75cm Model Railway Shelf Diorama kit, optional Fiddle Stick, lighting and Shelf

This self-assembly kit allows you to build an operational shelf diorama effortlessly.  Crafted from high-quality Medite MDF, it is both easy to assemble and is ideal for modeling a shelf based layout. Unlike plain boards and kits, this diorama features both a picture frame front to frame your work and a lid that can be used to house optional LED lighting. The right lighting can truly enhance any layout, and brings it to life. Please note this is for the diorama case, the finished and painted shelf diorama shown is for demonstration purposes only.

Key Features:

• High-quality Medite MDF construction
• Picture frame front and lid for optional lighting (which is supplied with the full kit)
• Comes with a Fiddle Stick - accessory for bringing trains and wagons into the display (can also be bought separately)
• Fits neatly into IKEA Maleras shelf, perfect for showcasing your layout when not in use (which is supplied with the full kit)

The Diorama is 75cm x 10cm x 18cm high and can house N, OO9 or OO dioramas (even O or NG7 at a squeeze). 

One of the unique features of this Diorama case is the separate internal baseboard. Constructed of 4mm Medite MDF you can build and test out your layout onto this before installing it into the main case. This is so much easier as it avoids having to build everything through the window.
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There are also two types of end supplied with the entrance hole either in the center or offset so you can decide where the track should exit.
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The Fiddle stick can be slotted in to the side and allows you to bring trains and wagons into the diorama. If you want , you can get additional Fiddle sticks to increase the operational capacity of  your layout and they are a great way to safely hold your locos and wagons when not in use. 

Plus, as an added bonus, this shelf layout fits snuggly into an IKEA Maleras shelf (Supplied in the full kit). You can fit this to a wall and its a great place to display  your layout when not in use, to make it a framed masterpiece and conversation starter. 

The diorama and fiddlestick come with instructions if needed, although the construction is very easy and just requires wood glue (not included) to hold things together, we prefer Gorilla glue for this. 

You can choose from one of the three options available. 
1. The Diorama case with one Fiddle Stick
2. A Single Fiddle Stick (Add one or more to the above options)
3. The full kit, comprising the Diorama Case, A Fiddle stick, LED Lighting strip and plug, and a Maleras Shelf

Pictures of completed dioramas, models and locos etc. are just for information purposes and are not included....

Note: This baseboard is supplied in flat-pack form and requires assembly 

Edges have a dark finish and may have a slight smell that fades quickly. Any marks from the laser process can be removed by light sanding or sealing with MDF sealer prior to painting if required.

FAQ – Product FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is included with this self-assembly diorama kit?

This product is a flat-pack Medite MDF diorama case with a picture frame style front, a lid designed to house optional LED lighting, a separate internal baseboard, and at least one Fiddle Stick depending on the option you choose. The finished and painted layouts shown in photos are for inspiration only and are not included.

What are the different purchase options available?

You can choose from three options: the Diorama case with one Fiddle Stick, a single Fiddle Stick on its own (to add extra operational capacity), or the full kit which includes the Diorama case, one Fiddle Stick, an LED lighting strip with plug, and an IKEA Maleras shelf.

What scales will fit inside the diorama?

The internal space (approximately 75 cm x 10 cm x 18 cm high) is designed to house N, OO9 or OO dioramas comfortably, and can also take O or NG7 at a squeeze, depending on your track plan and scenic height.

What is the diorama made from?

The case and internal baseboard are made from high-quality Medite MDF. The internal baseboard is 4 mm Medite MDF, which gives a good balance between strength and ease of working for tracklaying and scenic work.

Does it come with the IKEA Maleras shelf and lighting?

The Maleras shelf and LED lighting strip with plug are included only in the full kit option. If you choose just the Diorama case with Fiddle Stick or a single Fiddle Stick, the shelf and lighting are not included.

Are locomotives, wagons and scenic items included?

No. Any locomotives, wagons, figures, buildings or scenic materials shown in photographs are for illustration only and are not included with the kit.

My kit has a slight smell and dark edges. Is this normal?

Yes, this is normal for laser-cut Medite MDF. The dark edge and slight smell come from the cutting process and will fade quickly. If you wish, you can give the edges a light sand or seal them with MDF sealer before painting.

The MDF has small marks from cutting. How can I tidy these up?

Minor marks from the laser process can be removed by light sanding with fine abrasive paper, or simply sealed under MDF sealer or primer before you start painting. Once painted, they are usually invisible.

My diorama does not seem to fit the IKEA Maleras shelf. What should I check?

This case is designed to fit snugly into an IKEA Maleras shelf. If it feels tight, check that the diorama is fully square during assembly, that no glue squeeze-out is left on the outside faces, and that the shelf is correctly assembled. A very light sand on any proud joints will usually solve the issue.

Is the Fiddle Stick compatible with other layouts?

The Fiddle Stick is designed to slot into the side of this diorama case to bring trains and wagons in and out. You can also use it separately with other layouts if you arrange the track height and alignment to match, but it is purpose-made for this diorama system.

Can I expand operations with extra Fiddle Sticks?

Yes. Additional Fiddle Sticks can be purchased separately. They are ideal for increasing the operational capacity of your layout and for safely holding locomotives and wagons when they are not in the diorama.

Is this kit suitable for beginners?

Yes. The diorama and Fiddle Stick are designed to be very easy to assemble, and instructions are included if needed. Basic woodworking skills and care with glue are all that is required, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced modellers.

What tools and materials do I need to assemble the kit?

You will need wood glue (not included) and something to keep the parts square while the glue dries, such as small clamps or masking tape. A craft knife and fine sandpaper are helpful for cleaning up joints and edges. Gorilla wood glue is recommended by the maker, but any suitable wood glue will work.

How do I assemble the separate internal baseboard?

The internal baseboard is supplied flat and slots together from 4 mm Medite MDF parts. Dry fit the pieces first to check the orientation, then apply wood glue to the joints and clamp or tape them square until dry. Once assembled, you can build and test your layout on this baseboard before sliding it into the main case.

How do I choose between the central and offset entrance ends?

The kit includes two types of end panel: one with a central entrance hole and one with an offset entrance hole. Decide where you want the track to exit the scene (centre or towards one side), then use the matching end piece during assembly. This choice lets you tailor the viewing and operating angles of your layout.

How do I install and use the Fiddle Stick with the diorama?

The Fiddle Stick is designed to slot into the side of the diorama at the track exit. During assembly, ensure the entrance hole end is square and at the correct height. Lay track so it runs smoothly from the internal baseboard through the entrance hole and onto the Fiddle Stick. Once aligned, the Fiddle Stick can be used to bring trains and wagons into and out of the scene.

Do I need to assemble the Maleras shelf myself?

Yes. The Maleras shelf is supplied in the full kit but comes as its own flat-pack item and will need assembling according to IKEA’s instructions. Once built, the diorama case simply slides into the shelf for display.

How should I prepare the MDF for painting?

For best results, lightly sand the surfaces and edges, then seal with an MDF sealer or primer. This helps to reduce absorbency and hides any laser marks. After sealing, you can paint with your chosen acrylic or enamel paints to match your layout style.

Can I paint the diorama case and baseboard before building the layout?

Yes, and many modellers prefer to do so. You can assemble the case, seal and paint the interior and exterior, then build your scenery and track on the separate internal baseboard. Once the baseboard is complete and tested, slide it into the painted case for a clean, finished look.

What type of lighting can I use in the lid?

The lid is designed to house optional LED lighting. If you purchase the full kit, an LED strip and plug are included. If you are using your own lighting, choose low-heat LED strips suitable for use with MDF and follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions when installing them into the lid.