Let's get started with our workshop!
Model Rail Scotland 2025 was held at the SEC Centre in Edinburgh from 21 to 23 February 2025.
This year, we ran a mini diorama workshop to mark the launch of the KATO OFFICIAL CIRCUS. At events in Japan, we regularly hold mini diorama workshops for beginners and children in a variety of locations. In Japan, model shop owners and independent exhibitors often act as instructors, teaching participants how to create their own dioramas.
In the UK, model railway clubs are particularly active, and with your support, we hope to expand the MINI DIORAMA CIRCUS even further. We also hope that mini dioramas will help more people feel a closer connection to the world of model railways.
Although this was our first workshop in the UK, thanks to the support of members of a Scottish model railway club, we were able to welcome nearly 200 visitors over the three days.
If you are a member of a model railway club and are interested in our project, we would be delighted if you would consider taking part in one of our workshops.
The workshop uses a specially designed, easy-to-use kit. Participants are provided with a base that has already been assembled.
A precision screwdriver is required to assemble the base; however, as it can be difficult to provide one for each participant, it is recommended that the bases are assembled in advance.
In the workshop, it is important to present a basic design so that even those who have never created a diorama before feel encouraged to give it a try.
This is only a “basic” design, so there is no need to follow it exactly. In a way, this reflects the idea that true freedom can only exist within a framework of constraints.
The scenery used this time is created using a combination of static grass fibres that stand upright with the help of static electricity, natural materials such as trees, stones, and flower scatter, as well as pavement parts (simple base accessories).
Even with these basic materials alone, a variety of landscapes can be achieved by adapting them to match the terrain drawn with an acrylic pen, as shown below.
List of tools and scenery used this time :
・WWSCENICS PRO GRASS BOX STATIC GRASS APPLICATOR
・WWSCENICS 2MM 〜 3MM STATIC GRASS (Various colours)
・WWSCENICS TREE FOLIAGE / FLOWER FLOCS (Various colours)
・WWSCENICS MIXED SIZE SEAFOAM TREE BOX
・NOCH PROFI-Rocks “Scree” coarse
・NOCH Flock light brown
・NOCH Structured Flock medium green, fine, 3 mm
・NOCH Structured Flock light green, fine, 3 mm
・Speed Bond (Delux Materials)
・Spray Glue (Delux Materials)
・Glue Gun
・Toothpick, cotton swab,Baking paper, Acrylic Paint Marker, Pin-vice, etc…
Scenery can be anything that is easy to obtain.
PRO GRASS BOX is a great tool for making small dioramas. Parents will also be reassured if they prepare anti-static gloves for their children to use.
There are three types of glue: liquid glue, spray glue and glue guns, and you should choose the right one depending on the drying speed and the purpose.
What if the only pens available at the workshop were brown and light blue? Having a wide range of colours makes things far more exciting, doesn’t it? This is true for both adults and children alike.
When you're smiling The whole world smiles with you!
The highlight of MINI DIORAMA CIRCUS is not just creating your own piece, but connecting it with the creations of others—and then watching model trains run across them!
Working with the PRO GRASS BOX is a truly exciting experience. When the device is switched on, the grass fibres are attracted to the Speed Bond applied to the diorama base, creating a fascinating effect. It is also cleaner to use than traditional stick-type applicators, helping to keep the workspace tidy.
Cleanup afterwards is quick and easy as well.
After completing their dioramas, most participants spent some time exploring the venue before stopping by our stand on their way home to collect their creations.
It is best to leave the dioramas to set for around 10 minutes after they have been made.
Special Thanks❤️
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the members of Model Rail Scotland for giving me this opportunity and for their generous support. This project would not have been possible without you. You helped bring out the smiles and creativity of so many participants. I hope we may continue to work together and perhaps hold workshops at your clubs in the future.
I would also like to thank everyone who took part in helping to create the MINI DIORAMA CIRCUS. The circus will go on, and I hope to see you again in Scotland—and in many other places too.
For other information, please see the PDF.
KATO OFFICIAL CIRCUS GUIDE BOOK (23MB)
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KATO Europe A/S Kim Nannestad