There are different kinds of models, from plastic and wooden model kits to pre-made diecast metal models and working steam engines. Here we will give a brief introduction to each of these kinds of models. We also have a separate Introduction to Model Railways.
What are plastic model kits?
A plastic model kit is a model made from dense polystyrene plastic that comes in parts that require assembly and painting, and usually include water-slide decals to apply.
The parts come on a frame called a 'sprue'. Each part is numbered so that you which part to look for as you work through the step-by-step instructions. As they are needed, you will carefully remove each part with a pair of clippers, and tidy them up with a small craft knife and file, before sticking them into place with polystyrene cement. The instructions will also indicate what colour paints to use, and where to place the decals. Once fully assembled you will have an accurate scale model.
Airfix were amongst the very first brands of plastic model kit manufacturers and for a long time were the dominant manufacturer in the UK. Because of this all plastic models kits are often called 'Airfix' by people in the UK. The Airfix brand remains popular, competing with other brands producing quality model kits.
Other popular brands include Tamiya from Japan, Revell from Germany, and Italeri from Italy, amongst many others.
What are diecast models?
A diecast model is a pre-made, pre-painted model vehicle made primarily of metal with plastic parts. Diecast models range from small toy cars for children to play with up to highly-detailed accurate recreations of real-life vehicles for collectors. Diecast models cover a wide range of subjects and include cars, tractors and other farm machinery, trucks, buses and more.
In the UK the most recognisable brand of diecast models will be Corgi, and Britains are famous for their range of diecast model farm vehicles and toy animals. We stock several other great brands of diecast models including Siku, Burago, and Maisto. We also stock the Bruder range of large plastic toy vehicles.
What are wooden models?
There are several types of wooden models; wooden model kits, matchstick models, and pre-made wooden aircraft models.
Wooden model kits are similar to plastic model kits in that they come in parts that require assemble and often requiring painting. Techniques for building wooden models are different from those of plastic models. While plastic models are created by assembling pre-cast parts, with wooden models you build a frame that you then apply wooden strips to, or canvas in the case of aircraft models, to create the shape of the model. You will then add extra elements such as masts, sails, rigging, and deck fittings. With the canvas on wooden aircraft you would apply a cellulose dope to tighten and harden the canvas, just like on real-life wooden aircraft, before applying paint. We stock wooden ship models from Billing Boats and Artesania Latina, and balsa wood aircraft models from Guillow's.
Matchstick models are models that use matchsticks as your construction material. Generally matchstick model kits will include printed card sheets that act as a template, but the more advanced kits may only provide instructions to follow. You can also get bags of matchsticks and come up with creations of you own imagination.
We also keep the Bravo Delta range of pre-made wooden aircraft models. These are hand-carved and meticulously hand-painted in the UK.
What are live steam models?
Live steam models are miniature working steam engines. Fired with solid fuel tablets these work just like real-life full-sized steam engines. The Wilesco range features stationary steam engines available in a range of designs and colours, from a single working engine to powering several small mechanical devices. They also produce a range of miniature working traction engines. The engines can be combined with a range of working miniature machines and even merry-go-rounds.