Lee Marsh Modelmaker

Our club had a small 0 gauge section and a few of the 4mm modellers decided to move up a scale (this may have been aged related). I
joined them and became a member of the GOGuild. I enjoyed the extra detail found in 7mm modelling as well as the feeling of weight
and mass.
When I left school aged 16 in 1988 I managed to get work with RJH model railways, a firm owned by Col. Ronnie Hoare that made
7mm diesel locomotive kits and sold the Cavalier coach range. I was only there for a very short time, however I was taken to see
the Colonels model railway, the Bromford and High Peak. The Colonel was in Spain and I never had the chance to meet him, however
his railway just blew my mind. I had seen pictures in magazines but they did it no justice, it seemed to go on forever and I remember
the huge control panel, wow! This was the first time I had seen models by Beeson. I had heard of him but knew very little of his work.
His models just stood out for me over all the other models and on one visit I went to re-rail a derailed Beeson model and was given a
real telling off! The only model I was allowed to operate was a 9F by Vic Green.

When I lived in Poole I took the chance to go to London and visit the IMREX  model railway exhibition. The high standard of the layouts
and models greatly impressed me, as I have always looked out for the very best in modelling. I remember seeing The Model Railway clubs
2mm Finescale layout Copenhagen Fields and how they where able to add all that detail in such a small scale was amazing. I purchased
Guy Williams new book on 4mm loco construction by Wild Swan and found this to be a great reference book. Later I had the chance to
meet Guy and we became friends. I can never thank Guy enough for the encouragement he has always shown, truly a great man in my eyes.


I left RJH and went back to bonnie Scotland and served my apprenticeship as an electrician. During this time our club was invited
to Guildex in Telford (1993 I think) and at this, all 7mm scale, show I met Malcolm Mitchell and Tony Reynalds. This meeting was
to change my direction in life. In their workmanship I found what I was looking for. They work to a very high standard and don’t
apologise for it! I found both of them where very free with their advice and help and I must have had 200 questions to ask! I met
them again at Telford the following year and told them I wanted to become a professional model maker, Tony advised me I would never
get rich doing this kind of work and I wished I had listened to that bit of advice!!
I had bought a Martin Finney kit for a GWR pannier tank and built it with much advice from both Tony and Malcolm who where now no
doubt wishing they had not given me their phone numbers (they probably still do!!!) however they both agreed I had made a reasonable
job of  the model and that gave me a huge boost in confidence.

In 1995 Dave Mackey gave me my first commission, a Martin Finney LNER A3. This was the first time I had made anything with outside motion
and I found the article on this kit by John Hayes in the MRJ to be invaluable.
Tony recommended Alan Brackenborough to paint this model and I was so thrilled by his work I have used his services ever since.
Most of the models in my Gallery section have been painted and lined by him. He is a true artist. Thanks Alan for making my models
look so good

Malcolm Mitchell gave me a great deal of help with my kit building and I always enjoyed standing in for him at his trade stand at
 Telford and being asked all sorts of questions on his kits and GWR loco details. This made me learn about locomotive details PDQ

Through Tony and Malcolm I was introduced to Carl legg (CPL products), who gave me a great deal of advice and also designed my logo.
Carl was like a grandfather to me and I took his advice very seriously. He was not afraid to tell me off when I was being silly either!!
Another very giving man who I miss very much

Tony encouraged me to learn more about a favourite model maker of his, Stan Beeson. Stan’s models may not now be the most accurate,
but his workmanship can never be faulted. In my mind only Tony’s models have bettered Stan’s for detail and workmanship. Have a look
though my inspirations gallery and see for yourself.
It was also thanks to Tony that I was able to see Neil Corners layout, the Lonsdale & Scrafton, a visit I will never forget, thank
you Neil

As time goes on I have found that there are many superb modellers around the world, I try to feature some of their work in the "inspirations section" of this site.