"A scale model is a physical model which is geometrically similar to an object (known as the prototype)."
The creation of scale models of sets to aid in the design process.
Materials: Understanding the different types of materials and their properties, such as wood, foam, plastics, and metals. This includes knowing how to cut, shape, and manipulate them.
Measuring and Scaling: Understanding the use of measuring tools such as rulers, calipers, and protractors. Understanding scaling and how to translate real-life measurements to a smaller or larger scale model.
Sketching and Drawing: Necessary for creating initial design concepts and plans. This includes perspective drawing, shading, and color theory, as well as digital sketching software.
Model Construction Techniques: The application of techniques such as cutting, gluing, and assembling parts. These techniques include using power tools, cutting, sanding, and drilling.
Sculpting and Molding: An important skill for creating detailed models, sculptures or prototypes. Techniques include carving, casting, and molding.
Painting and Finishing: The process of applying color and finish to a model is as important as the construction process itself. Topics include types of paint, spraying, brush techniques, weathering, and aging.
Lighting and Electrical: Essential when creating sets with special effects, lights, or sound. Topics include wiring, circuits, LED lighting, and battery power management systems.
CAD and 3D Printing: Drawing on computer-aided design (CAD) software, and 3D printing can speed up the creation of models and bring ideas to life.
Structural Design: Understanding architectural and engineering concepts, cross-sectional design, and load-bearing tolerances.
Collaboration and Communication: Skilled communication and teamwork are important in any project development. Collaboration topics include brainstorming sessions, creating a team-oriented work environment, and leveraging individual strengths.
Industry Best Practices: Know the best practices for every stage in the model-making process, including the manufacturing and prototyping stages. This ensures high-quality outputs, reducing costs and time.
Presentation and Display: Presenting models and set designs in a compelling way to engage clients is a crucial element of model-making. It includes effective display techniques, using lighting, and creating promotional materials.
Architectural model making: A visual representation of a building or structure created to convey design concepts and details to clients, contractors, and project stakeholders.
Industrial model making: Modeling of production processes and machinery that is used to test and refine new manufacturing methods and technologies.
Toy model making: The creation of models for toy companies or to create playthings in gaming or simulations.
Advertising/Display model making: Creating models that help market a product or service, such as setting up store displays.
Film and Television model making: Creating special effects using physical models; building models to be used in stop-motion animation or as part of a film’s set.
Marine Model making: Creating boat, ship or yacht models for design and production purposes.
Aircraft model making: Modeling of planes, helicopters, or spacecraft for R&D, sales or promotion.
Landscape model making: Creating models of landscapes, gardens or parks for the architects and designers.
Sculptural model making: Modeling sculptures to the desired scale using a variety of materials to develop and express various art styles of contemporary artists.
Hobby model making: Models that hobbyists create as a pastime or a method of artistic expression.
"Scale models are generally smaller than large prototypes such as vehicles, buildings, or people."
"Scale models are used as tools in engineering design and testing."
"Models built to the same scale as the prototype are called mockups."
"Scale models are used as tools in... promotion and sales."
"Scale models are used as tools in filmmaking special effects."
"Scale models are used as tools in military strategy."
"Hobbies such as rail transport modeling, wargaming, and racing."
"Scale models are constructed of plastic, wood, or metal."
"They are usually painted with enamel, lacquer, or acrylics."
"Model prototypes include all types of vehicles such as railroad trains, cars, trucks, military vehicles, aircraft, and spacecraft."
"Model prototypes include... buildings."
"Model prototypes include... people."
"Model prototypes include... science fiction themes such as spaceships and robots."
"Model building is pursued as a hobby for the sake of artisanship."
"Scale models are used as tools in engineering design and testing, promotion and sales, filmmaking special effects, military strategy..."
"Scale models are constructed of plastic, wood, or metal."
"They are usually painted with enamel, lacquer, or acrylics."
"Model prototypes include... cars."
"Model prototypes include... science fiction themes."