Stu Hilton - 07971 938751
Bespoke Model Buildings
Bespoke Model Buildings
Hi, I'm Stu Hilton, known on many model railway forums as Stubby47.
Please browse around the pages to see some of the model buildings I've made over the last few years.
I offer a bespoke building service, mainly in scales from 2mm to 7mm, but I'm always up for a challenge.
The buildings are made from paper, card, mdf, embossed or plain plasticard, or whatever is necessary to achieve the look and finish required.
Depending on the model, I'll usually draft a set of parts for laser-cutting, including doors and windows. Once received, these are assembled into the building, with priming and painting during construction, as required. Final detailing will include chimneys and pipework, plus any other elements to complete the scene.
Over the last 12 months I've completed quite a few commissioned models and framed house pictures.
These have all been extremely fun to make, capturing the essential elements and unique details that invoke memories for the clients.
For some commissions, all I've had to work from are a few old photographs of a now long-demolished building. For other projects I've had full access to photograph and building plans. But, in all cases, I keep in regular contact with the client, to ensure what I'm creating aligns with what they require.
"I’m delighted with this little model and it brings a smile to the face of everyone I show it to. It's so charming - and uncannily realistic. Stu's attention to detail is incredible and I love all the touches he's added to make it really look like my home."
HB, client
Unique, just for you
Whether it's making a specific model completely from scratch, making up a proprietary kit as per the instructions, adapting a kit into something different, or just adding some weathering to a building you supply, I will be happy to quote you a price for any work you require.
Completed items can be posted to you, worldwide, at cost, or collected from my workshop in Truro, Cornwall, UK.
Weathering options
Each building can be left in a pristine state, for you to add your own weathering to blend in with your layout, or I can add weathering to your requirements.
This can be as extreme as you like.
Model Commissions
I've had the honour of being asked to create particular models for friends and clients for the past ten or so years. These include farmhouses, various railway infrastructure, industrial premises and commercial buildings.
If you would want a custom building created for your layout, please contact me.
Picture Frame Commissions
Whilst still a relatively new venture, I've enjoyed creating framed architecture pictures for customers. Each one has been incredibly well received, invoking happy memories and becoming a cherished object.
If you would like a framed building created as a present or memento, please get in touch.
Kits and adaptations
I've always made alterations to commercial kits for my own layouts and projects, just to create something a bit different to the norm.
Some of these changes have been written up as articles for the model railway press, which has been quite exciting.
If you would like any standard kit built, either exactly as per the instructions, or enhanced to be unique, please do get in touch.
Model Portfolio
These are some of the commissions and models I've had fun producing over many years.
Please click on an image for further details.
About me
Modelling for about 50+ years, I guess.
Having wanted to be an architect when I left school, I spent 40 years in the IT industry instead, with modelling as a hobby.
Since being made redundant, at the end of 2021, I've now launched full-time in model making, with an emphasis on quirky and unusual buildings, and I have my own studio/workshop, in the heart of Truro.
I've exhibited several layouts many times at various Cornwall exhibitions, in OO and OO9 formats, and am currently building a new OO / OO9 layout, inspired by Devonport Naval Dockyard.
I have also had layout and building articles published in the model railway press.
Having previously worked, part-time, for Justin Noble at Scale Model Scenery, designing new buildings in all scales from N to 1:32 and adding blog and kit information to the SMS website, I'm now working with Steve Smith at Railway Laser Lines, creating exciting new kits to expand their range.
Website updates
7th August 2025
Redesigned header, relocated Layouts page
4th August 2025
Added Terraced Cottage #2
July / August 2025
Revamped all sections