Working with Scale Models

Make working with scale models easy
By Nikki Wheeler A scale model is a representation of an actual object that is either smaller or larger in actual size. There are many industries that work with scale models, such as salesmen that use scale models to sell their ideas, architects and designers that use scale models to map out their vision or craft store owners and collectors that want to stock their shelves with scale model trains and cars.

Know what to expect when working with scale models and fulfilling your business needs will be easy. Consider the following when starting out with scale models:

1. Determine the purpose of the scale model: for sale, artistic representation, or technical evaluation.

2. Think about whether the scale model needs to be custom-made or made from model kits.

3. Consider whether the scale model will be preserved as a work of art.

Understand the sizes of scale models

The size of the scale model depends on the size of the actual object and how much detail needs to be represented in the model. Some scale models like the scale model car, scale model railroad and scale model building will be much smaller than the actual objects. Some common scales include 1:1200 for ships, 1:288 for aircraft, and 1:32 and 1:64 for model cars.
Try:  Find a comprehensive list of scale model sizes at Gourt. The Great Lakes Modeling Association offers tips for choosing the right scale and the math formulas for figuring the scale.

Order scale model kits online

Model kits are what most craft and hobby shop owners will use to stock their shelves, and hobbyist model builders and collectors will purchase. These are usually simple or complex plastic or diecast model cars, trains or aircraft.
Try:  All Model Kits offers kits in various scales of everything from cars to fighter planes to rockets to wooden ships. Buy wholesale from Scale-Model-Kits.com to stock shelves of a craft and hobby store.

Use custom scale model services

Some engineers, architects, and salesmen will contract the building of the scale models to represent their design for evaluation. Scale model builders will use blueprints or drafts to build a highly detailed, technical, accurate-to-scale model.
Try:  ProTek Models builds custom scale models for many industries that are high-quality and detailed. ProScale Custom Model Builders offers highly-detailed and finely crafted custom scale models and specialize in architecture.

Buy materials for building scale models

Many designers, architects, engineers and even hobbyists will build their own custom scale models. Supplies such as scale rulers, paints, craft knives, glue and much more are needed.
Try:  The Store Finder has a beginner's guide to model building including the tools needed and material possibilities. DEBEN offers detailed scale pieces and tools for scale model building.