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Scale Models Through the Ages

Scale modeling has been with us since the beginning of recorded history.

Whether it be defensive military installations, or castle breaching catapults, models have been from time immemorial an important method of limiting the expenditure of resources prior to an inventor's vision being approved for larger construction by those with power and resources.

Whether it be Qin Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of a united China, gazing at the latest scaled proposal for the Wall, or the conceptual design for massive Spartan fortifications, modelers have had an impact on the history of the world we can only now vaguely understand.

Leonardo Da Vinci, of course, has been nominated by history as the world's most gifted scale modeler. From the design of catapults, tanks and paddle wheeled marine transports, to designs for mechanized robots, Da Vinci was a master of the possible. Only Leonardo himself was aware of the full measure of his modeling prowess.

When prospective employers challenged Leonardo in his studio, employers Da Vinci quickly realized were often stone cold killers, better known as local rulers, he was quick to produce sketches as well as models to illustrate military mechanisms that invariably pleased his aggressive guests. See photos.....

Continue reading Comments (1) Friday, 10:56 pm | July 31st, 2009