Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why should I join NAME?
A: Click Here
Q: What are my responsibilities as a NAME member?
A: To share the enjoyment of scale miniatures with like-minded individuals!
Q: What are the different kinds of activities that are offered to the members of NAME?
A: Club membership
NAME clubs help their members to learn new skills and share what they
have accomplished. Many
clubs are looking for new members, or the Regional Coordinators and
State Representatives are happy to help start new ones.
Fun Days
Two or more clubs get together for a day of miniature fun.
Activities may include a workshop or several smaller projects and usually offer refreshments!
Mini Weekends
An extended version of a fun day. Participants spend
one-two nights away from home and have time to complete a longer project.
Food and fun are also involved!
State Days
A State Day is a one day event sponsored by a NAME club or group. It is held primarily for NAME
members and guests from within a specific State. If there is space available, NAME members and
guests from surrounding areas are also included. State Days may feature a single project or offer
workshops by several instructors. They may include a tote bag of favors for the attendees,
centerpieces, door prizes, raffles or a silent auction and a salesroom of dealers offering items
that may be used to help complete the project.
Houseparties & National Conventions
A Houseparty or Convention is a gathering of like minded miniature enthusiasts who come together
to play and learn all about the miniatures world. It is an opportunity to meet others with the same
passion; those who want to learn new techniques, view fantastic exhibits, take workshops from world
renowned artisans, and exchange ideas about building and collecting miniatures. There are souvenir
gifts, wonderful centerpieces, table favors and door prizes. Houseparties take place over a long
weekend (Thursday-Sunday) while the National Convention offers a full week of activities.
Q: How do I join NAME?
A: Click here to download the membership application.
Q: How do I join a club?
A: Visit our Clubs page and contact the president of a club near you, or contact your Regional Coordinator or State Representative.
Q: Why should my club become a NAME club?
A: NAME is the parent organization that supports individuals, dealers and clubs in the pursuit of our hobby. NAME provides many services to clubs including liability insurance for events, access to a library of instructional slides and videos and a club project manual that is updated annually. There is also a Club Liaison on the Board of Directors who is available to answer questions and resolve problems for clubs
Q: What are a club's responsibilities as a NAME club?
A: Pay a one-time only fee of $20 to charter the club. Renew the charter annually by returning appropriate paperwork. Enjoy the benefits of sharing your hobby with like-minded people from all over the country
Q: What skills do I need to get started in the miniature hobby?
A: A love of small things and a willingness to learn are all you really need to get started, but it helps if you:
1. Use basic tools confidently
2. Cut accurately with an X-acto knife
3. Read rulers and mark lengths accurately
4. Have knowledge of basic glues and how to apply them
5. Know how to paint smoothly
When asked to list the skills needed beyond the basic ones, most teachers reply that they would be more than prepared to
teach whatever their students did not know how to do. What they would like students to have are some “opens” - open mind,
open heart, open eyes, open ears and an open ---smile!
Q: What is meant by dollhouse scale?
A: Scale is the ratio of the size of a model item to a real-world item. Early dollhouses did not have a standard scale and often in more primitive dollhouses, scales were mixed. Since the 1970's, the most prevalent dollhouse scale has been 1:12, or one inch to a foot, commonly referred to as inch-scale. In recent years, 1:24 or half-inch to a foot, has become popular and is usually referred to as half-scale. Other popular scales are 1:48, a quarter-inch to a foot (quarter-scale), and 1:144 scale. Another popular scale is Playscale, which is the proper scale for Barbie dolls. Early commercial dollhouse furniture was generally in either 1:16 (Renwal) or 1:18 (Lundby) scale, roughly 3/4" to a foot.
Q: What tools do I need to get started in the miniatures hobby?
A: Here is a list of items you may want to include in your basic toolbox. This is only a suggested list, and
there may be additional items you want to add. However, these are generally the things an instructor will expect you to have
with you. If you need specific tools beyond this list, your teacher will let you know in advance. The type of box most
people find useful is a heavy plastic tackle box with a lift-out tray or drawers. Your tool box will evolve over time and
reflect your personality as you make your miniature creations.
X-acto knife with #11 blades
squaring jig or Legos
medium/fine sandpaper
notebook and pencils
needle nose pliers
Q-tips
2 pair of scissors (paper and fabric)
masking/Scotch tape
small T Square/right angle
paint brushes (various sizes)
plastic ‘zipper’ bags
wax paper
12” and 6” cork-backed rulers
1” foam brush
pins, needles, thread
damp cloth or wipes for messy hands
tweezers
toothpicks
small clamps/pinch clothespins
emery board
small cutting mat
glue such as: Tacky, Super Glue, Ultimate or Grrrip
glue spreader/old credit card or hotel keycard
utility knife
If you are attending a workshop, you may wish to bring a work light and extension cord, as hotel lighting is not the best for miniaturing.
Below are additional supplies that may be needed based on the workshop you are attending:
steel wool 0000
rubber gloves
miter box & saw or chopper
wire cutters
wood glue
small screw driver
pin vise and drill bits
cement for plastic
container(s) for project
Q: How do model train scales relate to dollhouse scales?
A: The most popular model train scales roughly approximate some of the most popular dollhouse scales. Train scales are: G=1:22.5, O=1:48, N=1:148 to 1:160. O-scale in the United States is 1:48. In Europe, there are slight differences in the scale. N-scales vary slightly from country to country.