DOSSIER
When it comes to micro-layouts, it’s a bit of a hotch-potch in terms of locations, styles and sometimes unusual scales, when compared to what modellers are accustomed to. We questioned a few enthusiasts who shared their urges, the techniques they use and what this rather special type of modelling can bring them. But first and foremost, what is a micro-layout? It’s a small and consistent piece of a universe, often born of a specific wish. A way of changing worlds, quickly and well. It’s a layout that is built with a single purpose, as its dimensions and volume mean it can often be built quickly. A micro-layout is a kind of stylistic exercize.
Jim Lowe H0-9 Loonar Module
Building this layout was a real change for me. I went from vintage urban trams to an improbable island in the middle of a lake. I didn’t know which scaleit with papier mâché and pieces of real rock collected in nature. I thought the pieces had selected were too small, but finally I had to break them up to ease their integration. I recommend breaking rocks in a bag to avoid spreading dust everywhere and above, all to preserve it for later! All this was then painted in the same shade as the rock magnetite, with some rust streaks. One of the excuses for building this layout was to become more familiar with making trees. I wanted them to be realistic, to look like lakeside vegetation and above all to be large. In total, I made 29 of them! I also worked on modelling the water: acrylic paint, varnish, and a final coat of acrylic medium. The name of the layout is a result of a play on words between the birds, known as «loons» in English, and the lunar module of the Apollo missions – one of my centres of interest. The result was Loonar Module. Building this test layout between October 2021 and July 2022 was very enjoyable. Thanks to its small size, results were visible quickly, something new for me. When scrutinizing it, many things need improving, but this construction project helped me test a number of techniques that have enhanced my modelling abilities».
