Make your layout stand out from the crowd

Master modeller Chris Nevard lists ten aspects of modelling that influence and inspire his work, and describes how you can apply these concepts to your layout.

I’ve seen many layouts over the years, both as Model Rail’s photographer and as an exhibitor, and there are some fabulous pieces of work out there, both on the exhibition circuit and in people’s garages and lofts.

But when you go to an exhibition or flick through a magazine, there’s usually one layout that stands out from the rest. What is it that makes this layout special? It’s very often a collection of things, rather than one specific item.

You might even look at a layout and think “I wish I had that skill” or “I’ll never be that good”. Don’t worry if you feel this way. Following these ten pointers, based on my years of experience photographing and building layouts, will help make your layout stand out above the rest without being too tricky or requiring any great skill.