One of the fastest-growing fields in the hobby industry is advanced modeling. Model kits made from plastic, wood, and metal have long been available, but their sophistication has increased dramatically over the last thirty years. As a result, we now see ‘snap-tite’ or ‘shake-and-bake models that require no skill to assemble and paint. While these models may be somewhat less rewarding than those requiring greater skill, they are nonetheless popular because they provide instant gratification for the purchaser. However, within the ranks of more experienced modelers, there’s an equally fast-growing trend toward highly accurate and detailed scale replicas. These high-quality scale models typically require time and effort to build and paint, and while they may not have the ‘instant gratification’ appeal of a snap-tite kit, their owners derive a great deal more satisfaction from them because they are replicas of actual objects and accurately portray real-world scenarios. In other words, these models provide far greater educational value than do their less expensive brethren.
Metal Model Kits for education and therapy can be quite elaborate, and many of these models can be used as educational aids in various schools, hospitals, and other institutions. Indeed, if you view the pictures on this page, you’ll see several examples of such models.
Here are a few benefits of using metal model kits.
- It is a therapeutic tool to calm and relax patients who need more than medication or other medical procedures.
- It also encourages concentration, problem-solving skills and builds self-esteem.
- Most importantly, through the completed model, they can see what their actual size would be if they had a disability or were in a hospital bed as an amputee. This enables them to understand this experience which increases coping skills and decreases feelings of isolation and depression that commonly accompany being injured or sick!
- Some models have working parts such as fans, lights, scales, etc…that allow for teaching on how different machines work with hands-on experiences as well as additional sensory input for those who may have any deficits in the tactile domain.
- The finished models can be touched and explored as part of the process of learning about physical limitations, equipment use, and how they might feel if they’re disabled from a certain disease or injury. This enhances patients’ coping skills as well as their understanding that others have had similar experiences, which diminishes the sense of isolation that often accompanies illness or accident.
In conclusion, many feel that advanced modeling is an excellent therapeutic tool in the treatment of patients with specific illnesses or who have experienced trauma. With today’s emphasis on health care reform, it may be more important than ever before to explore all possible methods of promoting wellness in patients, students, and staff members. Advanced model building is one way to do so.
