Function

• Model building is more than an engrossing hobby.
  
  Model building may be one of the most popular hobbies in the world when you factor in all the different kinds of models that hobbyists create. Miniatures and scale models may be used in creating dioramas, building model towns and railways or furnishing dollhouses. Some models, particularly model rockets, model airplanes and model boats are built to be functional--they actually fly or float. Others are created purely for display, like ships in a bottle. Others may be used in war-gaming and recreations of historical scenes or events.
  
  In addition to models built by hobbyists, there are models that are built for professional use. Set designers may make scale models of cities, buildings or other objects to use in films and television shows. Architects often create scale models of buildings for display and promotional purposes. Engineers may build scale models of bridges, roads and machinery, and scientists use models of organisms and their systems to help demonstrate and explain hypotheses and theories.
  
  

Types

• HO scale model railroads are among the most popular models built.
  
  There are many different types of model-building. These are some of the most common.
  
  Balsa and paper model building is most often used for building scale models of planes, rockets and ships. In this type of model building, a "skeleton" of the model is built from pieces of balsa wood and then covered with a tight-fighting skin of film or tissue paper.
  
  Plastic models are often packaged and sold in kits to be assembled and painted, though many of the more modern kits use stickers for details instead of paint. Plastic model-building kits usually contain molded pieces that can be snapped or glued together. They may be very simple, or they may contain hundreds of small pieces that are as complex as the full-size object.
  
  Die-cast metal models are also often sold in kits to be assembled or hand-painted. Often, die-cast metal models are figures cast to a specific scale to be used in building scale model dioramas and scenes or for model railroads.
  
  Remote-control model building involves building a model of a vehicle which can be controlled by radio frequency or by electric wires. It is especially popular for model cars and model airplanes.
  
  

Size

• A 1:5000 scale model of Singapore City on display at URA Gallery.
  
  Scale models are exact replicas of existing objects built either smaller or larger than the object. "Scale" refers to the size ratio between the original object and the model. The measurements in this type of model-building must be precise in order to faithfully portray the original object. Many model-building groups have developed standard scales so that models can be used together in displays. The best-known of these scales is the model railroad HO scale, which is 1:87. Most other types of models can be built to scale. The only real exception is freelance models, since by definition freelance model-building is building objects that don't exist in reality.
  
  Other popular model-building scales include 1:50 for model construction vehicles, 1:24 scale, which is also called architect's scale, and 1:64 scale, which is often used for model cars. The typical dollhouse scale is 1:12, and city models are often built at 1:5000.
  
  

Considerations

• Balsa and paper airplanes require patience, concentration and a steady hand.
  
  Model building can be an engrossing hobby for children, teens and adults. If you are considering choosing a model for yourself or as a gift, there are a number of factors you should take into account to help you choose the right type of model. Younger children and beginners might be most comfortable with plastic models that snap together, for instance. Paper and balsa model-building requires a great deal of patience and fine-motor coordination. A model railroader should consider the scale of other parts of their railway setup before buying or building a new model to add to their collection. A budding scientist or engineer might appreciate working models of engines or systems.
  
  

Benefits

• Building models like the room above can help siblings bond with each other.
  
  Model building as a hobby offers far more benefits than the obvious recreational value. Building a model is an educational experience that can teach about mathematics, function and culture. In addition, building models can be an excellent way for parents and children to spend quality time together, and even help siblings come together to create something tangible.
  
  

Potential

• Creating intricate models like this ship may lead to a professional career.
  
  Model building may start as a hobby, but it has the potential to develop into a lucrative career in any one of several different industries. In the movie industry, model makers help create sets and miniature effects, a class of special effects using miniatures. In architecture, scale models are used to display and promote new designs. City planners and developers often use scale models to demonstrate a new design concept or help sell a concept to the public. Especially skilled model-builders may even make a name for themselves as a fine artist in miniature production.