About Military Modelling
Making models is old as time, since humans realized they could produce things with their hands. The tombs of the Pharaohs of Egypt contained models, some ‘military’ in outline. It is difficult to make a definite ‘start’ date, however, as a popular hobby military modelling has its roots in lead toy soldiers, which were commercial commodities from the early 19th century. As technology progressed in the 20th century through two World Wars machines were modelled, and today’s hobby is broadly divided between making soldiers or military vehicles, with offshoots of military aircraft and warships to wargaming on a table and fantasy figures and role-playing games using miniatures.
After the Second World War and into the latter half of the 20th century ‘military modelling’ as a hobby really took off with the switch of lead and other white metal alloys to plastics. Kits of soldiers and military equipment from all periods became viable and the hobby reached its zenith, worldwide, in the 1970s. Since then, and today, a worldwide manufacturing base caters to it with products of all types.
Interests are broadly divided between two main subjects – making miniature figures - or model soldiers - and military vehicles, tanks, guns and trucks. Sometimes figures and vehicles are combined into miniature scenic settings into the aptly described ‘diorama’ that can be quite small, or big with elaborate flourishes. More or less how history is illustrated in museums – with models.
Reference plays a large part in military modellers’ lives and thousands of books, papers and magazines cater to these tastes and now much of this is freely available on the Internet.
Shows, big and small, with competitions, are a major part of the hobby where modellers can show off their work. Clubs and societies are popular, but now the many and varied military modelling orientated Websites more or less perform the same task with active forums for discussion, linking modellers with a common interest on the Internet.
An offshoot of military modelling is ‘fantasy’ in all its forms, and it is this side of the hobby of miniatures that younger modellers usually make their debut… and on into fantasy wargaming and other role-playing games.
- Launched in 1971. Market leader in the UK
- Covers broad spectrum – practical construction-type features with other articles on vehicles; figures; uniforms and regimental history
- Supports a major MyHobbyStore owned event, Euro Militaire which celebrates its 25th Anniversary in 2010