Classification of Scale Models

This is a first known attempt to create a classification of scale models, which we divided into two sub-classifications: by Type and by Purpose. Understanding of type and purpose of specific scale model is important as each of them has its own set of requirements as for appearance, level of detailing, durability, finish and a lifespan. Note a cross reference of product development related models such as masters and prototypes which should be recognized as both, type of scale model and purpose as well.

Classification of Scale Models By Type

Architectural Models
* exterior
* interior
* urban

Scale Replicas (including desktop models)
* AFV
* vehicles
* aircraft
* maritime
* machines/devices
* architectural
* props

Dioramas
* museum dioramas: A. constant scale diorama B. perspective diorama
* miniatures/collectibles
* film/TV sets

Sculpted Models
* mannequins
* figurines
* action figures
* sculpted miniatures/collectibles

Masters
* fabricated
* sculpted

Prototypes
* pre-production prototypes; includes concept, study and appearance models
* production prototypes; fully engineered and functioning appearance models

Classification of Scale Models By Purpose

Display
* concept
* study
* presentation
* sales
* fundraising
* museum/exhibit
* litigation
* decorative/collectible

Test
* aerodynamic
* hydrodynamic
* other

Training
* simulators
* sets
* identification replicas
* terrain & urban study

Product Development
* concept study
* masters
* prototypes

Movie/TV Production
* props
* sets

Levels of Detailing

Here are grades of Level of Detailing for Architectural models and Scale Replicas along with description for each main and transitional grade. Level of detailing is one of the main requirements for scale models and should be defined before actual fabrication will  fits your needs best and which features will be provided when the level of detailing for your model is defined.

Low
General configuration and major details are accurately represented. Textures and finishes are not represented or represented with limitations. Mono, duo or tri chrome panting scheme, solid colors. Doors and windows are not represented or outlined. Scenery elements (if applicable) are simplified and painted monochrome. Vegetation (if applicable) is simplified (balls on stick in most cases) and painted monochrome. Furniture (for interior models, if applicable) is simplified, representing a general type of furniture item and a general size of it, painted monochrome. Pedestal / display (if applicable) is simplified, made of composites and solid painted.

Medium
General configuration and main details are accurately represented. Textures and finishes are represented with limitations by painting and applications, no use of natural materials. Panting scheme is multi-color, solid colors. Doors and windows are outlined, no frames, not recessed, and might be painted in assigned solid color (dark gray or dark brown by default). Scenery elements (if applicable) are simplified and painted monochrome or duo chrome. Vegetation (if applicable) is simplified (balls on stick in most cases) and painted monochrome. Furniture (for interior models, if applicable) is representing a specific type of furniture item and a general size of it, lightly detailed and painted to specifications in main solid colors. Pedestal / display (if applicable) is simplified, made of composites and solid painted.

Medium to High
General configuration, main and some precise details are accurately represented. Textures and finishes are represented by painting and applications, possible limited use of natural materials. Panting scheme is multi-color, solid colors. Doors and windows are frameless or have frames outlined by scribe-lines, recessed, and painted in assigned solid color (dark gray or dark brown by default). Scenery elements (if applicable) are realistic and painted monochrome or duo chrome. Vegetation (if applicable) is realistic and painted monochrome. Furniture (for interior models, if applicable) is representing a specific type and size of furniture item, lightly detailed and painted to specifications in main solid colors. Pedestal / display (if applicable) is simplified, made of composites and solid painted.

High
General configuration, main and precise details are accurately represented. Textures and finishes are represented by painting and applications, limited use of natural materials, such as wood, brass, steel and fabric. Stock and custom photo-etched details are being used to achieve a precise representation of selected details. Panting scheme is multi-color, realistic; paintjob is protected by “invisible” acrylic coating. Signs, paintings, insignia are precisely represented. Doors and windows are recessed, with frames (represented by mask-painting or photo-etching) and colored non-transparent background (dark gray or dark brown by default), with glossy finish on the outside. Scenery elements (if applicable) are realistic and painted monochrome or duo chrome. Vegetation (if applicable) is realistic and painted monochrome. Furniture (for interior models, if applicable) is custom, detailed and painted to specifications. Pedestal / display (if applicable) is made of wood and composites and solid painted or stained.

High to Museum
Similar to “High”, with the following differences:

• Wider use of natural materials, such as wood, brass, steel and fabric.
• Doors and windows might be made of clear material with partial interior behind them.
• Scenery elements (if applicable) are painted realistically upon request.
• Vegetation (if applicable) is painted realistically upon request.
• Pedestal / display (if applicable) is made of wood, stained and has brass plate upon request.

Museum
This is the highest standard of scale model fabrication. The main goal is to create a replica which will look precisely like scaled down original and will be protected from aggressive agents, affecting its look and shortening the life of the model. All details are the most precise and accurate. All textures and finishes are realistic, represented by acid-free applications, artistic painting and decoration, with massive use of custom photo-etching and natural materials, such as wood, brass, copper, steel, stainless steel and fabric. Actual chrome or silver plating. Anti-aging treatment of interior and exterior.
Deluxe wooden or custom designed pedestal/display with custom brass plate (upon request).

Why Model?

Written By Lev Brodsky. Edited by Patric G. Whalen

In the 21st century, do scale models really still maintain a viable place in the marketplace of photo-realistic renderings and virtual reality? Traditional models are costly, take considerable time and effort to build and require space to display. They are relatively fragile and therefore need to be protected from possible damage. In the cost-cutting and time constrained climate of the modern age, what are the ultimate advantages and benefits of scale models that justify investing in them and dealing with the challenges of transportation and maintenance?

Let’s start at the cost end. Computer generated 3D simulations can be cheaper than physical models, perhaps even more so if your organization has 3D programmers on a payroll. These simulations can give your audience some idea of your design, but the scope and scale of the design can be lost in on-screen presentation. A 3D simulation that will fully achieve the scope and scale of a design will typically be much more expensive and time consuming. Even with such investment in computer simulations, the desired impression is not a guarantee.

Years of continued attempts at replacing physical scale models with virtual simulations have resulted in the same answer. No amount of computer programming or special effects can replace the impression of physical scale models. There is a particular power that only scale models are able to harness. Believe it or not, models have a magic appeal. It is the model alone that has the power to wake up the childlike spirit in all of us. A well crafted model draws people to spend hours examining every amazing detail. It is the human sense for adventure that draws people into the magical land of the scale model. No matter what direction a person comes from, each one experiences something different and no one is left bored or indifferent. It is this magic that causes models to receive more attention than even real-life subjects at trade shows.