Hobbies And Interests
History
Scale modeling can be traced back in time to the beginning of recorded history. The method was intensively used by inventors to create small-scale replicas of their visions. Leonardo da Vinci was considered the most gifted scale modeler in his time. The Wright Brothers, the inventors of the first successful airplane, used to create scale models of their inventions to show sponsors and interested people how they would look.
The public interest in creating airplane scale models started after the First World War, when free card cut-out models were included in comic books and magazines to build up replicas of airplanes seen during the war. Seeing the public's interest in such models, companies started a business by creating different types of models our different materials and selling them on the market. In the 1950s there were already available injection molded plastic models made by the Revell company, which is still one of the best companies for scale modeling kits today.
Types
Airplane models are divided into two main groups: static and flying models.
The most popular static aircraft models are military airplanes and commercial airliners. You can also find jet planes, helicopters and aerospace models. There are four main types of static airplane models: diecast models (already made), snap-fit model kits (already painted parts, no need for cutting or gluing), wooden 3D construction kits (pre-cut wooden pieces, no need for cutting) and advanced plastic model kits (require cutting, gluing and painting).
Flying airplane models are known under the name of aeromodeling. The models can be very realistic and can fly free or be radio controlled. There are two types of flying airplane models: diecast (already made) and advanced plastic model kits.
All kits come with instructions that will help you build it yourself.
Sizes
Scale models come in different sizes, depending on the type. Usually, the most detailed ones are bigger, more difficult and expensive. The difficulty is stated on the box from 1 to 6, 1 being very easy and 6 very hard.
Sizes or scales are represented by numbers such as 1:114, which means that the dimensions of the model are 1/144 (0.694%) the dimensions of the original object. For example, a 1:144 scale model of a 30-foot-long object would measure 2.5 inches.
Static airplane model kits come in the following scales: 1:144, 1:72, 1:48, 1:32 and 1:24.
Diecast models are available in: 1:200, 1:250, 1:350, 1:400 and 1:600.
Tips
If you choose to build your own model using a kit, read the instructions thoroughly before you start.
Beginners should start with easy models in order to gain some experience and get used to the instructions. This way, they can also see if they enjoy it.
While using an advanced plastic model kit to build an airplane, make sure you paint the interior parts and walls before you glue it closed. Most of the airplane models have clear plastic parts that makes it possible to look inside. If there are pieces that will be difficult to paint after gluing, you should paint them beforehand.
For injection molded plastic models, use a cutter to remove the pieces from the holder. You can use a cutter or a nail file to remove the plastic remains from the pieces after talking them out of the cast.
Some pieces are done for more than one type of model, so they might not fit perfectly. You can use a cutter or nail file to make it fit. If a piece is too small, apply more glue to parts that won't be noticed.
Study thoroughly the real object before applying the stickers.
Warning
Most glues used for building scale models are fast drying and can affect your skin and eyes. To be safe and not have glue coming out while pressing, use gloves and apply the glue with a needle or a toothpick.