Scale Models

The first plastic models were manufactured at the end of 1930 by Frog in the UK, focusing on non flying 1/72nd scale model aircraft kits.

During WW2 Frog and many other new companies also began produced plastic and wooden models for recognition and training purposes.

In the late 1940s several American companies also began to produce plastic models, many began production in the 1950s and by the 1960s companies from all over the world such as Revell, AMT Monogram, Airfix, Heller, Matchbox, Italeri, ESCI, Fujimi, Nichimo and Bandai had all become household names.

Many American model companies made assembled promotional car models which they would sell as unassembled kits to hobbyists. These early models were typically lower in detail than currently standard, with non-opening hoods and no engines, and simplified or no detail on the chassis, which attached to the body with very visible screws. Within a short time however the kit business began to overshadow the production of promos, and the level of accuracy and detail was raised to satisfy the demands of the marketplace.

In the 1960s, Tamiya also joined the scale model business and soon Hasegawa (also from Japan) joined in.

More recent model companies include Chinese firms such as AFV (Armoured Fighting Vehicle) Club, Dragon, Hobby Boss, Meng and Trumpeter along with Zvezda from Russia, Academy from Korea, Eduard and AZ Models from Czechia, First to Fight and Mistercraft from Polan, and Ukrainian companies like Roden, UMMT, IBG and ICM.

Although the hobby of scale model making has somewhat faded since its glory days in the 60's and 70's, it's still relevant and enjoyed by both old and young enthusiasts to this day. It's brilliant for many reasons and promotes things such as creativity, problem solving, historical knowledge, engineering and STEM skills, patience and is also used to support mental health by providing a relaxing and stimulating activity with the chance to feel satisfaction, joy and to have a tangible model of a real object in miniature like a particular car, plane, tank or whatever you want to recreate in scale.