Scale model facts for kids
A scale model is a smaller (or sometimes larger) version of a real object. It's built so that all its parts are the correct size compared to each other, just like the original. Even though it's a different size, it can still show how the real object looks or works.
Scale models help us understand things without needing to see or use the actual object. They are used in many different areas, from building cool hobbies to designing new buildings and even making movies!
Contents
Why Do We Use Scale Models?
People use scale models for many reasons. They help us learn, plan, and even have fun!
Learning and Understanding
- Seeing how things work: A model can show how a complex machine, like a hydropower turbine, moves and operates.
- Studying history: Models of old buildings or ships help us imagine what they looked like long ago.
- Teaching others: Teachers and experts use models to explain difficult ideas in a simple way.
Planning and Design
- Building new things: Architects use models to show how a new building will look before it's built. Engineers use models to test how a bridge or car might work.
- Trying out ideas: It's much cheaper and easier to change a small model than to change a real, full-sized object. This helps designers fix problems early on.
- Showing off designs: Companies use models to show customers what a new product will look like.
Fun and Hobbies
- Collecting: Many people enjoy collecting detailed models of cars, planes, or trains.
- Building kits: Putting together model kits is a popular hobby. You can build anything from a spaceship to a famous landmark.
- Creating miniature worlds: Some hobbyists build entire miniature towns with tiny trains, cars, and buildings.
Different Types of Scale Models
Scale models can represent almost anything! They come in many forms, depending on what they are used for.
Physical Appearance Models
These are the most common type of scale models. They look just like the real object, but are much smaller.
- Vehicles: Cars, trains, planes, and ships are often made into scale models. These can be for toys, collectors, or for display.
- Buildings and Landscapes: Architects create models of buildings. People also build miniature landscapes for model railroads or historical scenes.
- Figures: Small figures of people, animals, or characters are also scale models, often used in games or dioramas.
Functional Models
Some models are built not just to look real, but also to work like the real thing.
- Working engines: You can find small, working models of steam engines or car engines.
- Flight simulators: These are models of airplane cockpits that let pilots practice flying without leaving the ground.
- Robots: Sometimes, a small robot is a scale model of a larger robot designed for a specific task.
Images for kids
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A scale model of a hydropower turbine
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Han dynasty pottery model of a pig pen
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Model ships and castle
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An HO scale model railroad
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An N scale locomotive
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A propane fired 1:8 scale live steam train running on the Finnish Railway Museum's miniature track.
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Scale model of a Douglas DC-3 in Finnair Airlines colors. Many airlines use model aircraft as advertisement items
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Scale down model of Alaska Airlines
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Pendon Museum's model of Madderport
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1:1250 scale die-cast models of ships
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Scale down Model of Madagascar ship displayed at Surat castle (fort)
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1:700 scale Japanese destroyer Harusame (1935) plastic model kit released by Tamiya
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American Civil War miniature battle at the HMGS "Cold Wars" convention in Lancaster, PA
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Model building for an HO scale railroad
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Daniel Dorall, Asylum, 2005, cardboard, sand, hydrocryl, plastic, 20 × 10 × 4 cm
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See also
In Spanish: Maqueta para niños
