Mulberry Modelling Works

20/09/2025

A Conclusion…..

When I first decided to start up Mulberry Modelling Works, it was mentioned to me by a well established kit manufacturer/retailer that I should consider finding myself a second hobby, to replace the one I was likely to lose! How right he was, as I certainly do feel I have lost what has always been a huge part of my life that’s given me so much happiness.

Following meeting my good lady last year, leading to us then soon afterwards cohabiting together, I’ve found myself in the position where I want my hobby back, and feel happy to go back out into the real world to earn a living. Yep, it’s a scary thought in some respects, yet also an exciting prospect.

To add to this, I’ve taken more than enough of the setbacks when potential customers have queried me over quotes I’ve provided to do commissions. Why should I have to work at a rate that is well below the minimum wage……there are those that appear to think that because I’ve turned my hobby into a living, I should be happy to do it for next to nothing. The fact I would be using the skills and knowledge I’d gained from so many decades experience, that appears to be irrelevant.

So the crunch came about a year ago, when I was approached to do a commission of a kit build that I’d also done previously a couple of years before. The customer was unable to obtain the kit themselves though, as it had been discontinued, yet I had managed to get my hands on one for them via an old friend. They weren’t overly happy with the quote given though, despite my explaining it wasn’t as simple a build as you’d imagine, and so then asked if they could purchase the kit from me so as to try build it themselves. My response, as you may be able to guess, was that they could have the kit for the same price as the quote initially given. It left me feeling rather disheartened, and I’ve not done a commission since.

And so, I thank you all for your company and support, it’s truly been much appreciated…….happy modelling to you all ☺️

20/09/2025

I’m more than sure there are tradesmen in many a profession that can relate to this, as I certainly can…….not something to be laughed at, either!!

14/10/2024

Backwoods Miniatures On30 lumber crane - this was a project that I never got to complete, after the customer became short of funds…….a great shame, as it was an interesting build.

04/10/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/xoVKQAzivYrwabGS/?mibextid=WC7FNe

A customer asked me how much it cost to do this job....
I answered him: $ 1500
He said: So expensive for this job?
I asked: How much do you think it would cost you?
He answers me: $ 800 maximum... That's a pretty simple job right? !"
- For $ 800 I invite you to do it yourself.
- But.... I don't know how to.
- For $800 I'll teach you how to. So besides saving you $700, you'll get the knowledge for the next time you want
- It seemed right to him and he agreed.
- But to get started: you need tools: A welder, grinder, chop saw, drill press, welding hood, gloves etc...
- But I don't have all these equipment and I can't buy all of these for one job.
- Well then for another $300 more I'll rent my stuff to you so you can do it.
- Okay, he says.
- Okay! Tuesday I'm waiting for you to start doing this work
- But I can't on Tuesday I only have time today.
- I'm sorry, but I'm only available Tuesday to teach you and lend you my stuff. Other days are busy with other customers.
- Okay! That means I'm going to have to sacrifice my Tuesday, give up my tasks.
- I forgot. To do your job yourself, you also have to pay for the nonproductive factors.
- That is? What is this?"
- Bureaucratic, tax, vat, security, insurance, fuel etc.
- Oh no!... But to accomplish these tasks, I'm going to spend more money and waste a lot of time!
- Do you have them? You can do it to me before?"
- Okay!
- I'll make you all the material you need. Truck loading is done Monday evening or Tuesday morning you'll have to come by 6 loading the truck. Don't forget to be on time to avoid traffic jams and be on time
- At 6??? Nope! Too early for me! I used to getting up later...
- You know, I've been thinking. Y ' all better get the job done. I'd rather pay you the $1500. If I had to, it wouldn't be perfect and it would cost me a lot more.

When you pay for a job, especially handcrafted, you pay not only for the material used, but also:
- Knowledge
- Experience
- Study
- Tools
- Services
- Time to go
- punctuality
- Accountability
- Professionalism
- Accuracy
- Guaranteed
- Patents
- Sacrifices
- Safety and security
- Payment of tax obligations
Critiquing the work of others based on pricing is not fair. The fees I would charge for a similar task are considerably higher than what is indicated here, but the emphasis lies in the principle rather than the specific amount.
Only by knowing all the elements necessary for the production of a certain work can you estimate the actual cost.

20/09/2024

So. just as I'd literally finished off this sweet little thing the other year, the Bachmann model had been announced, but I'll leave you all to decide which you prefer.
This however, isn't just any old 4mm scale Hunslet, this is a Hunslet that's been lovingly crafted by hand from a Backwoods Miniatures etched brass kit here at Mulberry Works, and then painted & lined by the talented Chris Clark.......

20/09/2024

And so, another project I'd finished for a customer last year. This is Sharp Hawthorn 2-4-0T "Northiam", from the Kent & East Sussex Railway, assembled in 4mm scale/16.5mm gauge from a Roxey Moulding etched brass kit, yet modified to represent it in it's guise as "Gladstone", for the Will Hay B&W movie "Oh Mr Porter".
Now, those that know me personally will be aware of the frustrations I went through when it came to painting this loco, as I'd originally gone to the effort of putting it into the blue livery of the KESR, as it would've been. But, upon telling this to my customer, he then informed me that he wanted it in black, as it was in the film. And so, as you will see from the photos here, the customer is always right.......

12/08/2024

For some time now I've been meaning to upload these photos for you all, considering it's a project I'd completed it a few years back, plus I keep meaning to sort out an article on it for the NG&IRM Review.
So, here we have the ex-Bowaters Manning Wardle 0-6-2T Chevallier, assembled in 4mm scale narrow gauge/009 from one of the Backwoods Miniatures etched brass kits. This was one of those labour of love projects, and something of which many said would be a challenge as the chassis is somewhat complex. I'm unable to take any credit for the paintjob though, as this was a task undertaken by Chris Clark, and what an amazing job he did, too.......

01/08/2024

At long last, the 4mm scale 009 Talyllyn passenger stock, along with pair of Corris brake vans, have now been completed, and near enough ready for shipment to their customer around on the other side of the globe 🌎. I’m rather pleased with the finish on these, as the weathering of passenger stock is never an easy one…….

29/06/2024

A little sneaky peak at what’s soon to come out of the Works…….these are currently being given a light weathering.

I realise things have been a bit slow going of late, as it’s taken me a while to get back into the swing of things after the move back to working from my home, along with one or two health issues. I’m gradually getting around to dealing with orders though, so do bear with me.

I’m also in the process of going through editing the images of projects from the past year or so, as not had chance to do so and realise there’s some items you’ve never had the opportunity to see the finished results of…….

21/05/2024

Just incase any of you were wondering, I am still here, it’s just been taking me a while to adjust to this working from home malarkey…….