Scale Hobbies

You can build scales models of just about anything your imagination can come up with. Look at all of the models created to be used as special effects in Hollywood. The Tri-Corder (Star Trek), the advanced enemy stealth fighter (Firefox), and other first-of-their kind models, began in the builders’ imagination before being brought to life as scale models.

As scale modelers, we have the ability to apply our imagination and artistic impressions to our projects. Whether it be a fictional railroad short line, custom street rod or an aircraft with unique modifications or markings, the idea evolving from within our own imagination, can be scratch built and created as a three dimensional scale model. The picture at the right shows a finished model that began as a P-47 Thunderbolt, but was transformed to an Ariel Fire Fighter Director’s plane.

Let your ideas become the reality of tomorrow through scale modeling.

Looking for a great way to spend a couple of hours with your children that is both fun and educational? Introduce them to the hobby of scale modeling during Revell’s National Make ‘n Take Day at a hobby retailer near you.

Scale modeling helps your child develop fine motor skills and concentration. Depending on the model, it can also provide a fun, hands-on way to learn about history or science. Strategic planning skills come into play, so that parts are prepared and assembled in the right order.

At this year’s Make ‘n Take Day, your child will have the opportunity to build a Revell Snap Tite space shuttle. Maybe best of all … he/she can do so for FREE!

Click here to find a participating hobby retailer near you, then be sure to mark your calendars for June 13, 2009 to attend Revell’s National Make ‘n Take Day.

Each hobby has its own unique tool needs. Today I’ll share with you several tools to make your hobby projects more enjoyable.

A Track Cutter for Model Railroaders

First is one that is a must have for those who find building model railroad layouts a great and relaxing pastime. As with a real railroad, the track which the trains run on is a critically important component. So the model railroader needs a track cutter that is effortless to use and delivers a precise cut each and every time. Xuron’s 2175M Track Cutter does both.

A Bead Stringer’s Tool Kit

If your hobby includes stringing beads together, Xuron also has a tool kit suitable for you. The TK2400 Bead Stringer’s Tool Kit features three tools that are essential for stringing jewelry beads on to flexible stranded bead wire, cord, monofilament and thread. Packaged in a handy canvas pouch with pockets, these ergonomic tools have soft Xuro-Rubber™ hand grips and a Light-Touch™ return spring for cutting, holding, forming and looping tasks.

The tools in Xuron’s TK2400 Bead Stringer’s Tool Kit include the Model 410 Micro-Shear® Flush Cutter for soft wire up to 18 AWG, flexible stranded bead wire, craft wire, cord & monofilament; the Model 450 Tweezernose™ Pliers for bending and forming and holding jump rings, split rings and small beads; and Model 488 Round Nose Pliers for looping and forming wire.

Tools for Cutting Carbon Fiber

If you’re into building RC projects, you’re probably aware that some of the composite materials being used today are lighter and stronger than previously used materials, and that this creates some some challenges when cutting and shaping them. Carbon fiber, for example, is lightweight and very strong, yet is difficult to cut with conventional tools. Not anymore; Xuron answers the challenge with tools for cutting carbon fiber materials.

Their model 9180 Scissor is for cutting strip between .019” and .034” thick and the Model 2193 Shear will cut rod from .20”-.80” diameter and .060” ID tube. These tools create a square cut on strip and rod, but it is recommended users insert a properly sized wire inside the tube before cutting to prevent the thin walls from crushing.

Featuring one serrated edge, the Xuron Model 9180 grips the carbon material for faster and easier cutting. Xuron’s Model 2193 is a full by-pass shear designed specifically for cutting hard materials. Standard features for both tools include ergonomic handles, cushioned Xuro-Rubber™ grips, return springs and precision ground high carbon steel blades.

The right tool for the job makes the project more enjoyable. Visit your local hobby shop for these and other specialized hobby tools from Xuron today.

Having the right tools at your disposal makes all the difference when building realistic plastic scale models. In this video from Hawkeye’s Hobbies, you’ll learn what tools are essential when applying decals.

Whether you are a dad looking for a way to connect with your son, or a grandpa looking for a way to connect with your grandson, scale model hobbies are a wonderful way to make that connection. Scale model hobbies include everything from trains to cars, planes to ships, and houses to cities. To start, simply go to your local hobby store and ask to be directed to the scale model section. Then, go crazy!

Scale model hobbies make great gifts, whether you are giving the finished project or giving the model to a loved one. Depending on your experience level, you can get a complicated one or one that is not as complicated. Overall, it really is a great present for almost any occasion. Imagine sitting down with your model and your son or daughter to put it together as a family.

Scale model hobbies are a wonderful way to spend extra time you might have in a functional way. Some people devote their lives to recreating the city in which they reside as a scale model. Some people just want to recreate their first car to put on a display. Those who have a fascination with ships or planes also find a wonderful outlet. The greatest part about this hobby is that most model kits come with everything you need including paint and glue. Therefore, it is a hobby that is easy to get started on. Virtually all you will need is a little spare time and you’re on your way!

Photo Credit: T-33 Shooting Star by Art G. on Hawkeye’s Hobbies

Related Posts: Realistic Replicas Begin with Detailed Plastic Model Kits

Toy cars have been around since the advent of horseless carriage. What started out as big cast iron wagons and carriages, grew to include cars, trucks, buses and nearly every other wheeled vehicle found on the road.

Of course, cast iron has since been replaced by various alloys, composites and plastics to produce the diecast cars that we collect today. This trend toward producing miniatures of vehicles we see every day has grown into a huge industry that makes almost anything one can imagine, from garbage trucks and farm tractors, to racing cars, to the latest super car from your favorite marque. Scales range generally from 1:87 (HO) to 1:12 and in some cases even larger. The most popular scales today are 1:64, 1:43, 1:24 and 1:18.

Dad Sparked Interest in Diecast Cars

I guess I could blame my parents, specifically my dad, for my diecast (and plastic) model car collection. It all started in the summer of 1970 when my dad bought his brand new 1969 Pontiac Tempest and received a plastic promotional scale model of a 1970 GTO from the dealer. He gave me the GTO and that started a lifelong love of all things automotive. Over the years, I received many more models, Hot Wheels, Matchboxes and other various toy trucks, cars etc.

Unfortunately, I was a very destructive child and wrecked most all of my toys and especially my Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars using things like a hammer, the vise on the garage workbench, and even putting them under the leg of my bed. This continued until my pre-adolescent years, when I finally matured enough to realize the value of my toys and that they were worth more to me intact than in pieces. I’m sure my parents wondered if they should ever buy me another toy again! Once I was old enough to have some money of my own I started buying toys and models for myself and have continued to do so to this day.

A Sizable Scale Model Collection

I collect plastic model kits, diecasts in several scales, including 1:64 and 1:18, as well as various other automotive memorabilia. At present, I have over 80 1:18 diecasts plus a few hundred 1:64 cars plus well over 600-700 models.

Why do I collect all this stuff and in such relatively high numbers, you may ask? Well, my problem is this: I like nearly anything with four and even two wheels and would love to have a bunch of real cars and a couple of motorcycles. Since this would be impossible from a financial and logistical standpoint, I try to fuel my fantasy with models of the real thing! A scale model collection allows me the freedom to own my dream machines without an insanely huge amount of capital investment. Heck, one can still find Hot Wheels, etc. at around a buck and oftentimes one can acquire 1:18 diecasts for much less than the $30-$40 that many of them are going for these days. I used to pick up a lot of the Ertl diecast musclecars at Toys ‘R’ Us years ago but the market has changed, making diecasts a bit more challenging to find. Still, many good deals can be found at your local hobby shop.

Article provided by Bob Kremer, Member of IPMS-Steve Wittman Model Club, Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Anyone who has not built a plastic model kit in the past 10-years is in for a big surprise today. Open the box to newly manufactured kits and compare the level of detail and quality to that of the past. There’s quite a difference. Why?

Better Technology Yields Better Model Parts

Steel tooling for producing injection molded parts for scale model kits is now made through the use of CAD 3D computer imaging. The ability of the model-builder to create incredibly realistic looking ships, cars, planes and tanks has been greatly enhanced by the huge increase in detail included in the tooling of the modern plastic model kit. There is less flash (surplus plastic on sprues caused by worn out tooling) and more precise fit of parts.

Why should this matter to the average modeler?  The reason to purchase a model kit is to create a realistic looking replica in miniature.   The satisfaction gained by the builder of having that replica look incredibly realistic is immeasurable.

Which Photo is Real?

Check out web photos of dioramas taken at model shows. It is now nearly impossible to tell the difference between a photo of the real plane and the scaled down model kit!  Attribute this to the attention paid to detail by the various manufacturers, each of whom is determined to recreate the most realistic looking replica as can be made in miniature.

Everyone has a favorite vehicle that brings back memories of the past, whether it be Dad’s old car, or a plane or ship on which a family member served during a military conflict. Finding that kit replica is easy with a visit to a local hobby shop. And recreating that replica not only brings a level of personal pride in the result, but creates, in a sense, an escape from every day life, where one can dive into an enjoyable family project.

Model building is a great outlet for kids of all ages, young and old and in between!  Look up “Hobbies” in your yellow pages or search for hobby stores online and start your new hobby today!

Content provided by Stevens International. For more information, visit www.stevenshobby.com

“That’s Made of Paper?”

I hear that a lot when I exhibit my paper models. In details and finish, paper scale models can stand up well against plastic, resin, and other media. This is my B5N2 “Kate” torpedo bomber in 1/33 scale:

The Kate is a kit, published in Poland and sold through online shops in Europe, the US, and Canada. Like most published paper models, it comes in book form, on heavy cardstock, already colored. Except for a bit of piano wire, clear plastic, and fish line (for landing gear reinforcement, glazing, and antenna), it’s all paper.

I spent years building plastic models until I discovered scale paper models a few years ago. Now I’m hooked. And it’s not just airplanes. I’ve built armor, ships and submarines, buildings for my model railroad, spacecraft, science fiction models, and a few odd bits, like this 1/16-scale Rolls-Royce Merlin engine:

Paper models offer some very real advantages:

• Low Cost — With cost of plastics going through the roof, high-quality paper models are a real bargain. Ninety percent of the printed, published kits are in the $5 to $20 range. A few of the really huge kits (like a 4-foot long model of the Bismarck in 1/200 scale) can run $30 to $50. The kit for my 1/33-scale Kate sells for about $10. Most armor kits range from $5 to $25.

• Free Paper Models — On the Internet, you can find thousands of free kits to download, print, and build. Some of them are as detailed as anything you could purchase from kit publishers. The Merlin 45 engine pictured above was a free download. My only cost for the kit was ink and paper. (I like Wausau Bright White® 65-lb cardstock from Staples®.) Here is a list of links.

• Simple Tools and Techniques — A starter’s tool kit consists of scissors, hobby knife, steel rule, white glue, and a straight pin (for scribing). You can add or make lots of other handy tools as you progress, but the basic kit is very basic. And the basic techniques of paper modeling are easy to learn. You can start out with simple models and work your way up to more detailed kits. The Cardmodeling FAQ is loaded with information. Not sure how to build a subassembly? Photocopy the parts and test-build it, as many times as you need to. And with downloadable kits, if you make a mistake, just print the part again and redo it.

• No Paints or Decals Required — This is a BIG plus for me. I like building and detailing; I never cared much for painting and decaling. With paper models, I need only a half-dozen watercolor pencils and artists’ felt-tip pens to color the cut edges of the paper parts. (I don’t have to match the color, just the contrast. An assortment of gray pens & pencils does the job.) Ah, but what about customizing the markings on a model? Well, I recently scanned parts from a 1/33-scale C-47 and using PhotoShop®, changed the markings to match the aircraft my father flew in World War II. Now I’m recoloring another kit to represent a Russian Lend-Lease C-47. With even a modest graphics program and a scanner, the possibilities are endless. (Left: USAAF; right: CCCP)

• Variety of Subjects — The Internet has brought an explosion in the availability and variety of paper models. Designers can create kits on a computer, post them on a Web site, and sell them (or give them away) for downloading. Any subject you can find in plastic is almost certainly available as a paper kit, from a traditional hard-copy publisher or an online designer. And there are paper models of ships, planes, armor, vehicles, buildings, figures, and other stuff that has never been offered in plastic, like Rutan’s SpaceShip One (1/48 scale) or NASA’s proposed new LSAM lunar lander (1/50). Some kits, like Digital Navy’s 1/250 USS Arizona, will take many hours of pleasure to build. Others, like an L-19 Bird Dog from Fiddler’s Green, will occupy an evening or two. Paper modeling offers kits for every level of skill and interest.

• Large Scale Paper Models — As my reading glasses get stronger, I really appreciate the larger scales of paper models. The most popular scales are: aircraft, 1/33; ships, 1/200 and 1/250; armor, 1/25, buildings, 1/87. Of course there’s lots of variety here, too, with plenty of 1/50 and 1/72 aircraft, 1/35 and 1/72 armor, and ships, spacecraft, and buildings all over the map. And if you don’t like the scale of a kit, change it. My Merlin 45 engine was a 1/33 kit. I enlarged it to 1/16 with a couple of computer keystrokes. One online publisher (Gremir Models) provides software with each kit that allows you to print the kit at any scale you want.

• The Glue Tastes Better — The Modeler’s Dictionary defines “glue” as “the stuff you chew off your fingers,” and the craft glue I use for paper models (Aleene’s Tacky Glue®) tastes a lot better than plastic cement. Seriously, the glues, paints, and solvents used in plastic modeling can be very real health hazards. I’ve done away with nearly all of that. I have a few jars of Model Master® enamel from my “plastic surgeon” days, that I use (rarely) for touch-ups, and a can of Krylon® clear flat acrylic for sealing my models.

How durable are paper models?

I have 15-year-old models that look as though they were finished yesterday. And I have models that dove off the shelf with little or no damage.

Paper modeling is still an “underground” hobby, but that’s changing. The International Plastic Modeler’s Society now has a contest category for paper, and the number of paper modelers is growing rapidly. Paper Modeling is easy to learn, inexpensive, portable, and ecologically friendly. And I can store a lifetime’s worth of kits on a single bookshelf—or on my computer’s hard disk. To learn more, check out one of the online paper modeling forums. And have fun!

“Rock is dead; paper and scissors RULE!
—David Sakrison