What is a bench model. Stand models are interesting! Bench modeling - what is it
As the topic of the individual section, I chose "bench modeling". This is one of my favorite hobbies and I want to tell you a little about it.
History of occurrence
Bench modeling is the design, construction, production of scale copies of equipment, structures, compositions for demonstration and educational purposes.
Modeling was originally associated with technology and vehicles. The very first means of transportation is historically recognized as sea transport, so the first models were the models of ships, and the first type of modeling can be considered ship modeling.
The history of modeling dates back to the time of Ancient Egypt. The oldest finds on this subject date back to the 10th century BC. and are copies of the ships of that time, made of painted clay and wood.
The next step in the development of modeling was the so-called "construction" models. With the help of such models, real ships were built: the part in the model was enlarged to real sizes and made by replacing the desired part of the ship. Thus, the whole ship was built. Here, for the first time, the term scale was used.
However, technological progress did not stand still, new machines were created and, as a result, their models. At the end of the 18th century, the first model of a steam engine appeared - a steam locomotive. From this moment, railway modeling begins.
In the 19th century, the first prefabricated models of cars appeared, and soon airplanes. It was aviation modeling that received the greatest interest, because. such models and their prototypes themselves were considered exotic in those years.
The first prefabricated model-copy was invented by the Englishman James Stevens. He became the founder of the Skybird company, which released such a model in 1/72 scale. This size is still considered the standard for many manufacturers of prefabricated models to this day. The first model kit for assembly was a paper bag that contained instructions, parts cut along the contour, wire racks, tin parts and sandpaper. The hobby turned out to be so popular that by the end of the Second World War, the Skybird catalog of models amounted to over 120 units. They also came in handy during the war: bench models were used in the training of personnel of the royal troops to recognize enemy equipment.
Subsequently, prefabricated models of helicopters, buildings, structures, figures of the crew and participants in hostilities, as well as entire large-scale compositions - dioramas, appeared.
The number of manufacturers of prefabricated models and accessories for them is also growing, among which the well-deserved recognition of modeling enthusiasts has gained trade marks Italeri (Italy), Revell (Germany), Testors (USA), Tamiya (Japan), Zvezda (Russia), etc.
Types of bench modeling
This is how the structure of bench modeling seems to me (see diagram).
The complete construction of a model from scratch is exactly the kind of modeling that is officially considered a sport, and in Russia it also belongs to the military-applied types. For this reason, it is in the competence of ROSTO (former DOSAAF). There is an opinion that this state of affairs developed historically, even before the Great Patriotic War, "when in the souls and minds of the Soviet youth there was an unquenchable fire of desire" to study aviation and theoretical foundations aircraft structures. Naturally, it made sense at the time. But, when over time, in most cases, this turned into the actual production (read: exclusive production) of expensive models with appropriate goals, then questions may arise that we will not look for answers to. Let's leave them for the bodies to whose competence this applies.
As for the craftsmen-manufacturers of these "sports" masterpieces, then, of course, their skill is only admirable.
Bench modeling (especially plastic models) obviously cannot be considered a sport. It's more like an art form. Unlike building from scratch, we are limited by the scope of what is offered by the manufacturer of a particular model, plus a certain set of accessories and so on. But it still turns out that even the same models are successful for everyone in different ways.
paper models
Despite a small number of advantages (such as environmental friendliness, a small number of required tools, easier refinement of the model) of paper models relative to models made of more durable materials (wood, metal, plastic), they occupy a significant part in bench modeling.
Separately, I would like to talk about this type of modeling as ships in bottles.
It is believed that this art originated in Europe in the XVII - XVIII centuries. It was to this time that the models of ships in bottles, stored in some museums in Europe, date back. Sailors, while away the time on the shore, often had to "look into the bottle." One of them, apparently, came up with the happy idea to put a model ship there.
It should be noted that in addition to ships, skilled craftsmen created religious scenes, scenes from life, various mechanisms and much more in bottles. Perhaps this kind of creativity appeared even earlier than the actual ships in bottles. However, the very term "bottled ships" should include everything that a person manages to build in a bottle through a narrow neck.
As a rule, bottled models are divided into three main types:
- Ships in bottles. The model of the ship is placed in the bottle. The focus, in such models, is on the most accurate reproduction of details. The model inside the bottle can rest on a special stand or "float" on the sea surface, skillfully made by the master.
- Dioramas. Dioramas depict scenes from life (often marine life). It can be a seaport with a large city on the shore and ships in the roadstead, a sea battle, a sinking ship, and much more.
- Curiosities. This group includes everything that gives rise to the violent fantasy of the master. These are scenes from biblical life, various mills, mechanisms, figurines of people, cars, planes - in general, everything that cannot be called a ship.
Despite the rapid development of technology, the construction of ships in bottles remains, like many years ago, purely handmade. It takes a lot of patience and skill to be successful. And just like many years ago, the model surprises the audience. That is why many people are passionate about building ships in bottles using modern materials and never tired of coming up with new assembly secrets.
I think many will be interested, how is it that a ship is pushed into such a narrow neck of a bottle? To dispel this mystery, I will describe one of the most commonly used methods.
It is best to start work with the manufacture of the model body. It is cut out of wood, painted in the desired color, masts, spars, rigging and all the necessary details are installed. Don't be afraid, all this work needs to be done on the desktop, not inside the bottle. It is only necessary during the work from time to time to check that the fully completed model freely passes into the neck of the bottle. Despite the fact that the body of the model has to be made narrower than it should be according to the drawing (so that it freely passes into the neck of the bottle), all other parts must, if possible, be made in strict accordance with the drawings. This is the only way to make a good model ship. But the secret lies in the masts. At their base, the masts have a miniature hinge that allows them to easily fold along the hull of the ship. There are many different designs of hinges, but before choosing a ready-made one, try to come up with your own design. Maybe you can invent something something original: after all, the role of a hinge can be performed by a thin spring, a flexible plastic tube, and much more.One thing should not be forgotten: the hinge should be as little noticeable as possible.That is why, the main forces should be directed to finding a way to hide the hinge from the eyes the uninitiated.
Having set the masts in place, they attach the shrouds and forduns. Now it becomes clear to us that the sailboat, with the masts folded back, easily passes into the neck of the bottle! However, the stays, if fixed rigidly, will prevent the masts from folding back. To avoid this, the lower ends of the stays are not glued completely, they are not cut off, but left long and, passing through specially prepared holes (on the bowsprit or on the deck of the model), they are taken out of the bottle. Of course, the stays must be of sufficient length so that by pulling on them, it is possible to set the masts in a vertical position (Fig. 5). We will cut these threads, having previously fixed them with droplets of glue, already at the very end of the work.
We must not forget about the sails, and before putting the ship in the bottle, you must, of course, attach the sails, along with the yards, braces, sheets, and the rest of the running rigging.
After all the gear is stretched and secured with droplets of glue, the excess threads are cut and removed.
In many countries there are associations that unite people who are passionate about ships in bottles. There are associations in England, Germany, Holland, Denmark, Norway, Japan, USA, France and other countries. There is even a "European Bottled Ships Association", which unites modellers from all over the world in its ranks. These organizations publish magazines, arrange exhibitions and conferences, in general, do not let modelers get bored.
Subtleties in working with scale models
First you need to decide on the scale of the future model.
The scale shows how many times the model is smaller than the original in linear dimensions. For example, "scale 1:72" means that the model is 72 times smaller than the original in length, width and height.
Scales in multiples of 12 (1:12, 1:24, 1:48, 1:72, 1:144, 1:288) come from the British system of measures, in which 1 foot is equal to 12 inches. Thus, at a scale of 1:12 - the length of the model in inches is equal to the length of the prototype in feet. Scales that are multiples of 16 (1:16, 1:32) - come from the fact that on the English ruler an inch is divided into 16 parts.
The 1:43 scale, used mainly for automobiles, comes from railway modelling, after a long development came to the strange concept of "1 foot of the prototype = 7 mm of the model." From here comes the railway scale 1:87 (1 foot = 3.5 mm).
1:35 - the favorite scale of "tankers" and "dioramicists" was inherited from tin soldiers. The average height of a soldier was 5 cm (approximately 2 inches), which was 1/35 of the average human skeleton (175 cm).
An equally important issue is the correct choice of model. Beginners often buy a model that they obviously can't handle. Then they either spoil the expensive plastic, or throw it away altogether.
So the very first model should be:
- uncomplicated
- inexpensive
- enough quality
- the prototype is well known
- leaving an opportunity for "finishing"
What does all of this mean? With the first point, everything is clear - a beginner is usually not up to the “bells and whistles” model. Simple models are rarely expensive, although there are exceptions.
The third point is the most insidious. The criteria for the quality of the model is the mass, from compliance with the prototype and the declared scale to the quality of the molding and the fragility of the plastic. The prototype should correspond well, in large-scale drawings - more or less fit, be technological in assembly, etc.
Plastic is desirable light gray and soft, but not plastic. Any light colors will do. You should try to avoid black, red, brown and orange plastic. There may be problems with subsequent painting.
A well-known prototype is a very good place to start. Let thousands of other modellers have similar models. But almost certainly there will be no problems with drawings and photographs.
Opportunities for fine-tuning ... There are practically no models where nothing can be removed or added. A question of desire and qualification. It is desirable that the model allows itself to be improved without requiring excessive effort.
For a successful and high-quality assembly of a scale model, certain tools are needed that will help in this painstaking task. Modeling tools are very diverse and every modeler over time acquires a large number of items, the purpose and method of use of which are known only to him. But some initial set can be outlined.
Necessary: Nippers for separating parts from sprues, knives or scalpels for cutting plastic (you can also use stationery knives with breakable blades for a start), needle files of various shapes, sandpaper, tweezers, straight and reverse, scissors, airbrush, brushes or other tools for painting and varnishing of the model.
That's enough for a start. Then you can chat with colleagues, look at the literature, surf the Internet and find many great ideas for creating your own instruments.
That's the whole basis for building a scale model. After construction, it will be necessary to paint, varnish and apply subtle touches that will make the model more believable and realistic. You can read about the methods of assembling, painting and further “finishing” the model in the instructions for the prefabricated model and on various thematic sites and forums.
Personal experience
I started to get involved in modeling in my school years. My first models were airplane models. I remember sitting for hours adjusting one piece to another. Then I had no design experience and I could not think of any painting, I was limited only to special details. But even incompletely completed models made me happy for my own successes.
Permmodelist.ucoz.ru
Everyone has their own hobby, and sometimes more than one. A hobby allows you to escape from the outside world, immerse yourself in what you really love and experience a lot of positive emotions. Modeling is one of them. And it combines many directions.
The world of modeling is truly impressive in its scale. A huge number of people around the world with all their hearts, as they say, have become attached to this wonderful hobby. And it doesn't matter which direction it is - radio-controlled models, collectibles, etc. - We give ourselves to this occupation with all our heart.
And if everything is more or less clear with radio-controlled models, then sometimes there are questions about bench models - what, how and why? Let's try to tell.
Stand modeling - what is it?
Let's start with what it is. This is a type of creativity, the result of which will be a copy of the construction of existing objects in a certain scale. And the main difference from radio models, the key point here is precisely the copy factor. Indeed, in the process of construction, not only the exact appearance, but also every detail, down to the smallest detail - shades of paint, font of inscriptions, damage, etc.
In other words, not just any selected conditional exhibit (a model of military and civil equipment, an airplane, a helicopter, etc.) is being recreated. Namely, a certain, historically real one, which has a number of its own unique external features, very often tied to a certain time period.
The first team (bench) model appeared in 1932 in the UK. It was a complete set of parts for assembling a rubber-engine flying copy of the Supermarine S6B aircraft. Almost 90 years have passed since then, and, of course, the technology and variety of models produced have gone far ahead. As well as the scale of production.
Now bench models are a set of plastic parts made in an industrial environment for self-assembly. Why plastic? - It's cheap and also easier to build and assemble. Cardboard, epoxy resin, wood and metal are also used for manufacturing, but much less frequently. As a rule, the price of models made from such materials (with the exception of cardboard) is several times higher due to the complexity and high cost of production. And it will take much more time and experience to build, compared to plastic. This should be remembered.
Scale
The scale can be any - from the smallest to almost full-size. Here everything is limited only by your own desire and capabilities.
The manufacturing industry is truly huge. It would seem that plastic models made of plastic parts, who cares? But do not rush to conclusions - poster modeling has millions of devoted fans around the world. And their needs for new models must be met, as well as the need for consumables. To assemble a full-fledged bench model, you will need glue, paints and other chemicals, a specialized tool, various conversion kits, etc.
Recognized market leaders of bench models are companies from Germany, USA, Japan, Italy. Russia does not stand still - recently the level of the models themselves, as well as production volumes, have grown significantly and have come close to the world giants. China also did not stand aside - we all know very well how quickly manufacturers from the Middle Kingdom are able to master a new industry and become leaders.
And, perhaps, a few names to get an idea of the most famous manufacturers - Revell, Tamiya, Zvezda, Italeri, Hasegawa Trumpeter. Choosing models of their production, you can be sure of the quality of the details and the copy appearance.
Why stand models?
When choosing, you need to be prepared for the fact that painstaking work lies ahead. You need to understand that perseverance and patience will be required - without them you should not even start, so as not to be disappointed. But the results will definitely surprise you. After all, completely realistic models will come out from under your pen, which will be nice to look at. They will be a great decoration and a piece of history recreated with your own hands!
It’s also a great way to learn about history, because it’s impossible to create a complete copy without having an idea about it. Each model allows you to immerse yourself, travel back to the time from which it originates, learn all the features and nuances that will be important during assembly.
And, perhaps, the most important point that you will be provided with is personal development. Assembling the model makes you think hard, develops imagination and logical thinking. After all, you must first imagine a general image of what should happen in your head, and then recreate it in detail. Yes, you will have to learn something, it may be difficult at the initial stages. But the result will definitely inspire you. A worthy reward for many hours of effort is a finished, assembled and painted model, which does not differ in any way from the original. Here they are, indescribable emotions and sensations of modeling, the whole palette!
is your guide to the world of scale simulation!
Quite a lot of time has passed since the last full-fledged material was published on our site. But the entire project team, starting with me, was by no means idle. We conducted a full structural analysis of the information provided, and came to several conclusions.
SUBMISSION OF INFORMATION SHOULD BECOME MORE SYSTEMATIC
All past articles had the effect of "testing the pen." We looked at how and what to write. What style of presentation of information is most suitable for our format. Will they even read us? But now the first experience has been gained, and we are moving into new stage. Moving on towards our goal educational portal .
We provide systematic information for readers of all ages to help them become a modeling master. It is the Master with a capital letter. And this means a much wider range of knowledge and skills than just the ability to make good models.
Therefore, all subsequent materials will gradually build up into a certain picture of the world, a voluminous structure of knowledge for a modeller who wants to become a Master. Every now and again. Step by step. One step closer to understanding the truth.
Follow us. Read us. Be with us.
SUBMISSION OF INFORMATION SHOULD BECOME MORE EXTENDED
For the most part, previous materials dealt with issues directly related to modeling techniques, in general, models. And just a little military history. Now we will significantly expand the analysis of the history of aviation and combat use. Let us turn your attention to the life of designers, pilots - aces. But that's not all. We will expand your knowledge on general theoretical issues of modeling, the development of creative thinking. Organization of personal activities. Learn to learn. Expand your circle of knowledge.
MASTER IS A MULTIFACETED PERSON
His creations are so unique - only because he breathes his soul into it, all of himself without a trace. And the model adopts it. Also become a person. A unique, extraordinary phenomenon in the world.
WANT TO MAKE GORGEOUS MODELS - DEVELOP YOURSELF
And we will do our best to help you along the way.
And today we will start from the very beginning. With an understanding of the subject of our common activity. Let us find out the meaning of the very concept of "bench modelling".
STAND MODELING - WHAT IS IT?
In order to understand what is bench modeling, we first turn to the broader concept modeling. Modeling is the design and creation by individuals, communities and clubs, industrial manufacturers of operating or bench models of various techniques - aircraft, cars, tanks, ships, locomotives and other technical vehicles. Both for participation in sports competitions and exhibitions, and as an individual hobby.
Modeling is divided into three main components:
- Technical (working models) modeling.
- Large-scale, poster (the so-called prototyping).
- Collectible (cars, planes, etc.).
We are primarily interested in the second section in the world of modeling.
STAND MODELING
This is a type of technical creativity, the result of which is the creation of a copy of real objects (prototypes) in a given - chosen scale. The bench model must accurately reflect the appearance of the prototype. A special difference between the scale model and the current one is that the author strives for the most complete, accurate and detailed copying, up to the reproduction of the smallest details, color shades, internal equipment, inscription font, imitation of characteristic pollution and damage.
Often, not just an aircraft, tank or ship of this type is reproduced. BUT a specific historical instance , with all its characteristic individual features. And besides, as of a certain point in time chosen by the author.
The main materials used in bench modeling are plastic, epoxy resin, cardboard. There are also models made of metal and wood. They run at any scale. It all depends on the wishes and needs of the author.
But still, at this point in time, there is a generally accepted scale range for creating bench copies: 2:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, ... 1:24, 1:32, 1:35, 1:43, 1:45, 1:48, 1:64, 1:72, 1:87, 1:120, 1:144, 1:160 and others.
BASIC MEASURING UNIT IN MODERN STAND MODELING
Most of the people in the world who associate themselves with scale (bench) modeling practice working with prefabricated plastic models. The first prefabricated copy models in sets appeared in England in 1932. It was a composite flying rubber model aircraft Supermarine S6B.
Prefabricated plastic model-copy
Now a prefabricated plastic model-copy is a set of parts industrially made of plastic for self-production (assembly, usually by gluing) of a scale model. The world has become so engrossed in this business - modeling on a large scale - that now it is a huge global community of people - modelers. And a gigantic international industrial industry is working to serve their needs. Its leaders abroad are Germany, Japan, Italy, and the Czech Republic. But Russia is not a bastard. Especially lately. Our domestic manufacturer is slowly getting back on its feet, starting to produce prefabricated models at the best world level. Below is a short list of companies producing scale (bench) models.
- Revell (Monogram) is an American-German plastic scale model company and is the world leader in the production of prefabricated models.
- Italeri is a world famous Italian manufacturer
- Zvezda is a Soviet/Russian company producing scale models made of plastic, and is the world leader in the production of prefabricated models.
- Tamiya is a Japanese toy manufacturer. The company's products include build kits, RC cars, collector's cars, airplanes, ships, tanks, various educational devices (solar and conventional) and various modeling accessories.
- Fujimi
- Hasegawa
- Aoshima
- Trumpeter is a Chinese giant, stepping on the heels of everyone else.
Now, there is fierce competition between the manufacturers of prefabricated sets of bench models, due to the special demand of the market. Bench modeling has only grown in popularity over the years. New people join him. Hundreds and thousands around the world.
It is also worth mentioning that not only the kits for creating the model are produced. There are many additional segments of this market: model chemistry, specialty tools, conversion kits, paints, etc…
STAND MODELING IS
I think I will not be mistaken if in the conclusion of this material I will name exactly these most important components of bench modeling, which each of them finds for himself in his favorite business.
INTRODUCTION TO HISTORY
The creation of a bench model directly affects our knowledge of history. It is impossible to create a decent scale model without knowing the prototype and the historical context in which it lived. Each time we make a new model, we plunge into a new historical era, we begin to learn all the new subtleties and aspects.
History literally comes to life before our eyes, under our hands. And when there is a Yak-3 or La-5 created by you on your shelf, every second you feel the country in which you live. The people to which you belong.
FAVORITE HOBBY
This occupation allows you to realize yourself in selfless creation. Allows you to find a small favorite thing. Please yourself, your loved ones, friends and relatives. It's better than drinking beer, stupidly staring at the TV. But you never know what rubbish you can still do ... It's better to make models.
COMMUNICATION WITH OTHERS
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Large-scale bench modeling makes a person develop intensively. You need to learn to think. Introduce. Imagine. The model is first created in the soul, head, thoughts - and only then the finished product splashes out. And in order to get better every time, you need to learn. Learn to learn.
It so happened that I not only told you a little about bench modeling, but also campaigned a little. Agitated for a decision to join our community. Unless, of course, you are a modeller.
I HAVE NOT SEEN PEOPLE WHO REGRETED THE TIME GIVEN TO MODELING
Join us. Model with us. Develop with us.
AND YOU WILL NEVER REGRET
And that's all for today. Good luck to you! And great models!