How it all began
Living in the UK, I’ve spent most of my working life in the creative industry as a graphic designer, immersed in a fast-paced digital world. But in my spare time, I’ve always yearned for something more hands-on, and had a passion for model-building, particularly partworks. It’s this side interest, combined with my design background, which led me into the world of creating mods for models.
Mike Lane Mods was born with the launch of the Eaglemoss Build the DeLorean build-up. As a child of the 1980s, the Back to the Future films captured my imagination in a big way – so, like many others, I subscribed to the model and began building it up month by month.
Here is the advert I first saw on TV back in December 2016. I still have fond memories of seeing this for the first time, and now of course it has a special place in the history of Mike Lane Mods, as unknowingly at the time, this advert was to become the start of my adventure:
The model (now available through Fanhome but originally from Eaglemoss) was certainly impressive and remains one of the best replica DeLorean models on the market. However, it wasn’t without its flaws and there were details I knew I could improve on. So I began modifying my own DeLorean model, fixing inaccuracies and making general improvements. The aim was to resemble the real thing as closely as possible.
I shared the results of these personal mods with fellow enthusiasts and began receiving requests to recreate them. Flattered by the response, demand grew and soon I found myself making more mods, more advanced upgrades, plus enhancements for other models. After doing this for a year in my spare time whilst juggling a full-time job, I decided to take the plunge and focus on mod-making full-time, with Mike Lane Mods being officially formed in 2018.
My workshop, nestled away in the South West of England
Where the magic happens
Mike Lane Mods naturally evolved, and I created more products for more models, both partworks and pre-built replicas such as those created by Hot Toys. By early 2022, I had outgrown my home workshop, so it was time to set up a new space where I could design and develop new mods, and to accommodate the equipment and stock that comes with it. Moving workshops was a massive undertaking, but one which has helped to transform the products and service I can deliver – in short, it has enabled me to make things bigger, better and faster.
As well as allowing me to process orders more quickly and efficiently than before, even more excitingly, the extra space means has meant being able to tackle more of the models I’ve been eager to get my hands on. With every partwork project I create mods for, I’m immersed in the process of building the model myself – with my detail-obsessed brain suggesting countless features to tweak and improve on as I go. It’s a pleasure to now be able to turn my attention to even more of the stunning models on my wish list.
My new workshop has also meant being able to take on some of the larger scale mods that previously hadn’t previously been possible. The Back to the Future DeLorean railroad mod was the first really big product I was excited to create in my new expanded workspace.
Whilst having more space and more room to breathe very much helps to balance the ‘Mike-feng-shui’, moving has primarily been about providing the very best service I can.
And the rest is history
Today my mods are shipped all over the world and I continue to look forward to what’s next. Whilst my product range has grown and continues to grow, I’m proud that it’s still very much a personal service. I continue to personally design and handcraft every piece. And I remain as enthusiastic about model building as when I first began.
This of course is just a snippet of the journey I’ve been on to be where I find myself today. There’s also the tonne of support I’ve received from friends, family, my children and the modelling community, and all the nights spent fuelled by Red Bull. It was a difficult decision to leave my career to focus on model modding full time, but one I have never regretted. It has been an incredible adventure and an amazing experience – and one I will always treasure.
A big thank you
I enjoy seeing my customers sharing their excitement in installing my mods and the satisfaction they get from the results. Occasionally I’m treated to a video review from the YouTube modelling community, which I always appreciate and always love watching. It’s great to see what fellow enthusiasts make of a new addition to their model and to share the experience with them.
I’m so grateful to everyone who has taken the time and energy to review, explain and share my mods with the wider world. If you’re interested in watching or reading some of these reviews you can find them on my reviews page here.
For now, happy modding!
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who continues to support me through this exciting venture. I’ve been truly privileged to share my passion with other enthusiasts all over the world. It’s your feedback and support which keeps these mods coming, so thank you for making it possible.
