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In order to make your own scale model, the tools and materials are surprisingly simple. Suppose you are very interested in trying to make your own scale model. And you want to make a scale model of a building. Most likely a miniature house or even cut out of a layout of a house.What are the basic tools and materials needed to make scale models? Thankfully, the tools are easy to get and the materials are also readily available and do not cost too much. In order to get started, you should experiment with a simple design. From there, once you get the hang of measuring, cutting and assembling the pieces, slowly graduate to more complicated projects. Nimble fingers as well as good eye and hands co-ordination is crucial to make good scale model. Some people have more talent than most to build than others. That should not discourage you from trying again should your first attempt is a disaster. Keep on trying and do not give up. After all, practise makes perfect. So, here is the list of the tools and materials required to make your own scale model. This is just a guideline. You do not need all of them all in one go. You may improvise as you build your own scale model. Just be creative and by trial and error, you would "get it" just right. Tools:- Cutting board
- Architectural scale ruler
- Metal ruler
- Sharp hobby knife
- A pair of tweezers
- Caliphers (if you really want to be very precise)
- A magnifying glass with lights (optional)
- Paint brushes
- Templates for certain basic shapes
- Glue gun
Materials:- Cardboard of various thickness (mounting board, box board, etc)
- Styrofoam blocks for making hills.
- Glue for making models
- Plaster of Paris
- Sandpaper to sand and smoothen surfaces ( and also, in case you might want to simulate different textures for asphalt or even bricks)
- Paint (can be either spray cans, acrylic or emulsion paint)
- Some tapes to hold the pieces while the glue is drying
- Hard clear, colored or opaque perspex sheet (could be used to simulate glass windows and the like).
- Sponges
- Green colored paper for foliage making
- Soft, coated wired used for making floral arrangements
All these can be bought at the stationery store, haberdashery, hobby/DIY store draughtman's or painter's specialist outlets.There are several range of quality to choose from, it all boils down to your budget. Good quality tools of course will cost much more but will be worth its price many times over in the long run. You do not want broken knife blades everytime you want to try cutting a piece of cutboard. Similarly, you want glue that is strong enough to hold your creation together more than ten minutes. Some more tips and advise in order to make your own scale model:- Preferably, you have a dedicated work space for this purpose.
- It is better to cut a piece of cardboard slightly bigger than the required size. If it is smaller than it should be, the piece is already wasted unless you can find the use for other projects.
- For neater results, work with clean fingers and worktop.
- Glue can be very messy, so use it sparingly.
- Make a sturdy base for your scale model.
- Follow your blueprint to the letter.
- Prepare several small containers to place the pieces which are cut to size (matchboxes are ideal). Since these pieces are really small, it is very easy to lose them.
- Some paint takes a while to dry. To avoid dust sticking on the paint while drying, cover with a plastic dome. You can recycle the top of clear cake boxes for this purpose.
- Arrange your tools properly in an organizer. Nothing is more frustrating than wasting time looking for something that should be there when needed.
- Store your completed models from direct heat, excess moisture and direct sunlight. If you have the budget, invest in a perspex top to cover it.
- Take photos once each step is completed for archiving and future referrals.
- Ask, ask, ask. There are plenty of resources that you can refer to. Magazines, hobby clubs, chat channel, forums, blogs, etc. Exchange opinion and experience with others who share the same passion.
Now that you have some of the basic knowledge to make your own scale model, try to make it yourself. All the best. Back to the top of make your own scale model Back to the page of Build Scale Model - Usage and Reasons Back to the homepage of Scale Model Art
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