"Better by Miles" offers professional bespoke model making, kit-building, kit-modification, scratch-building and model painting and finishing services for UK customers. The models are suitable for either individual display, inclusion in a model railway or model diorama, or just simply as a unique gift for someone very special (even yourself!), with a Certificate of uniqueness supplied for each model.
Bygone era railway locomotives and rolling stock and model road vehicles, typically 4mm to 1ft (1:76, 'OO' gauge) or 7mm to 1ft (1:43.5, 'O' gauge) scales, although more recent eras and other scales are also considered.
Models are typically constructed using either etched brass, white metal, resin or plastic kits. They are subsequently super-detailed, painted and finished to a very high standard, to match any prototype details provided and to meet the customer's requirements. "Better by Miles" uses over 35 years of experience model-making to optimise construction and achieve a high, professional standard and improved result over what is usually possible from a kit. Take a look at the Quality/Testimonials and Gallery pages.
Selected kit-modification (kit-bashes) and scratch-building will also be considered where a ready-made kit is not available. Note that scratch-building is a time consuming and more expensive option.
You will be kept abreast of developments throughout the build and emailed photographs as your model progresses. You will also be contacted if any extra clarification of your instructions is needed.
The finished models will be extremely well packed and protected to keep them as safe as possible during transit and sent by insured post to protect your investment. We also recommend that kits are sent to us by insured post.
The first step: contact "Better by Miles" to discuss your particular requirements and wishes - model(s), liveries, level of detail and finish. A telephone conversation is preferable to explore the options typically encountered. Please note that your budget may dictate the amount of detail that can be provided. Where possible, an idea of the cost of the work will be given at this point.
When you go ahead: you will need to supply - the kit, detailing and motorising components, transfers, copies of any prototype photographs, clear instructions on your requirements for the model (e.g. internal and external liveries/colours, supplementary details, numbers, plates, destinations, etc.), your contact details and agreed deposit. "Better by Miles" generally supplies the ancillary materials such as solders, glues and most paints (however, other options can be discussed).
Payment and dispatch: An agreed initial deposit is required plus stage payments for larger projects. Once the model is complete you will be notified and final payment requested (Sterling bank transfer or Sterling cheque) including a charge for insured postage and packing. Once final payment has cleared, your model will be dispatched, typically for next day delivery (to suit your availability).
Want to know more: Explore the other pages on this website - Gallery, Quality/Testimonials and Contact pages.