If we look at the statistics on model making as a hobby, we see a remarkable upward trend. Model making is a growing hobby that is inspiring more and more people. But what is the source of this fascination with model making? Why is playful construction such a popular hobby?
We'll show you how to get started in the fascinating world of model building and why this hobby can be valuable for you.
- Hobby model builders – The trend toward creating your own worlds has been going strong for years.
- Model building as a hobby can be relaxing and help you slow down your everyday life.
- Model building for beginners – what is the best way to get started with this wonderful hobby?
- What does a model maker do? From remote-controlled RC airplanes to classic model railroads in mountainous landscapes—model making as a hobby has many facets.
- Model building is a leisure hobby that doesn't require much equipment to get started.
What is model making?
What is model making? Before we take a closer look at what makes model making such a fascinating hobby that you can do on your own, and how you can get started in this hobby, we have first put together a brief overview of what model making actually is.
When we think of model making, we typically imagine a model-making board on which plastic plants and mountains are constructed to form a landscape. In our imagination, this landscape usually has tracks laid across it, with a train rattling along the tracks and stopping at a miniature station. But is that really all there is to it?
The fact that we have this image in our minds is probably due to the beginnings of model making in the form of model railways, which date back to the 20th century. The hobby experienced a surge in popularity in the 1950s when plastic became more widely available. This led to more detailed locomotives and carriages. Since then, model railways have ceased to be toys and have essentially become an art form.
However, model making is more than just a model building board with a model railway. Anything can be recreated as a model:
- Boats,
- Cars,
- aircraft
- and ships
- and, of course, the corresponding landscapes.
RC models are also part of model making. RC stands for radio controlled, meaning that you can fly or drive these objects.
Overall, model-making technology has developed rapidly. Whereas moving trains used to be the icing on the cake, today several trains and ships can be operated, and planes and helicopters can be flown.
Why is model building such a popular hobby?
Faster, higher, further – if you follow this trend, the growing market for model making is rather surprising. It is not very sociable – unless we are working with several people on a model landscape. It does not give us an adrenaline rush and it does not promote our physical health.
This seems to contradict everything we want from a hobby today.
- But is that really the case?
- What does model making offer you that is so fascinating that more and more people are becoming enthusiastic about it?
Relaxation and stress relief
Model building can help you find peace and concentration. Unfortunately, both of these things can sometimes get lost in the hectic everyday life between stress at the office and mountains of laundry in the living room. Working on small models requires concentration.
Focusing on one thing, similar to meditation, serves to calm the mind. For example, you can switch off after work and simply forget all stressful thoughts.
Creative expression and freedom of design
Model building offers another advantage: when we build models, we create our own worlds. Everything can be designed exactly the way you want it. Do you live in the city but love the mountains?
Model building can transport you to your favorite place for a few hours without you having to travel far. There are virtually no limits to your creativity.
"I make the world wide wide just the way I like it."
When it comes to model building, we can all be a little like Pippi Longstocking and achieve anything we want.
Promotion of fine motor skills and concentration
Working with the delicate models not only trains our ability to concentrate. Our fine motor skills can also improve through constant practice.
Building and assembling the models and painting them requires skill and fine motor skills. This repeatedly challenges and develops hand-eye coordination.
Insight into craftsmanship, history, and technology
Model building is more than what you see on the model building board afterwards. Model building often involves a broader interest—for example, in old techniques of train travel or shipping, in meticulous research into what an 18th-century sailing ship looked like and how best to replicate it.
Or—for car enthusiasts—interest in the development of the automobile from the first model to today's electric vehicle.
Who is model building as a hobby suitable for?
Model building is suitable for anyone who is looking for a relaxing hobby to do at home and enjoys being creative and working with their hands. Given the wide range of model building options available, it is not surprising that so many different people are enthusiastic about this hobby.
You can create fantastic worlds and recreate Hogwarts. Or, if you're interested in history, you can build historical sites.
Or perhaps you're more interested in modern technology and want everything to fly, light up, flash, and drive? That's possible too! Model building covers so many interests that it can be suitable for almost everyone.
Model building is also a wonderful activity for fathers and sons to enjoy together. Working on projects together creates a strong bond between them.
What types of model building are there?
Model making encompasses everything related to the production of three-dimensional, physical objects. Therefore, it is not easy to provide a definitive list of the different types of model making. Its uses are also diverse.
- From hobby to architectural models that become real houses,
- From the pure joy of designing objects to elaborate film sets, model building has it all.
To give you a good overview of the types of model building that you might enjoy as a hobby, we have compiled a few of them below.
architectural model making
Architectural model building involves representing a house project in three-dimensional form. A distinction is made here between presentation models for selling a property and working models that are used to plan the house. There are also differences in terms of realism: some models are designed to look realistic, while others are only intended to capture the right mood.
vehicle model making
In vehicle model making, vehicles are recreated using puzzles. These can be made from plastic or wood, such as these ones, which are delivered directly to your home as a puzzle set. The representations
- from the classic car
- about the truck
- to modern cars that can be controlled and driven properly using a remote control.
model aircraft
Model aircraft construction is similar to model vehicle construction, except that it involves aircraft. Gliders and models of modern aircraft, for example, form the basis of model aircraft construction.
If you like to play around with flying objects, powered model aircraft are the right choice for you: with an RC control system, they can fly wirelessly through the air.
mechanics
Mechanics in model making involves replicating mechanical elements such as steam engines. Power transmission, pulleys, various types of mechanical drives, and torque often play a role in mechanical model making.
If you are interested in technology and fascinated by mechanics in particular, mechanical model building is a wonderful hobby for at home!
model railroad
We are all familiar with model railways. Various tracks, locomotives, and carriages can be purchased online or in stores, and you can use them to build entire landscapes! Model railways are a great hobby in winter when it gets dark early outside and the evenings are long.
Getting started: How do you get started with model building as a hobby?
Getting started in model making is relatively easy these days. Instead of needing a large room and lots of different craft materials, you can now simply purchase complete kits to get you started. While assembling the kits, you can acquire the skills and knowledge you need to carry out your own projects later on.
If you don't have much space, it's best to start with a single item from the aircraft or vehicle model range – you can always buy a board for an entire landscape with several models later on!
Conclusion
Model building has held an unbroken fascination for many decades. There is something irresistible about assembling models and creating entire worlds. Model building is a wonderful hobby for relaxation and covers a wide range of interests, so there is something for everyone, from beginners to professionals.
