Make a Scene
Make a Scene 2026
A creative N gauge modelling competition from RAILstuff, JSModels and TrainTrax
Make a Scene is a celebration of creativity, imagination and the joy of making something in miniature. It is open to modellers of all skill levels, whether you are building your first scenic project or have years of experience behind you.
The idea is simple. Start with a small N gauge scene, then make it your own.
Your scene could be realistic, based on a real place, completely fictional, fantasy-inspired, industrial, rural, urban, nostalgic, futuristic or even science fiction. There is no single right answer. We simply want to see what you can create.
Creativity comes first
This competition is not about having the biggest layout, the most expensive tools or decades of modelling experience. It is about ideas, atmosphere, storytelling and enjoying the process of making something by hand.
We hope Make a Scene encourages more people to try N gauge, to experiment with scenery, and to share their work with others in a friendly and positive way.
The starter kit
To take part, you will need a Make a Scene starter kit. Each kit includes a HexTrak base module made by JSModels, Kato Unitrack supplied by TrainTrax, and a selection of scenic materials to help you get started.
There are two versions of the kit available:
- Straight track starter kit
- Curved track starter kit
The starter kit gives everyone the same starting point, but what happens after that is completely up to you. Add buildings, figures, vehicles, extra scenery, lighting or anything else that helps bring your idea to life.
Starter kits will be shipped in batches at the start of each month.
Supporting Andy's Man Club
Creativity can be good for us. Hobbies give us focus, routine, pride and a reason to connect with other people. That is one of the reasons this competition will also support Andy's Man Club.
£2 from every Make a Scene starter kit sold will be donated to Andy's Man Club, helping support their work around men's mental health and the importance of talking.
This is a small contribution from each kit, but we hope that together it can help make a meaningful difference.
How it works
-
Choose your starter kit
Pick either the straight track or curved track version. -
Build your scene
Use the kit as your starting point, then create a scene in your own style. -
Submit your entry
Submissions open on 1st June and close on 9th October. -
Finalists at the NEC
Selected finalists will be invited to have their scenes displayed at the National Festival of Railway Modelling at the NEC, the biggest model railway event of the year.
NEC Finals
The best scenes will be invited to send their modules for display at the 2026 Grand Final at the NEC in November.
At the show the best scenes will be connected together to create one mind boggling layout for the public to see up and close.
On the Saturday, the general public will vote for the favourite with the winners announced on the Sunday of the show.
Key dates
- Starter kits available: From launch
- Submissions open: 1st June 2026
- Submissions close: 9th October 2026
- Final: National Festival of Railway Modelling at the NEC
Prizes
Prizes will be announced soon.
For now, the main aim is to get building, enjoy the process and be part of a creative challenge that brings the modelling community together.
Created with our partners
Make a Scene has been created by RAILstuff in partnership with JSModels and TrainTrax.
- JSModels are making the HexTrak base modules used in the starter kits.
- TrainTrax are supplying the Kato Unitrack included in the kits.
- World of Railways are supporting the competition and its final at the NEC.
Ready to make a scene?
Whether your idea is quiet and realistic, bold and unusual, or completely off the rails, we would love to see it. Start small, think creatively, and make something that feels like yours.
FAQs
Can I change the height of the track?
No. All track pieces must be attached directly to the board and in the marked areas. This is so that if yours gets selected for the finals it can be connected to other modules as a large layout.
Can I use other track pieces apart from those included in the kit?
Decoratively yes, as long as the supplied track piece(s) is fixed to the board in the designated area.
What's going on with the clearance gauge?
The gauge is there to ensure that models of all sizes (including those with pantographs) can be used. If your entry is slightly below the full clearance gauge then it's not a major problem, but try to use it as much as possible. The width on the clearance gauge is critical though.
Can I do 009 or other n-gauge track compatible scales?
Yes, but just remember that the finalist layouts will be connected together with N Gauge stock running round so if your model looks out of scale it may affect how the public vote for your entry.
Do I have to use all the stuff in the box?
No. The only mandatory bits are the board with feet, plus the track fitted in the marked areas. Everything else is entirely up to you!
Can I cut into the MDF base, in order to have scenery below track level, for example for pond or other water feature?
Yes - you can cut away parts of the MDF base if you wish, so long as:
a) the outline remains in the original hexagonal shape;
b) the board remains the same finished thickness (12mm);
c) it doesn't affect the structural integrity of the module.
d) the track remains fixed to the board in the required position
Can I add pointwork to my module?
No - whilst it is possible to add points to Hex-TRAK modules in a number of ways, that is outside the scope of this competition. Adding pointwork adds potential electrical unreliability, which may affect the entire layout when running at the NEC final.