Beyond the Box: When Standard Just Won't Do
We’ve all been there. You open up that new kit, flip through the instructions, and think: “This isn’t quite what I want.” Maybe the markings are boring. Maybe the kit’s got that annoying inaccuracy everyone complains about. Or maybe you’ve got this wild idea that’s never been done before.
That’s where our workshop comes in. We build the models that don’t come in boxes – the ones that take special techniques, multiple donor kits, and those skills you only develop after ruining dozens of perfectly good models over the decades.
What We Build & Modify:
Battle Damage & Weathering Effects
Let’s face it – most real vehicles didn’t look like they just rolled out of the factory. We specialize in models that tell a story – mud-caked tanks that fought through the Eastern Front, aircraft with patched battle damage and oil streaks, ships with salt-faded paint and rust streaks. From subtle panel line washes to full-on “abandoned for 50 years” weathering, we do it all without going overboard into that “tried too hard” territory.
Working Lights & Effects
Nothing brings a model to life like lighting. We can add navigation lights to your aircraft, working headlights to your vehicles, interior lighting to your ships, or even flickering fire effects to your dioramas. Our electronics work is clean and reliable – no bulky battery packs or visible wires ruining the look. We’ve done everything from simple LEDs to fully programmable lighting sequences with micro-controllers.
Historical Accuracy Overhauls
Fed up with that kit that gets everything almost right, but still has those annoying errors everyone notices? We’ll fix them. From reshaping incorrect panel lines to completely rebuilding cockpits that the manufacturer phoned in, we can bring your model up to proper reference accuracy. We’ve got the books, the walkaround photos, and those obscure forum threads where the real experts hang out.
“What If” Fantasy Conversions
Some of the most interesting models are the ones that never existed. Luftwaffe ’46 projects that never flew. Cold War tanks that stayed on the drawing board. That movie vehicle you wish they’d actually built. We love these challenges – combining kit parts, scratch-building, and problem-solving to create something that looks like it could have existed, but never did.
One-Off Paint Schemes & Markings
Bored with the same old markings everyone else has? So are we. Whether you want your Bf-109 in some obscure Staffel’s scheme that never got kitted, your Sherman in those unique markings from that one photo you found in a rare book, or something completely made-up that just looks cool – we’ve got you covered. From mask-cutting to custom decals to hand-painting, we’ll make your model stand out from the crowd.
Our Build Philosophy:
We’re not about building it fast or cheap – we’re about building it right. That means:
- Research First – Before we cut any plastic, we gather references and make sure we understand what we’re trying to achieve. Nothing worse than finishing a complex mod and then finding that one photo that shows you got it wrong.
- Proper Techniques – No shortcuts that will cause problems later. We properly prep surfaces, use the right glues for each material, and build for durability as well as looks.
- Scale Appropriate – What works in 1/35 looks ridiculous in 1/72. We adjust our techniques, detail level, and weathering to the scale of your model. No oversized rivets or chunky panel lines here.
- Historically Plausible – Even for fantasy builds, we make sure the end result “makes sense” technically and historically. Your what-if needs to look like something that could have actually existed.
- The Extra Mile – Those little touches that most people wouldn’t bother with, but that separate a good model from a great one. Subtle weathering variations, alignment that’s actually straight, and those tiny details that you might not notice immediately but contribute to the overall effect.
Types of Projects We Take On:
- Full Custom Builds – From kit to completion, built to your specifications
- Partial Builds – Taking over when you’ve hit a wall or don’t have time to finish
- Conversion Projects – Transforming existing kits into different variants
- Upgrade Packages – Adding aftermarket parts and custom touches to your builds
- Painting & Finishing – Taking your built model and making it look spectacular
- Diorama Creation – Placing your models in realistic settings with proper groundwork
- Display Solutions – Custom bases, cases, and presentation options
Our Process:
- Concept Discussion – We’ll talk through exactly what you’re looking for and check if it’s actually doable. Sometimes the coolest ideas just won’t work in scale model form, and we’ll be honest about that.
- Reference Gathering – We’ll collect (or ask you to provide) the reference materials needed to get the details right. For obscure subjects, your input here is crucial.
- Planning & Parts – We’ll work out what kits, aftermarket parts, and scratch-building will be needed, along with a realistic timeline.
- Regular Updates – As we build, we’ll send you progress photos at key stages. This isn’t just to show off – it’s so you can catch any issues early if we’re not quite matching your vision.
- Final Detailing – This is where the model really comes to life, with those final weathering touches and tiny details that make all the difference.
- Proper Documentation – When finished, we’ll provide high-quality photos of the completed model from multiple angles, plus notes on any special techniques or materials used
A Word About Expectations:
We love ambitious projects, but we’re always straight about what’s actually achievable:
- Scale matters – some details just can’t be replicated in smaller scales
- Physics still applies – extremely delicate structures may not survive shipping
- Time and cost reflect complexity – that super-detailed conversion will take longer and cost more than a simple paint job
- Some reference inconsistencies can’t be resolved – if your sources contradict each other, we’ll need to make a judgment call
That said, we’ve pulled off projects that other builders wouldn’t touch. Those “impossible” conversions are often our favorite challenges.
From Real Modelers Who've Used Our Service:
“They built my ‘what-if’ Panther II with night fighting equipment exactly as I’d imagined it, right down to the extra vision ports and modified commander’s cupola. Looks like it could have driven right off the factory floor in 1946.” – Klaus M.
“The Mosquito PR.Mk IX they built for me has the most convincing natural metal finish I’ve ever seen on a model. The subtle panel variations and wear patterns are just perfect.” – Richard B.
“When I needed a special Spitfire variant for my collection that no manufacturer offers, these guys scratch-built the modified wings and reshaped the fuselage to match the prototype photos. You’d never know it wasn’t a purpose-made kit.” – Stephen L.