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Why Do We Model?

Why Do We Model?

Why Do We Model is the first course from Miniprints University.

The course helps model railroaders understand what the hobby is really doing for them — and why it matters. By the end of the course, students will see their bench time differently: not as “just a hobby,” but as a powerful source of focus, stress relief, mastery, connection, and meaning.

Have a FREE enrollment code? Enter your promo code at checkout to enrol for free. If you enrolled on the miniU landing page, check your email for your personal code.

Regular price $62.82 CAD
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  • 5 stars: 14 (93%)
  • 4 stars: 1 (7%)
  • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
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Anonymous (United States)
"Why we model" nails the benefits

"Why we model" nails the benefits, the convenience, and the common sense of our hobby.

M
Michael Pittmon (United States)
"Why We Model" is very thought provoking.

"Why We Model" is very thought provoking, which is a good thing. It's another tool in my modeler's kit but instead of making a better building or freight car, it makes me a better person by raising awareness of the personal benefits of model railroading. I may have known this at some level, but by thinking about the concepts, it's not just coincidental.

R
Rick Stone (United States)
A good primer/refresher

A good primer/refresher in why you should enjoy this hobby (if you forgot). If we could only get it to it on a card for new potential modelers.

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Mike Hogue (United States)
Miniprints U So Far

I'm through lesson five and everything is great so far. Excellent thought stimulating content. Thanks!

A
Anonymous (United States)
Unfortunately

Unfortunately, I flunked the class. I’m no longer building models. Quit over 20 years ago due to my inability to do what I loved most. Building models. My hands are not as steady as they were 30 years ago, and eye sight is not what it was before. This, my purchases with Mini Prints are gifted to a good friend who has a large, home HO layout. At least I’m able to participate in monthly operations sessions on three railroads in my area.
All the best Bernard!

M
Michael Hachey (United States)
Great

Great

L
Lou (United States)
Well done

Well done, really interesting.

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Pierre Dehaze (United States)
It keeps me young.

I enjoy the challenge of making something as real looking as possible. It keeps me young. It is fun. I have had HO trains since I was seven and I always said this is what I would do when I retired, and that is what I am doing. I work both on my own layout, volunteer at our club's layout in a museum, and help friends with their layouts.

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James Goad (United States)
Its been an eye opener for me and my wife when I talk to her

Its been an eye opener for me and my wife when I talk to her. I'm enjoying every thing so far.

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Tim Barrett (United States)
This is a really great introspective course!

This is a really great, innovative course. It’s got me thinking Back to when I was seven or eight years old and I started building model airplanes. My dad was a fighter pilot in WWII, and I had dog fights hanging in the “skies” of my bedroom.

The course has put me in a whole different headspace as I answer the questions about the past and the reasons I model. It’s got me looking at my O Gauge k look stouts in a whole new perspective—as therapy as well as a hobby. I’m now thinking about the “why’s” as much as the “how’s” of what I’m doing.

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Anonymous (United States)
I began thinking that I had not thought about my modeling in those terms

I began thinking that I had not thought about my modeling in those terms. I enjoyed it.

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Jim Blattau (United States)
Why We Model

I think you touched on all aspects of the hobby's "Lure" and spent just enough time on analyzing same in regards the hobby's therapeutic offerings.

I really didn't have any interest in your offering further "in depth", micro-looks at the hobby with further "courses" . I'd suggest spending time with your life and hobby before launching into further courses, as I'm not sure there is more to say that's going to be meaningful, insightful or worth your and our time.

A
Anonymous (United States)
Good overview of the reasons and impacts of modeling

Good overview of the reasons and impacts of modeling. Applies not only to model railroaders.

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Werner A. Kämpfen (Switzerland)
An excellent opportunity for self-reflection

An excellent opportunity for self-reflection. The very insightful questions brought several things back to my awareness and reinforced my model-making activities. Furthermore, I learned a lot about myself and became more self-aware. Therefore, participating was a lot of fun.

K
Ken Zieska (United States)
I enjoyed your presentation

I enjoyed your presentation and the first few lessons. I am stopped where you have asked us to set do a deliberate build time. I just have not had the opportunity to do that. I will go on to the next lesson and come back.

Thank you for creating great products and great service.

Bob Smith
Franklin, TN

I love your 3D prints! They are simply awesome. Painting them is fun!

Tom Johnson
Saint Cloud, FL

That is great looking corn coming from a former farmer.

Randy Timmerman
Columbia, MO

I received my MINIME and other prints and they are fantastic! Your work is incredible and so realistic. I am recommending miniprints to others. Keep up the great work!!!!

Tony Arocho
Prince Frederick, MD

Excellent 3D models and highly detailed with little to no lines.

Steve87th PSAP

Just wanted to drop a line and tell you how thrilled I am with your products. I now have numerous items of miniprints and everyone who sees my layout, as it progresses, is amazed at them.

Joe Tortorello
Flanders, NJ

Exceptionally detailed and intricate! These otherwise hard to find details are perfect for adding an additional bit of life to your model train layout!

Hector Turner
Brampton, ON

I have several miniprints details on my layout, and have some more in the works. Great detail, very unusual and they bring a scene to life.

Bruce Leckie
Oakville, Ontario

You are actually an excellent resource for some hard to find items. I’m gonna sit down and really go through your catalog and place a larger order. Thanks for what you do!

Bill Masters
Kuna, ID

Just funny, clever, and great! Sometimes the “H” in HO has to stand for “humor”!! I am still smiling & chuckling. I know, simple pleasure for a simple mind…. Anyway, thank you, and well done.

Henry Mikus

Everything arrived in perfect condition!

Evan Stanton
Albany, OR

miniprints is a great place to find unique products to super detail your model railroad scenes, and they make 3D models for just about any layout.

John Abatecola
San Jose, CA

Your products add SOOO much to every scene on my layout.

Cubbage Brown
Dover, DE

Amazing inventory of 3D printed models and figures for your model railway needs

Todd Armstrong

miniprints has some of the finest figures and details available in the market today.

Shawn Karney
Elmira, NY

These guys are the real deal!

Glenn Williams

miniprints has provided me with these amazing animals (and others) with great details for their size. I was extremely happy to finally find a quality N scale product that no one else offers!

Doug Dederick
Rensselaer, NY

Your products are incredible! I model N scale and came across them through the AML podcast and ordered a few things and I am more than pleased with the products you sent me.

Andres Maturana
Santiago Chile

I have received some beautiful animals today from miniprints and the details are the best I’ve ever seen when it comes to HO scale animals. Job well done!

Joe Laroche
Stony Mountain, Manitoba

Thank you. The MINIMEs arrived safely. I think MINIMEs are Macro ‘Mazing!

DC Cebula
Newark, DE

Thanks very much for the excellent products you make. Items arrived safe and sound, great packaging and pretty quick shipping.

Carl Harmes
Vancouver, BC

Definitely getting some of these!

Peter Michalski
Brantford, ON

They look so good. Makes the layout come alive.

John Sharpe
Grimsby, ON

I just had to take a moment and comment how incredible your products are. They arrive clean and crisp. I have a 3d Resin printer myself that I use for some pieces but in all honesty it isn’t worth it for me to print the items I can buy from you. Awesome job.

Bill Rutherford
Lancaster, NH

Looking good…will be much welcomed addition to my club The Hamilton Society of Model Railroads – HSMR.

Kenneth Fielding
Hamilton, ON

You continue to design & produce wonderful details that I feel are/were overlooked by modelers.

Douglas Albert Butari
Harrisburg, PA

Very happy with the product as well as the shipping times.

Kevin Squire

This exceeded my expectations. Instead of choosing which building to put it in, I may have to order another one. Totally Awesome product!!!

Teach Valley Railroad

Well, you’re doing an amazing job and I can’t think of a higher quality print.

Shawn Hoppert
Greenfield, Wisconsin

Very nice figures. True to scale. No cleanup needed ready for paint.

Robert Quinn

You have created some very beautiful castings. The detail is exquisite, and I plan to order more of your work!

Robert Tomb
Spring, TX

miniprints has opened model railroading up to a new world of detail. Thank you.

Dave Siljestrom
Billings, Montana

I just wanted to give a quick shoutout to miniprints. If you haven’t heard about them then you’ve been living under a rock! Bernard makes some of the best 3D resin printed details and definitely the most unique in the industry!

Dan Pugatch
South Portland, Maine

You have filled a big modelling hole.

Kevin Robinson

I got my package today and its awesome job once again. Thank you.

Terry Davis
Monogo Valley, CA

miniprints stands out as high quality with prices that you don’t have to explain when the wife looks at the bank account.

Darrell Cowles

Unbelievably tiny and yet so detailed!

Hector Turner
Brampton, ON

Your models never cease to amaze me.

Riley Bishop
Bakerfield, CA

Awesome service, great products.

G. Drope

There are a lot of people producing and selling the 3D prints. Your variety and quality is still the best….superb!

Steve Attig
Kansas City, MO

Received my miniprints order yesterday. The quality of the items was astounding. Best I have seen. Thanks for all your hard work.

John Buettner
Fairview Heights, IL

WOW! All I have to say as a 50 year HO modeller is WOW!

Bill Groder
Gardiner, Maine

Great details. Adds so much to the overall realism of the layout. Thanks!

Dan Cunningham
Saint-Amable, QC

Holly c@#p I had to do a double take to see if they were actually real or models. Fantastic and you are truly an artist.

Dennis Dreher
Edmonton, Alberta

Great company and products. I love the touch of fun and humor in your catalogue. Thanks for making quality detail products that are essential to a great layout but nobody else seems to make!

@HartfordWhaler

The quality is awesome and they offer a large range of items. They are always coming up with new products.

John Clark

Our layout is sort of a “scavenger hunt” of oddities. This is a perfect addition.

Dan Zomer
Kalamazoo, MI

Thanks again for my latest tiny critters. I received my order today and was amazed all over again.

Keith H

Just received my order AWESOME, These things are just AWESOME, so detailed. Everybody needs to check you out.

Brent Bowman
Lucas, Ohio

Thank you for providing detail items that are both unique and inexpensive.

Doug Ramsay
Snohomish, WA