Discussion on scale

Same would go for scale figures.....

In theory that would be correct, but thats not how we model. We model a replica in smaller scale. A shruken verision of the real deal to be precieved by the human eye as if under a magniying glass.

Imagine being a hundered feet away from the object but zooming in on the obect with a long focal lens mounted to a camera. How much detail will you see?

I have heard this discussion before and for me personally, although it may be scientifically correct for a 1/48th scale aircraft to not have panel lines and rivets, it would make quite a boring and drab model without them. Again, that is just my personal feelings towards the subject and everyones mileage will obviously vary.

One advantage of considering viewing distance is that it lends some quantitative info for "scale effect,"  the effect of the atmosphere on color.  I personally believe we need to consider scale effect only on the smallest scales, say 1:144 aircraft or 1:350 ships.

In any popular scale the scale viewing distance of most aircraft models is so small that color effects of the atmosphere are unimportant. If the atmosphere were so foggy that you would see color effects, you would also see a loss of detail, but no one neglects detail just because of atmosphere. 

I still like the scales as either a ratio (1:72) or inch to foot ratios (1/4 inch per foot) because of simpler math in sizing parts, but I do think we need to be aware of scale viewing distance, based on normal close vision limits.

I always looked at modeling in a rather simple way. We model as if we are the scale we are modeling.

If only people would follow the "rule" instead of getting their noses in the rigging of a 1/350 ship...

spiralcity

I always looked at modeling in a rather simple way. We model as if we are the scale we are modeling.

 

YES!

Speaking of "atmospheric effect"....here's some 1/1 atmospheric effect!!!

Fermis, down here in Texas we call that fog.

Aw Gee;

   I thought that was New Braunfels Mist !     T.B.

Hi Don ;

    In all actuality most folks look at this in different ways . Me , Now I look at it this way . If I want a really interesting model plane . I will so very lightly mist a darker color for panel lines . This said , you can't hardly see them Unless the light hits it right . Just like the real thing .

     What I won't do now is specifically use a pen or paintbrush to show every little line in a color that pops  , therefore making the plane look like a street map . In my natural metal birds I cut every panel from foil , just slightly larger than it's neighbor .

    That way when I trim the overage away you have a distinctly visible , But , almost invisible line between . It's maybe less than the thickness of a sheet of paper . As far as actual size , well that has to be a judgement on the builders call .

      If you put a lot of work into a model ship for instance , Say you have lines running everywhere representing welds .You better look at the real subject again . You cannot see lines of welds if you are ten feet away if the lighting is poor , or average , much less a hundred !

    You see where I am going here ? Have a good one .     Tanker - Builder

Yup, I'm with you, Tankerbuilder.