One of the most popular hobbies today is model making, which has gained followers over the years thanks to advances in 3D printing, allowing for greater development of this hobby.
Model making is even categorized as therapeutic by some experts, since it is a very sociable hobby that requires certain skills and technical knowledge, thus eliminating the mistaken concept that many people have of seeing model making as an "adult game".
At Lost Bunker we are passionate about model making, and we are willing to support enthusiasts, collectors and people passionate about this hobby, providing them with information and guidance about model making, starting by explaining what it is, and the different types of model making that exist.
What is Model Making?
Model making, according to the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE), It is the “art of building scale models, mock-ups and figures,” the most popular being scale models of cars, airplanes and trains, but there are many more such as superhero figures, museum pieces, among others.
These models are an interpretation of the reality of an original model (car, plane, train), but taking it or building it to a smaller or larger scale than normal, for the purpose of using it as a model.
Model making can also take two forms. If the scale model can be directed, controlled, or moved, like cars that can be operated by remote control, it is known as dynamic modeling, and in cases where the models cannot be operated it is known as static modeling.
Difference between Modeling and Scale Modeling
In many cases, model making is confused with scale modeling. These two concepts are often used interchangeably, but it's important to understand why they are different.
As mentioned earlier, model making aims to create a scale model of an original. In contrast, scale model making is the representation of a model using a technical scale model, which attempts to represent the original model as accurately as possible.
In other words, while the model is a reproduction of an original to scale, the scale model would be a reproduction of that model, trying to resemble the original as much as possible.
What branches or types of model making exist?
Thanks to people's interest and technological advancements in 3D modeling, there are now more than 15 different types of modeling. Among them, the most common are:
Aeromodelling
Branch that encompasses the modeling of airplanes or helicopters to scale.
Model cars
This branch encompasses the model making of cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles. Model car making includes slot cars with electric motors for racing on slotted tracks, and remote-controlled models that use a radio control system.
Model railroading
Branch that encompasses railway or train modeling and its environments.
Naval modeling
Branch that encompasses scale modeling of ships, including its dynamic variant with navigable models.
Science fiction model making
Branch that encompasses the model making of scale models related to science fiction and fantasy, such as models of Star Trek, Star Wars, among others, and models of robots and mechas originating from Japanese manga and anime.
Architectural modeling
Branch that encompasses the construction of scale models that represent the model of a building, urban project, or territory.
Paper folding or origami
A branch that encompasses paper modeling. It originated in Japan and consists of folding paper to make figures without the use of scissors or glue.
Paper modeling
Also called papercraft, it's the branch that encompasses the creation of 3D models using paper. Unlike origami, papercraft allows the use of scissors or glue to make the models.
Military modeling
Branch that encompasses the modeling of military models, including soldiers, airplanes, ships and tanks from all eras and wars.
Miniature figures
Branch that encompasses the modeling of human figures.
Space modeling
This branch encompasses rocket modeling. It differs from experimental rocketry, as the latter is more complex, including engine construction, fuel use, and rocket operation.
Diorama
Branch that encompasses 3D modeling represented in a realistic landscape.
Apart from these branches of model making, as we have already mentioned there are many others, such as dollhouse model making, scratch model making or models from scratch, plastic model making or plastic model making, and religious brotherhood model making or nativity scene making which are of a religious nature.
It is thanks to this diversification that many more people have joined this hobby, turning model making into an art form in many cases.