Building models are scale model

Scale model

A scale model is a physical model, a representation or copy of an object that is larger or smaller than the actual size of the object, which seeks to maintain the relative proportions of the physical size of the original object. Very often the scale model is used as a guide to making the object in...

s of structures. They are commonly used in model railroading as well as wargaming

Wargaming

A wargame is a strategy game that deals with military operations of various types, real or fictional. Wargaming is the hobby dedicated to the play of such games, which can also be called conflict simulations, or consims for short. When used professionally to study warfare, it is generally known as...

 and diorama

Diorama

The word diorama can either refer to a nineteenth century mobile theatre device, or, in modern usage, a three-dimensional full-size or miniature model, sometimes enclosed in a glass showcase for a museum...

 making. Architectural model

Architectural model

An architectural model is a type of a scale model, tangible representation of a structure built to study aspects of an architectural design or to communicate design ideas to clients, committees, and the general public...

s are also made to demonstrate and promote buildings before they are constructed.

Many building models don't come from kits, but are hand-made.

Common supplies and building techniques

The walls of model buildings are generally made of materials such as Closed-cell PVC foamboard and the façade of buildings are made from multiple layers of cardstock. Small scraps of random items found around the house often come in handy when creating many models. Color labels from magazine advertisements are often used as signage for modeled stores, for example. Some model makers commonly make copies of model-building items by constructing a simple mold from clay, inserting the item within the mold, then pouring plaster into the mold.



Other modelers use whatever materials will give the best and most realistic look. For instance, a metal structure would be made of metal, a wooden structure wood. Special attention is taken to make sure that all elements are in the correct scale; even the grain of the wood used must be fine enough to look in scale.

See also

• Cardboard engineering
  Cardboard engineering
  Cardboard modeling is a form of modelling with paper, card stock, paperboard, and corrugated fiberboard. The term "cardboard engineering" is sometimes used to differentiate from craft of making decorative cards...