What is this?

what are scale models exactly?

if you are modeler, painter or collector, you already know, so this page isn't for you. This page is for those who stumble across this website or click on it from some other point and have no idea what this is about. we can call it a "primer' on scale models.

a hobby

Basically, scale modelling is a hobby. Or at least it starts out as one. Some people can take it beyond that and make a living from it, but they are few and far between - while great models can command huge dollar figures from collectors, they take time to make and therefore the time to income ratios can be rather small.

Most of us that involved in this hobby have been doing it since childhood -long before computers, video games, etc., you had to do something when it was raining outside.

These days, it's an expensive hobby. Back when all kids made models, you could buy them cheap because of "volume". Today, with a shrinking market, makers are forced to increase prices as they sell fewer - tag on "aftermarket" detail sets and a model tank can end up in the hundreds of dollars.

At the end of the day though it is a pass time from which each one of us gets something out of - be it relaxation, the feeling of achievement and in same case people do it for the "trophies".

types of models

A "model" (outside of the human kind) is a scale representation of something from the real world - be it a car, airplane , tank or person.

Today, the most common models are plastic kits. Ranging in scale and subject. These are kits that require significant assembly but are pretty easy to work with. There are resin kits which are made of a plastic type material that require less assembly, but are slightly more difficult to work with. And i the case of figures and in some cases (typically smaller scale) vehicles, white metal. These are kits cast in molten metal that are the most difficult to work with but often can hold the most detail. Below are examples of each.

"Scale" refers to the ratio in size of the real object - so for example, a figure that is "1/35th" scale is 35 times smaller than the human being it is meant to represent.

an art form

Though in reality it is a hobby, what is produced can be considered an artform.

Setting aside for a moment those that just churn out model after model because it keeps them busy, for many, the end goal is to create something, in scale that looks as realistic as possible. That looks like it came out of a scene. That when photographed, is difficult to differentiate from the real thing.

The tools, techniques and passion employed are often no different than the ones used in "traditional" canvas painting - the only difference being that one is three dimensional and one is not.

If one were to look at some of the pieces out there, it's hard to say that this isn't art.

See some of the examples below to judge for yourself - whether a "round" figure, a "flat" or even an aircraft - the piece is made to look like something it isn't - a piece of metal, a blob of putty or a plastic tank.....

the exhibition circuit

Finally, for those inclined to participate, there are shows. Both nationally and internationally, there are regular events that bring people from different, yet related hobbies together.

Though they are referred to as "competitions", some are and some aren't - being more an exhibition where people either just show their work, or are awarded against their own standard as opposed to competing with someone else for the top spot.

Shows are a huge benefit for anyone who takes their hobby seriously. Aside from the fact that they are often also giant "flea markets" of stuff related to the hobby and great place to pick up bargains, there is so much to learn. Even if someone is not "sociable", just going and seeing the work up close is worth a thousand books.

Better yet, it's a place to meet people and make life long friends that share a common interest.

See Some Examples

Typical plastic kit as it comes out of the box

The mother of all modelling projects, the wooden sail ship. Many spend years working on one model...