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Stuff Every Model Builder Scout Should Know: the Study Guide

Practice facts for the Model Design and Building merit badge. Not an official Scouting America credential. Grab a snack: this guide is the friendly version, with the answers explained and a groan-worthy joke waiting at the end of most cards.

Knowing Model Builder Scout saves you money, time and the occasional embarrassment.

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Chapter 1: Emergencies and First Aid

What does a scale model's ratio compare?

Short answer: The model's linear dimension to the prototype's

Scale is the ratio of a linear dimension on the model to the same dimension on the real object, called the prototype.

Groan of the day: That model is on a whole different scale of cute.

Sources: Scale model

What is scratch building?

Short answer: Building a model from basic materials yourself

Scratch building means making a model yourself rather than assembling a kit or buying it pre-built.

Groan of the day: That builder started from scratch and nailed it.

Sources: Scale model

What does kitbashing mean?

Short answer: Modifying a kit with other parts

Kitbashing is assembling a kit with modifications, often adding after-market or scratch-built parts.

Groan of the day: That kitbash was a smash hit.

Sources: Scale model

What is a mockup?

Short answer: A model built at the same scale as the prototype

Models built to the same scale as the prototype are called mockups.

Groan of the day: That mockup is a perfect match.

Sources: Scale model

What do glossy colors suit on models?

Short answer: Car and truck exteriors

Glossy colors are generally used for car and commercial truck exteriors, while flat colors suit military subjects.

Groan of the day: That paint job is a shining success.

Sources: Scale model

What is a manned model ship designed to do?

Short answer: Carry and be handled by at least one person

Manned models are small-scale models that can carry and be handled by at least one person on water.

Groan of the day: A manned model really carries its weight.

Sources: Scale model

The cheat sheet

The whole guide on one screen. Screenshot it, print it, stick it on the fridge.

  • Scale is the ratio of a linear dimension on the model to the same dimension on the real object, called the prototype.
  • A 1:8 scale means one length unit on the model equals eight of the same units on the prototype.
  • Architecture firms use architectural models to present and sell designs to builders and investors.
  • Scratch building means making a model yourself rather than assembling a kit or buying it pre-built.
  • Kitbashing is assembling a kit with modifications, often adding after-market or scratch-built parts.
  • Balsa is a light wood well suited to flying airplane models because of its low weight.
  • Plastic cement welds styrene parts together and comes in thick or thin liquid forms.
  • Ethyl cyanoacrylate, or super glue, or fast-setting epoxy is needed to bond styrene to other materials.
  • Acrylic paint is water-based, has lower toxicity, and brushes clean with soap and water.
  • Decals add small details like lettering and are generally applied after painting and assembly.
  • As of 2022 the two most popular model railroad sizes are HO scale and N scale.
  • Among popular aircraft scales, 1:72 is described as the most numerous.

Pop quiz

Think of your answer first, then peek.

  1. What does a scale model's ratio compare?
    • The model's linear dimension to the prototype's
    • The model's weight to the prototype's
    • The model's price to the prototype's
    Show the answer

    The model's linear dimension to the prototype's. Scale is the ratio of a linear dimension on the model to the same dimension on the real object, called the prototype.

  2. Which two scales are the most popular model railroad sizes as of 2022?
    • T and Z
    • HO and N
    • G and O
    Show the answer

    HO and N. As of 2022 the two most popular model railroad sizes are HO scale and N scale.

  3. What should you discuss when using flammable or hazardous materials?
    • How to hide them
    • How to ignore them
    • Precautions for using them safely
    Show the answer

    Precautions for using them safely. You should explain what precautions to take when using flammable or hazardous materials, and seek qualified supervision.

  4. What is an industrial model often built to represent?
    • An actual passenger-carrying vehicle
    • A plumbing layout
    • A fantasy spacecraft
    Show the answer

    An actual passenger-carrying vehicle. The industrial model is a model of an actual passenger-carrying vehicle built from measurements.

  5. What should you discuss with your counselor about computer design tools for your project?
    • How to avoid all planning
    • Whether you plan to integrate them
    • Which color to paint them
    Show the answer

    Whether you plan to integrate them. You should discuss with your counselor if you plan to integrate computer design tools.

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