Model figure

Model Figure

A model figure is a miniature representation of a person, creature, or object, often used for display, collection, or educational purposes. These figures can be made from various materials, including plastic, resin, metal, and wood, and are often painted to enhance their appearance. Model figures are popular in hobbies such as model building, wargaming, and diorama creation.

A detailed model figure of a historical character

History

The history of model figures dates back to ancient times when small figurines were crafted for religious and ceremonial purposes. In the modern era, model figures became popular with the advent of plastic and resin materials, which allowed for mass production and detailed sculpting. The 20th century saw a boom in model figure production, particularly with the rise of scale modeling and tabletop games.

Types of Model Figures

Model figures can be categorized based on their purpose and the materials used:

Scale Model Figures

Scale model figures are designed to accompany scale models of vehicles, buildings, and other objects. They are often used in dioramas to create realistic scenes. Common scales include 1:35, 1:48, and 1:72.

Action Figures

Action figures are poseable model figures often based on characters from movies, television shows, comic books, and video games. They are typically made of plastic and are designed for both play and display.

Miniature Figures

Miniature figures are small-scale models used primarily in wargaming and role-playing games. These figures are often made of metal or plastic and are painted by hobbyists to represent characters or units in a game.

Collectible Figures

Collectible figures are often produced in limited editions and are sought after by collectors. These figures can be based on popular culture icons, historical figures, or original designs.

A display of model figures in Akihabara, Tokyo, a hub for collectors

Materials and Techniques

Model figures are crafted using a variety of materials, each offering different advantages:

• Plastic: Lightweight and easy to mold, plastic is the most common material for mass-produced model figures.
• Resin: Known for its ability to capture fine details, resin is often used for high-quality figures.
• Metal: Durable and often used for miniature figures, metal figures are typically cast in pewter or white metal.
• Wood: Less common, but used for traditional or artisanal figures.

Painting and detailing are crucial aspects of model figure creation. Hobbyists use acrylic and enamel paints, along with techniques such as dry brushing, washing, and airbrushing to enhance the appearance of their figures.

Related Pages

• Scale model
• Action figure
• Miniature wargaming
• Diorama
• Collectible