Scratch Builder Monthly April 2026 is a supplement written and published by MJ Hobby Corner for use with making cheap models, primarily for tabletop wargaming.
The supplement is available as a 42-page PDF from Wargames Vault for $3. One page is the front cover, one the Table of Contents and two are credits and links.
April 2026 Edition explains that this issue creates six star ships inspired by The Expanse, incorporating some real elements of astronomy and physics and the various everyday items used. Such creations can be used for gaming, but they could also be used for dioramas or simply display pieces. The ships also are part of a new lore, “Sol, Cradle of Humanity”.
Building With What I Have explains there’s something different about building with what’s available, rather than curated parts, and what the models are made from, creating ships that look used, are designed to be appropriate to the physics and fit the lore.
The Expanse as a source of Inspiration looks at how this series can be used to inspire builds, the desired aesthetic for Alpha fleet, the fleet that fits the lore that’s created in this issue, and future fleets. The ships are designed primarily for miniatures agnostic gaming, such as A Billion Suns.
Tools I Craft With has a list of tools used in this issue.
Adhesives looks at the glues.
A Plethora Of Building Materials is the building materials, primarily recycled pens and markers, but including plastic canvas mesh, wall anchors, glass seed beads, plastic plug covers, electrical components, sequins and plastic caps.
Building On A Budget Final Material Choices looks at the uses of paperclips, spoons and Q-tips (cotton buds).
Project of The Month Terran Alpha Fleet starts with Concepts, which has lore, the types of ships and flight stands. Following this are some approximate measurements and the ships of the fleet. After this are the instructions for building the ships, including their weapons. Finally, there are some thoughts on the builds.
Work Bench News looks at backdrops used for photos and an upcoming thing.
Let the Games Continue! is a thankyou page.
Scratch Builder Monthly April 2026 in Review
The PDF is extensively bookmarked with major and minor sections linked, though nesting could be better. The Table of Contents covers the major sections. Navigation is good. The text maintains a single column format and some minor errors were noticed. There are a variety of photos of tools, materials and the various stages of projects from started to finished. Presentation is good.
This is what it seems to be; instructions on how to build a variety of different, small-scale spaceships. Though specific ship designs are the main project, the techniques used can be transferred to new designs. Miniatures agnostic games are the primary focus, but some of the techniques would work for other games. Scratch Builder Monthly April 2026 can be found by clicking here.
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