your trains in in post? & at 4:05 & 4:35 why didn't you just drop some cotton swabs or paper clips on the table?

[@Terrier55Stepney]

I don't understand what you mean for the first question? For the second, believe it or not but I ran out of both, so I had to edit them in!

[@brenlc1412]

@@Terrier55Stepney at 2:14 some of the coffee stirrers clip in the engines a bit. I don't really know who to explain it, just go to that timestamp.

[@lonelyozpine]

Whats the Music used at 0:10 called?

[@Terrier55Stepney]

It's the Jack and the Pack theme.

[@lonelyozpine]

Can you send the Link?

[@jipsvlogandgaming380]

Pls make tutorial on how to make model train from scratch

[@ThatOneTrainGuy]

What is card

[@ChowderTDMOFCAL]

Thanks max! Can you teach us how to make locomotives?

[@Terrier55Stepney]

What sort do you mean? What scale?

[@ChowderTDMOFCAL]

Terrier55Stepney any scale
It don’t matter

[@Terrier55Stepney]

@@ChowderTDMOFCAL czcams.com/play/PLd6owLNFCZpsWXJhmFYfewSeTQQnTeoxF.html There are some tutorials on how I've made engines in the past for larger scales, such as Stepney and Skarloey. I intend to show some of my converted 00/HO models at some point too.

[@thomasfune3383]

Awesome

[@Terrier55Stepney]

Thanks!

[@jaysworkshop1567]

What kind of card do you use???

[@Terrier55Stepney]

Daler Rowney graduate mountboard. :)

[@jaysworkshop1567]

Terrier55Stepney thank you very much

[@hamishcameron1082]

Interesting 🇬🇧

[@Northerner_Transport_Hub]

hello max! whilst you were at the talyllyn railway at all, did you come across a volunteer driver called Lee? I know him and he`s the main steam driver at my local miniature railwayhe also says he knows you and explosive cookie I was just wondering if you know him?

[@Terrier55Stepney]

I know Lee, yes, but he's not a driver. Nice chap.

[@Edward2Fan47]

Would you ever want to create a Thomas spin of series about Stepney and his life on the Bluebell Railway?

[@Terrier55Stepney]

I've always wanted to do some stories exclusively on Stepney, and many years ago was planning a Bluebell mini series, yes.

[@Edward2Fan47]

Terrier55Stepney If you plan on making it a trainz series, I am thinking of collaborating some trainz models of Stepney’s friends and as public releases. And maybe start off with Stepney getting ready for Scrap until unbeknownst to him, a miracle starts to happen

[@DFalcon-mq7xe]

You say Card and Glur but i Prefer Steel, wire ,solder and other more heavy duty stuff

[@TracksideStudios06]

I use wire as well. And I do like using balsa wood instead of card.

[@Emilystar1095]

Hey you made morphie i whatched that when i was seven on youtube(edit) wow an 8 month old comment i made when my channel was super young

[@theamazingadventureofeduardo]

You do realize you can use milliput four walls and etc.

[@hamishcameron1082]

It could also come in use of say electric pylons🇬🇧

[@Terrier55Stepney]

What material are you referring to?

[@0Marty0]

Are you making models just as an excuse to drink a lot of coffee? :D

[@Terrier55Stepney]

You've caught me, coffee handed.

[@williampulfer-melville8536]

If you want icebergs use Styrofoam

[@Terrier55Stepney]

Good idea! Thank you for sharing.