Bench modeler. Bench models are interesting! Why exactly bench models?
— your guide to the world of scale modeling!
Quite a long time has passed since the last full material was published on our website. 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.
THE PRESENTATION OF INFORMATION SHOULD BE MORE SYSTEMIC
All previous articles had the effect of a “test of the pen”. We looked at how and what to write. What style of presenting information is most suitable for our format. Will they read us at all? But now the first experience has been acquired, and we move into new stage. We rush further towards our goal - educational portal .
We provide systematic information for readers of any age to help them become a modeling master. Precisely a 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 into a certain picture of the world, a voluminous structure of knowledge for a modeler who wants to become a Master. Every now and again. Step by step. One movement closer to understanding the truth.
Follow us. Read us. Stay with us.
INFORMATION SHOULD BE MORE EXTENSIVE
For the most part, previous materials covered issues directly related to modeling techniques, and models in general. And just a little military history. Now we will significantly expand the analysis of the history of aviation and combat use. Let us draw 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 and the development of creative thinking. Organization of personal activities. Learn to learn. Expand your circle of knowledge.
A MASTER IS A MULTIFACETED PERSONALITY
His creations are so unique - only because he breathes his soul into it, all of himself without a trace. And the model adopts this. Also become a person. A unique, extraordinary phenomenon in the world.
DO YOU WANT TO MAKE GORGEOUS MODELS - DEVELOP YOURSELF
And we will try our best to help you along this path.
And today we will start from the very beginning. From an understanding of the subject of our common activity. Let’s find out the meaning of the very concept of “bench modeling”.
STAND MODELING - WHAT IS IT?
In order to understand what it is bench modeling, first we turn to the broader concept modeling. Modeling is the design and creation by individuals, communities and clubs, industrial manufacturers of working or bench models of various equipment - aircraft, cars, tanks, ships, locomotives and others technical means movement. Both for participation in sports competitions and exhibitions, and as an individual hobby.
Modeling is divided into three main components:
- Technical ( current models) modeling.
- Large-scale, bench (so-called prototyping).
- Collectibles (cars, planes, etc.).
We are primarily interested in the second section in the world of modeling.
STAND MODELING
This is the type technical creativity, the result of which is the creation of a copy of real objects (prototypes) in a given - selected scale. The bench model must accurately reflect the appearance of the prototype. The special difference between a scale model and an actual one is that in it the author strives for the most complete, accurate and detailed copying, down to the reproduction of the smallest details, color shades, internal equipment, font of inscriptions, imitation of characteristic dirt and damage.
Often it is not just an aircraft, tank or ship of a given type that is reproduced. A exactly a specific historical instance , with all its characteristic individual characteristics. And besides, as of a certain point in time chosen by the author.
The main materials used in bench modeling are plastic, epoxy resin, and cardboard. There are also models made of metal and wood. They are carried out at any scale. It all depends on the desires and needs of the author.
But still, on this moment time, there is a generally accepted scale range for creating stand 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 MEASUREMENT UNIT IN MODERN STAND MODELING
Most people in the world who associate themselves with large-scale (bench) modeling practice working with prefabricated plastic models. The first prefabricated replica models in sets appeared in England in 1932. It was a buildable flying rubber-engined model of the Supermarine S6B aircraft.
Prefabricated plastic replica model
Nowadays, a prefabricated plastic copy model is an industrially made set of plastic parts for self-made(assembly, usually by gluing) of a scale model. The world is so passionate about this business - large-scale modeling - that now there 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 cut out for it either. 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 company producing scale plastic models and is a 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 a world leader in the production of prefabricated models.
- Tamiya- Japanese manufacturer toys. The company's products include kits for assembly, radio-controlled car models, collectible car models, models of aircraft, ships, tanks, models of various devices for educational purposes (solar and conventional batteries) and various accessories for modeling.
- Fujimi
- Hasegawa
- Aoshima
- Trumpeter is a Chinese giant nipping at the heels of everyone else.
Now there is fierce competition between manufacturers of prefabricated sets of bench models, due to the special demand in the market. Bench modeling has only become more popular over the years. New people join him. Hundreds and thousands around the world.
It is also worth mentioning that not only the kits themselves are produced for creating the model. There are many additional segments of this market: model chemistry, specialized tools, conversion kits, paints, etc....
STAND MODELING IS
I think I will not be mistaken if, at the conclusion of this material, I name exactly these most important components of bench modeling, which everyone finds for themselves in their favorite activity.
JOINING HISTORY
Creating a bench model directly affects our knowledge of history. It is impossible to create a decent scale model without knowledge of the prototype, and the historical context in which it lived. Every time I do new model We are immersed in a new historical era, we begin to learn all new subtleties and aspects.
History literally comes to life before our eyes, under our hands. And when the Yak-3 or La-5 you created is on your shelf, every second you feel the country in which you live. The people to which you belong.
FAVORITE HOBBY
This activity allows you to realize yourself in selfless creation. Allows you to find your favorite little thing. Please yourself, your loved ones, friends and relatives. It's better than drinking beer and staring blankly at the TV. But you never know what kind of crap you can still do... It’s better to make models.
COMMUNICATION WITH OTHERS
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Large-scale bench modeling forces a person to develop intensively. You need to learn to think. Introduce. Imagine. The model is first created in the soul, head, thoughts - and only then spills out ready product. And in order to get better every time, you need to learn. Learn to learn.
It turned out that I not only told you a little about bench modeling, but also campaigned a little. Campaigned for the decision to join our community. Unless of course you are a modeler yet.
I DIDN'T SEE PEOPLE WHO REGRETED THE TIME DEVOTED TO MODELING
Join us. Model with us. Grow with us.
AND YOU WILL NEVER REGRET
That's all for today. Good luck to you! And wonderful models!
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 truly 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 have, as they say, wholeheartedly become attached to this wonderful hobby. And it makes no difference what kind of direction - radio-controlled models, collectibles, etc. - We devote ourselves to this activity with all our hearts.
And if with radio-controlled models everything is more or less clear, then with bench models sometimes questions remain - what, how and why? We'll try to tell you.
Bench 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 construction of existing objects on a certain scale. And the main difference from radio models, the key point here is precisely the copy factor. After all, during the construction process, 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, it is not just any selected conventional exhibit that is being recreated (a model of military and civilian equipment, an airplane, a helicopter, etc.). Namely, a specific one that actually historically existed, which has a number of its own unique external features, very often tied to a certain time period.
The first prefabricated (bench) model appeared in 1932 in Great Britain. This was a complete set of parts for assembling a rubber-engined flying copy of the Supermarine S6B aircraft. Almost 90 years have passed since then, and, of course, technology and the variety of models produced have gone far ahead. As is the scale of production.
Now bench models are manufactured in industrial conditions a set of plastic parts 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 similar materials (with the exception of cardboard) is several times higher due to the complexity and high cost of production. And construction will require much more time and experience compared to plastic. This should be remembered.
Scale
The scale can be any - from the most miniature to almost full-size. Here everything is limited only by yours by one's own desire and opportunities.
The manufacturing industry is truly huge. It would seem like plastic models made of plastic parts, who cares? But don’t rush to conclusions - bench modeling has millions of loyal fans around the world. And their needs for new models need to be satisfied, as well as the need for consumables. To assemble a full-fledged bench model, you will need glue, paints and other chemicals, specialized tools, various conversion kits, etc.
Recognized leaders in the bench model market are companies from Germany, the USA, Japan, and Italy. Russia is not standing still either - recently the level of the models themselves, as well as production volumes, have grown significantly and 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. When choosing models from their production, you can be sure of the quality of the parts and replica appearance.
Why exactly bench models?
When choosing, you need to be prepared for the hard work ahead. You need to understand that you will need perseverance and patience - without them you should not even start, so as not to be disappointed. But the results will definitely pleasantly surprise you. After all, completely realistic models will come out of your pen, which will be pleasant to look at. They will be an excellent decoration and a piece of history, recreated with your own hands!
This is also a great way to learn about history, because it is impossible to create a full-fledged copy without having an idea about it. Each model allows you to immerse yourself, to be transported to the time where it originates, to learn all the features and nuances that will be important during assembly.
And perhaps the most main point which will be provided to you - personal development. Assembling a model makes you think hard, develops imagination and logical thinking. After all, you first need to 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 in 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 that is in no way different from the original. Here they are, the indescribable emotions and sensations of modeling, the whole palette!
I chose “bench modeling” as the topic for the individual section. This is one of my favorite hobbies and I want to tell you a little about it.
History of origin
Bench modeling is the design, construction, and production of scale copies of equipment, structures, and compositions for demonstration and educational purposes.
Modeling is initially associated with technology and means of transportation. Sea transport is historically recognized as the very first means of transportation, so the first models were ship models, and the first type of modeling can be considered ship modeling.
The history of modeling dates back to the times of Ancient Egypt. The oldest finds on this topic date back to the 10th century BC. and are replicas of ships of that time, made of painted clay and wood.
The next step in the development of modeling was the so-called “construction” models. Using similar models, real ships were built: the part in the model was enlarged to real sizes and manufactured, replacing the required part of the ship. In this way the entire ship was built. The term scale was used here for the first time.
However technical progress did not stand still, new cars and, as a result, their models were created. At the end of the 18th century, the first model of a steam engine, a steam locomotive, appeared. From this moment, railway modeling begins.
In the 19th century, the first prefabricated models of cars, and soon aircraft, appeared. 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 copy model 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. The first model kit for assembly was paper bag, which contained instructions, parts cut along the contour, wire stands, tin parts and sandpaper. The hobby turned out to be so popular that by the end of the Second World War, the catalog of Skybird models amounted to over 120 units. They were also useful during the war: bench models were used in training personnel of the royal troops to recognize enemy equipment.
Subsequently, prefabricated models of helicopters, buildings, structures, figures of the crew and participants in military operations, 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 model making enthusiasts has gained trade marks Italeri (Italy), Revell (Germany), Testors (USA), Tamiya (Japan), Zvezda (Russia), etc.
Types of bench modeling
This is how I imagine the structure of bench modeling (see diagram).
The complete construction of a model from scratch is precisely the type of modeling that is officially considered a sport, and in Russia it also refers to military-applied sports. For this reason, it is under the purview of ROSTO (formerly 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 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 for the corresponding purposes, then questions may arise for which we will not look for answers. We will leave them for the bodies whose competence this relates to.
As for the master makers of these “sports” masterpieces, their skill undoubtedly evokes nothing but admiration.
Bench modeling (and especially plastic models) clearly cannot be considered a sport. It's more like a form of art. Unlike building from scratch, we are limited by 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 work out differently for everyone.
Paper models
Despite a small amount of advantages (such as environmental friendliness, a small number of required tools, easier finishing 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 17th - 18th centuries. It is from this time that models of ships in bottles, stored in some European museums, date back. Sailors passing the time on shore often had to “look into the bottle.” One of them, apparently, came up with the lucky idea to place a model of the 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 type of creativity appeared even earlier than ships in bottles themselves. However, the term “ships in bottles” itself should include everything that a person manages to build in a bottle through a narrow neck.
Typically, bottled models are divided into three main types:
- Ships in bottles. The bottle contains a model of the ship. The main focus in such models is on recreating the details as accurately as possible. The model inside the bottle can rest on a special stand or “float” on the sea surface, skillfully made by a master.
- Dioramas. Dioramas depict scenes from life (often maritime). It could be a seaport with a large city on the shore and ships in the roadstead, a naval battle, a sinking ship and much more.
- Curiosities. This group includes everything that the master’s wild imagination gives birth to. These are scenes from biblical life, various mills, mechanisms, figures of people, cars, airplanes - in general, everything that cannot be called a ship.
Despite the rapid development of technology, the construction of ships in bottles remains, as many years ago, purely handmade. Achieving success requires great patience and skill. And just like many years ago, the model surprises viewers. This 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 in how the ship is pushed into such a narrow neck of the bottle? To dispel this mystery, I will describe one of the most commonly used methods.
The best place to start is by making the body of the model. It is cut out of wood, painted in the desired color, masts, spars, rigging and all the necessary parts are installed. Don't be alarmed, all this work needs to be done on a workbench and not inside the bottle. It is only necessary to check from time to time during operation that the fully equipped model fits freely 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 fits freely into the neck of the bottle), all other parts must, if possible, be made in exact accordance with the drawings. This is the only way to do this good model ship. But the whole secret lies in the masts. At their base, the masts have a miniature hinge that allows them to easily fold along the ship's hull. There are many various designs hinges, but before choosing a ready-made one, try to come up with your own design. Maybe you will be able to invent something original: after all, the role of a hinge can be played by a thin spring, a flexible plastic tube, and much more. Just one thing should not be forgotten: the hinge should be as little noticeable as possible. That is why the main efforts should be directed to finding a way to hide the hinge from the eyes of the uninitiated.
Having installed the mast in place, attach the shrouds and forduns. Now we can see that the sailboat, with the masts folded back, easily fits into the neck of the bottle! However, the stays, if secured tightly, will prevent the masts from folding back. To avoid this, the lower ends of the stays are not permanently glued or cut, but are left long and, passing through specially prepared holes (on the bowsprit or on the deck of the model), are brought out of the bottle. Of course, the stays must be of sufficient length so that by pulling them, the masts can be installed in a vertical position (Fig. 5). We will cut these threads, having previously secured them with drops of glue, at the very end of the work.
We must not forget about the sails, and before placing 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 tackle is stretched and secured with drops 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 Association of Ships in Bottles”, which unites modellers from all over the world. These organizations publish magazines, organize exhibitions and conferences, and in general, keep modellers busy.
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 that are multiples of 12 (1:12, 1:24, 1:48, 1:72, 1:144, 1:288) come from the imperial system, 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 an English ruler the inch is divided into 16 parts.
The 1:43 scale, used mainly for cars, comes from railway model making, after a long development it came to the strange concept of “1 foot prototype = 7 mm model”. This is also where the railway scale of 1:87 (1 ft = 3.5 mm) comes from.
1:35 - the favorite scale of “tankers” and “dioramaists” was inherited from tin soldiers. The average height of a soldier was 5 cm (about 2 inches), which was 1/35 of the average human height (175 cm).
An equally important issue is right choice models. Beginners often buy a model that they know is too tough for them. Then they either ruin the expensive plastic or discard it completely.
So the very first model should be:
- uncomplicated
- inexpensive
- sufficiently high quality
- the prototype is well known
- leaving room for “finishing”
What does all of this mean? Everything is clear with the first point - a beginner is usually not up to the task of a model with bells and whistles. Simple models are rarely expensive, although there are exceptions.
The third point is the most insidious. There are a lot of quality criteria for a model, from compliance with the prototype and declared scale to the quality of casting and the fragility of the plastic. It must correspond well to the prototype, fit more or less into scale drawings, be technologically advanced in assembly, etc.
The plastic should preferably be 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 there will almost certainly be no problems with drawings and photographs.
Opportunities for fine-tuning... There are practically no models where nothing can be removed or added. It's a matter of desire and qualifications. It is desirable that the model allows itself to be improved without requiring excessive effort.
For successful and high-quality assembly of a scale model, you need certain tools that will help in this painstaking task. Tools for modeling are very diverse and each modeler over time acquires a large number of objects, the purpose and method of use of which is known only to him. But some initial set can be outlined.
Required: Nippers for separating parts from the sprues, knives or scalpels for cutting plastic (for starters, you can use stationery knives with breakable blades), needle files of various shapes, sandpaper, straight and reverse tweezers, scissors, airbrush, brushes or other tools for painting and varnishing the model.
This is 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 tools.
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 getting interested in modeling back in my school years. My first models were airplane models. I remember sitting for hours, adjusting one part to another. At that time I had no design experience and couldn’t even think about painting of any kind; I was limited only to special details. But even the incompletely completed models made me happy for my own successes.
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