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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.

Moving on to 20th and 21st century science, models have been used for decades to depict the world of molecules, atoms and electrons, a world which otherwise would be difficult for the layman to grasp.

Skeletal and soft tissue models of biological organisms have assisted millions to become familiar with the substructures of the natural world, a world that in vivo is often difficult, not to say frightening, to access.

Modern architects continue to design, and engineers test, gargantuan bridges and skyscrapers in preparation for presenting them in reduced scale to the business community, civil authorities and/or tax payers.

In the realm of motion pictures, directors and special effects personnel have done and currently do make use of models to demonstrate the ferocity of their nightmares.

For example, although many directors, like the uncredited Ernest Shoedsack of 1933 King Kong fame (see 1933 Kong model), would no doubt enjoy destroying communities whose citizens criticize(d) their films as uncultured, they, the directors, must sadly remain content with crushing models and back lot studio civilizations.

And, finally, but certainly not final, we venture into the delightful world of the hobbyist who is able to capture the fruits of imagination at his or her leisure, the only limitations being those represented by the boundaries of creative spirit. (See, for example, the image of a scale model of the battlefield at Lancaster.)

Today, versatile Lego bricks provide modelers with hand sized, relatively unrestrictive creative tools that pose few barriers to the realization of ideas.

From the halls of MIT to the bedrooms of three-year-olds, original work is just a brick away.

We have all seen photos of Legoland, and the Lego creations that draw the world to stand agape behind glass, rope and chain.

But, in addition to Lego genius, we are also seeing present day Leonardos emerging using all sorts of materials from wood and steel to acrylic resin or resin/pewter combinations to execute their creations. See photo at left.

Join with me now on a brief tour of what we are seeing from the modern model builder. See below: New York City (Lego), sky scraper (Lego), Palomar telescope, model railroad, model three story home, model of the entire city of Shanghai, China, and an architectural firm's vision of beachside villas.

Without indulging in a deluge of exaggeration, this author wishes to end with Latin phrases that I believe summarize what scale modelers everywhere are getting at. "Auxilio ab alto - a posse ad esse." OR "By help from on high - from possibility to actuality."

Ron - Toy Tech

Friday, 10:56 pm | July 31st, 2009

Comments

Peter Lee on Saturday, 10:18 am | August 1st, 2009

I enjoyed this article. I also wanted to say that my last order was delivered in such creative packing I was intrigued.

The pieces were pristine as you claim. But it was the packing that astounded me even more.

I order several older sets. All the parts were meticulously bagged, and then individually wrapped in rugged paper to make sure nothing was damaged while shipping.

It was incredible really.

So, thanks for the article, and thanks for the care you've demonstrated in filling my orders.

You have a customer for the long term.

Peter