With the return of the second half of the year’s Featured Artist Awards, we bring you the tiny, and magnificent work of Tim Ellem Chapman.

What got you into creating train dioramas, and how long have you been at it?

I have been into trains since about seven years old. I was given a book on American trains as a birthday present (which I still have to this day) and my fascination and passion has grown from there. It has only really progressed for me over the last five years.

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What helped you decide to choose the scale you work on?

I work with N scale (1/160). The reason I like this size is because you can fit a lot more into a scene. I also experiment with other scales like the HO and O scale. If I like the look of the kit and I get an idea, I work with it to see what I end up with.

Do you ever try to convey a message with your tables?

I like to show the past and presence of time, like real life and aging in my modelling. I enjoy taking a building or a tree and essentially “bring it to life.”

Where do you get your inspiration for your tables, and who would you say was the biggest influence on your art?

I think mostly the real world, what I see around me every day. When I was in America in 2015 I think I spent at least three-quarters of my holiday taking pictures of old buildings, sidewalks, basically anything that gave me ideas for designs or artwork.

People who I look up to and admire would have to be George Sellios, Joshua Smith, Howard Zane and Hank Cheng.

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How did you fund your collection? Would you ever sell any of it? If so, how do you price your art?

I try to incorporate it into my monthly budget, I have a savings account solely for my modelling supplies. Yes, I would consider selling some pieces in the near future (I may need room!). I would most likely use eBay, as I like the idea of an auction – I set the minimum price and the bidders can decide what they think it’s worth.

Have you ever dabbled with other hobbies?

I am also a collector of model trucks, mainly produced by Drake Collectables.

At the scratch and dent sales I can buy them very cheap and I customise them and weather them. I also have a medium sized collection of limited edition models.

What motivates you to see a project through when it gets tedious?

I have deadlines, especially if I have entered them in an upcoming competition. I also get a lot of motivation from my social media platforms. Everyone supports and encourages each other. This really helps me stay on track and finish what I have started.

Aspiring hobbyists often wish they could achieve the level of detail that you put into your work. Do you have any advice for those just starting out, or for those who are struggling with their projects?

“You want to know the difference between a master and a beginner? The master has failed more times than the beginner has even tried!”

-Stephen McCranie

Practice makes perfect. Just remember I have been doing this for about 30 years, and I am still developing my skills. I recommend getting onto YouTube and visually see how they do things, it’s all there. This is what I have done, and I always say this to people who ask me for advice. I always have at least two projects going at once. If one is frustrating me I move to the other one. Once I do a bit more research I gain my confidence back and attempt that project again.

Any upcoming projects you are working on that we should keep an eye out for?

I have been busy with preparing some of my work for entries into competitions which I have only started to get involved in. I have been working on a few kits for my layout such as a tug boat for my river scene, and a large cement factory and paper mill as feature buildings. All my work you can view on my Facebook and Instagram accounts.

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Anything else that you would like to add?

The world is such a great place for modellers now compared to 20 years ago. There is so much out there in terms of information, assistance and technology. When I first started out I only had a magazine or book as a reference; now I can log onto Youtube, Facebook pages, etc. to get ideas and advice.

View Tim’s entire Feature Gallery here, and be sure to check him out on Facebook as well as his Facebook page, and on Toopics.