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Model making is a leisure niche - and an expensive and popular one at the same time. Since 2012, the turnover that this industry has been able to record has increased continuously. In 2012 it was 834 million euros, in 2022 it was around 1.3 million euros and forecasts for the future show: sales of over 1.6 million euros in 2023 are quite conceivable. This article reveals what characterizes model building and where interested parties can get inspiration.

Figure 1: The model construction changes the proportions. What is supposed to be represented shrinks in size and can thus be tinkered with, experienced - and fascinated by many model building fans.

Fascination model making. What excites the fans?

There are many different reasons why people become fans of model making. The fascination for the technology, for the aesthetics of the model or the passion for handicrafts could be behind it and also make a classification of the different types of model making tangible:

  • The Aesthet cannot provide any information about the technical options that a model offers - but he is the one who does everything to aesthetically enhance the model once it has been built. The model should be pretty and attractive in order to end up in the showcase later or to be presented in other ways.
  • The tinkerer is a bit of a technician and a bit of an esthete. In any case, screwing, gluing, repairing and converting is important to him. He doesn't have a fixed goal in mind. Instead, he especially enjoys remodeling.
  • The Follower is looking for trends and emulates them. His hobby is not only model making per se, but also the constant search for new models - either from a division, for example in aircraft construction, or from a manufacturer.
  • The Technology Fan chooses his model based on what poses a technical challenge to him. Once the model has been built, the technician looks for optimization approaches, after all technical improvements should also improve the fun with the model, even if the technician only rarely uses the construct but rather upgrades it technically.

Figure 2: If you think of model building, you can find fans of this hobby in a railway exhibition, but also in airplane or ship model building.

This is where passionate model makers will find inspiration

Model building is a hobby that unites its fans and is often a closed book for non-fans. In order to meet other fans, there are now numerous model building communities that enable an exchange of the latest model building tips. Regardless of region, model building fans exchange information online. You could also meet here:

The INTERMODELLBAU 2022 will take place in Dortmund between April 23rd and 26th. Last year, 500 international exhibitors from a total of 18 nations gathered at the trade fair of the same name and delighted around 77,000 trade fair visitors on just four days of the fair. Model building fans got their money's worth with aircraft and ship model building as well as with the reconstruction of railway landscapes. At this fair you will find aesthetes as well as technicians, hobbyists and followers. You can get advice on trends, exchange ideas with other model building fans and get inspiration from the numerous demonstrations.

Anyone who is a declared fan of miniature railway construction must pay a visit to the Hamburg Miniature Wonderland. Over 1,000 trains and over 10,000 wagons run on a model area of almost 1,500 square meters. 15,715 meters of tracks run through the rental area, which covers a total of 7,000 square meters. The railway world was lovingly staged with the help of 263,000 figures, 9,250 cars and 130,000 trees, which also ensure a lively picture, as do 3,454 switches, 4,340 bridges and houses and 52 airplanes.

Figure 3: In Miniaturland in Hamburg not only trains but also airplanes are part of the model world.

The miniature format of the German capital Berlin is no less regionally influenced. In the Little Big City Berlin, a journey through the history of the city is possible - with the help of numerous model buildings that guide you through the history of the city. Since Little Big City "only" has the capital in view - and not, like Hamburg, the whole world - the numerical dimensions in Berlin are also much more manageable: around 100 buildings and around 6,000 figures tell silently and in miniature format about the development of the capital. The exhibition is definitely something for technicians, even if far fewer trains and cars drive around here. Instead, 30 projectors, 15 holograms and 50 interaction surfaces bring the city's history to life.

Figure 4: Miniature landscapes and rides await young model builders in the Legoland amusement parks. There are also plenty of building opportunities in these parks.

Amusement parks, which largely revolve around the world on a small scale, are much less technical, but have a high entertainment value. The centerpiece is the Miniland in the Legoland parks. Landscapes, countries and famous sights were reproduced there in miniature format - using the building blocks that no child's room is missing, namely Lego building blocks, which are not only suitable for playing, but also for do-it-yourself craft ideas. All around, more and more adventure worlds are emerging, inviting you to explore, climb, build and experience.

While the Legoland parks are still comparatively young, Minimundus has been around in Austria since 1958. The history of the park, which is located in Carinthia, began with 20 models and went under the name Minieurop. Today the area covers 26,000 square meters and even an indoor adventure world attracts the young model makers to Klagenfurt.

Figure 1: pixabay.com © we_are_small(CC0 Public Domain)

Figure 2: pixabay.com © FixiPixi_deluxe (CC0 Public Domain)

Figure 3: pixabay.com © violetta (CC0 Public Domain)

Figure 4: pixabay.com © StockSnap (CC0 Public Domain)

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