Kawartha Scale Modellers (KSM)
Build. Create. Inspire.
Kawartha Scale Modellers (KSM) is a hands-on community for scale modellers of all levels—whether you’re opening your first kit or chasing the last 5% of realism under a macro lens. Our club meetings are equal parts bench craft, shared learning, and good company.
If you want a hobby that is creative, technical, relaxing, and endlessly deep—scale modelling is it. Doing it with other modellers accelerates everything: skills, confidence, and motivation.
Hands-On Bench Craft
KSM is built around practical modelling. Bring real projects, real questions, and real bench problems. The focus is always on techniques that actually work.
Shared Learning
From first kits to highly refined finishes, the club is a place to accelerate learning through demos, discussion, and practical feedback from active builders.
Good Company
Modelling is better with other modellers. KSM is friendly, welcoming, and built around bench knowledge rather than gatekeeping.
What Happens at a KSM Meeting
KSM meetings are designed to be useful, practical, and enjoyable. There is room for finished work, in-progress builds, questions, experiments, and the occasional modelling rescue mission.
Member Show-and-Tell
Bring what you’re building—finished, in progress, or full-on problem child. Meetings are a safe place to share progress, get practical feedback, and swap tips that actually work at the bench.
Demos and Mini-Workshops
Short, focused demos are a core part of KSM. Expect rotating topics such as:
- airbrushing and atomization control
- painting workflows, masking, modulation, and weathering
- decals and finishing, including clear coats, panel lining, and oils
- diorama groundwork, textures, and scene composition
- tools, adhesives, and problem-solving techniques
Have a technique you’re confident with? Volunteer to run a 10–20 minute demo. KSM grows by members teaching members.
Swap / Free / Sale Table
Out of sight is out of mind—until it hits the table. Bring any of the following:
- kits, started or unstarted
- parts, decals, tools, and aftermarket items
- paint you will never use
- reference books and modelling extras
Label items clearly if they’re for sale; otherwise, mark them swap or free. This table is one of the best parts of the night—great for clearing stash, helping new members, and finding exactly what you didn’t know you needed.
Raffle / Club Draw
We keep it fun and moving. Club draws help support club activities and future events. You might receive a surprise tool or modelling supplies.
Bring a model. Bring a question. Leave with new ideas.
Why Scale Modelling Wins as a Hobby
Scale modelling is quietly superior because it combines craft, art, and engineering in one activity. It gives you deep focus without being screen-based, sharpens patience and problem-solving, and rewards steady improvement over time.
- craft + art + engineering in one activity
- deep focus without being screen-based
- problem-solving, patience, and real skill-building
- a rewarding loop: plan → build → finish → improve
It is relaxing when you want it to be—and intensely technical when you want to go full tilt.
Why club modelling works
Doing the hobby with other modellers compresses the learning curve. You see better techniques sooner, solve problems faster, and stay motivated longer.
Who Should Come?
- brand new modellers—yes, seriously; come early and ask everything
- returning builders restarting the hobby
- armour, aircraft, automotive, sci-fi, ships, rail—if it’s scale, it’s welcome
- anyone looking for a friendly club with real bench knowledge, not gatekeeping
What to Bring
- a model at any stage, or even just photos on your phone
- questions you’re stuck on
- optional: items for the swap / free / sale table
- optional: a small item for raffle or door prizes
Join the Wider Modelling Community
KSM supports the broader modelling ecosystem and values being connected to the wider standards and community that organizations like IPMS help foster—shared learning, shared visibility, and a healthier hobby for everyone.
That means better bench knowledge, stronger community ties, and more opportunities for modellers at every level to learn, contribute, and grow.
Where We Meet 📍
KSM Meeting 👥
3rd Thursday each month
⌚ 18:00 to 21:00
Lower Level
KSM Meeting Location
Community Living Trent Highlands
Suite 200, 205 McLaughlin Rd
Lindsay, ON K9V 0K7
Easy access and lots of free parking make attending KSM simple and convenient.
