A childhood gift from his brother sparked a passion that has lasted more than four decades, transforming Dudley Stilwell into one of Durban’s most accomplished scale modellers and a familiar face in the local modelling community.

Now 51 and chairperson of the International Plastic Modellers’ Society (IPMS) Durban, Stilwell will be among the exhibitors showcasing intricate miniature creations at ModelCon 2026, taking place at the German Club in Westville on Saturday, July 25.

The military history enthusiast recently welcomed the Berea Mail into his home, where glass cabinets are filled with meticulously crafted armoured vehicles, soldier figurines and highly detailed wartime dioramas.

“We have a saying among ourselves: ‘If you can think it, we can build it,’ and I can assure you that’s true,” said Stilwell as he proudly opened one of his display cabinets packed with hand-built military scenes and miniature figures.

Also Read: Celebrate miniature mastery at ModelCon

His fascination with scale modelling began while he was still in primary school. “I started with aircraft models, and my first build was with the help of my dad. My brother gave me the kit when I was about 10 years old,” he recalled. “I’ve been building ever since, and I don’t see myself stopping anytime soon.”

Although aircraft were his first love, Stilwell eventually found his niche creating armoured vehicles and realistic wartime dioramas.

“Building scale models takes time, but I love every part of it. You start with a box of tiny plastic pieces, clean them up, glue them together, then move on to painting and weathering. Seeing the finished model is incredibly satisfying,” he said with a laugh. “That said, we all have a ‘cabinet of shame’ filled with unfinished projects.”

Beyond military subjects, Stilwell said the hobby offers limitless creative possibilities. “With this hobby, your imagination is the only limit. I’ve seen someone build a post-apocalyptic zombie diorama. You’re not restricted to military subjects. Among all my armoured vehicles I even have a miniature stove that I built. People create wonderfully bizarre things, and that’s what makes the hobby so much fun.”

Also Read: Miniature Fair celebrates cinematic scenes in Westville

Driven by a shared love of craftsmanship, history and creativity, IPMS Durban meets monthly to promote the hobby and welcome newcomers. “We want to expose people to scale modelling because if people don’t know about it, they won’t become interested,” he said.

This year’s ModelCon will bring together hobbyists from Durban, the North Coast and the South Coast, alongside exhibitors displaying commercial vehicles, motorcycles, historical miniatures, science-fiction models and fantasy figurines.

Stilwell hopes the exhibition will encourage more young people to take up the hobby. “It teaches patience, attention to detail and precision. Those are skills you can apply in everyday life, not just while building models.”

For more information about IPMS Durban and ModelCon 2026, follow the society on Facebook or contact Dudley Stilwell on 082 686 7506.

For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here