Modellbauer

Modellbauer is the term used for a person who builds scale models, typically of vehicles, structures, figures or diorama elements. The hobby ranges from assembling ready-made model kits to scratch-building objects from raw materials, and it often includes painting, weathering and diorama construction. Modellbauer are active in many genres, with common domains including model railroading, aviation, naval and automotive modeling, military miniatures, and architectural models. The activity is practiced worldwide, with a particularly strong tradition in German-speaking regions.

Historically, model building emerged from ship models and military miniatures and expanded in the 20th century with mass-produced plastic kits. Today hobbyists may specialize in a subject, a scale, or a combination, and frequently share techniques through clubs, forums and publications. Tools range from hobby knives, files and sandpaper to glues, putty, airbrushes and weathering powders. Typical workflows involve kit assembly or scratch-building, gap filling, priming, base coating, decals and protective varnish, followed by weathering and display.

Common scales include 1:87 (HO), 1:72, 1:48, 1:35 and 1:144 for vehicles; ship models often use 1:350 or 1:700; architectural models may use 1:50 or 1:100. The choice of scale influences level of detail and space requirements.

The German term Modellbauer is gender-neutral; the female form is Modellbauerin. See also Modellbau.