Model Making for Children

Model making is an engaging and education hobby for children.

Model making is an engaging and educational hobby for children. Not only will the child learn different techniques and skills but also learn the history and meaning behind the models. Whether building cars, planes, boats, buildings or creations of pure fantasy, there is little not to enjoy about making a model come to life. What's more is when the model is completed the child will have a great keepsake of youth that can possible last a lifetime.

Skills

Children wanting to make models will need to understand and follow the directions. They will have to be able to interpret the line drawing diagrams of parts and how they are connected. There will also be written instructions for things such as arranging parts and the order they go together and painting.

Painting is a skill most models require. Since the model parts are all the same color, no paint would mean a rather drab final product.

Finally, there will probably be the need to cut or shape different parts. This means using hobby knives and sandpaper. For young children an adult's help will probably be necessary to learn these skill and to prevent any accidents.

Fasteners

Models are put together using three types of fasteners: glue, screws and clips. The glue used for making styrene or other plastic models is not the toxic aromatic glue of a few years ago. Glues today are much less of a problem but should still be used in a well-ventilated area. Too much of anything is not good no matter how mild. There are a large variety of metal models available today assembled with screws, screwdrivers and metal clips.

Snap together

The most basic model type for children is a simple snap together style. Not needing glue, screws, tape, or any other type of fastener, the models are assembled using snap-together pins and tabs. What's more is the quality of these models should not be underestimated. With detail rivaling the finest models, the snap together model will allow the child to learn the modeling process while not getting frustrated trying to glue and assemble for difficult types.

Plastic

Plastic styrene models are the most common type today on the market. With intricate detail and a variety of scales, plastic models today can be assembled with such precision they rival the original device for realism.

Metal

Metal model cars are very popular today. Die cast metal parts with rubber and plastic trim can make a finished model showroom perfect. The advantage of a metal model is as soon as the screw or tab is fastened then it's assembled--no waiting for glue to dry. The disadvantage is metal is of course harder to work than plastic.

Wood

Wood models require the most skill and capability for the model maker. Although there are exceptions, it's considered a good rule for children to avoid wood models until they have developed some skill with building plastic and metal types.

References

• Kids Craft Box: Model Making for Kids
• Leslie Tryon: Model Making