Model Design and Building
Resources
- Model Design and Building Class Preparation Page
- Model Design and Building Workbook
- Scoutmaster Bucky's Merit Badge Advancement Quick Reference
- Scoutmaster Bucky's Acknowledgement Form
Related
Model Design and Building Requirements Current Scouts BSA requirements
as of March 8, 2025
as of March 8, 2025
1.
Study and understand the requirements for personal safety when using such
modelmaker hand tools such as knives, handsaws, vises, files, hammers,
screwdrivers, hand drills and drill bits, pliers, portable power tools, and
when to use proper protective equipment such as goggles when grinding or
drilling. Know what precautions to take when using flammable or hazardous
products such as glue, epoxy, paint, and thinners. Discuss these with your
counselor before you begin your modelmaking project and tell why they are
important.
2.
Explain the uses for each of the following types of models: architectural,
structural, process, mechanical, and industrial. Do research into the
different types of materials that could be used in making these models.
3.
With your counselor's advice, select a subject from requirement 4 for your
model project. Kits may not be used. Prepare the necessary plans to the
proper scale. This model should be your own original work. Tell your
counselor why you selected this project.
4.
Do ONE of the following:
a.
Make an architectural model. Build a model of a house to a scale of
1⁄4" = 1'0" (50:1 metric). Discuss with your counselor the materials
you intend to use, the amount of detail required, outside treatment
(finish, shrubbery, walks, etc.), and color selections. After
completing the model, present it to your counselor for approval.
b.
Build a structural model. Construct a model showing corner construction
of a wood-frame building to a scale of 11⁄2" = 1'0" (1:8 scale). All
structures shown must be to scale. Cardboard or flat sheet wood stock
may be used for sheeting or flooring on the model. Review with your
counselor the problems you encountered in gathering the materials and
supporting the structure. Be able to name the parts of the floor and
wall frames, such as intermediate girder, joist, bridging, subfloor,
sill, sole plate, stud, and rafter.
c.
Make a process model. Build a model showing the plumbing system in
your house. Show hot and cold-water supply, all waste returns, and
venting to a scale of 3 ⁄4" = 1'0" (15:1 metric). Talk to your counselor
about how to begin this model, and present the scale and the materials
you will use. After completion, present the model to your counselor, and
be prepared to discuss any problems you had building this model.
d.
Complete a mechanical model. Build a model of a mechanical device that
uses at least two of the six simple machines. After completing the
model, present it to your counselor. Be prepared to discuss materials
used, the machine's function, and any particular difficulty you might
have encountered.
e.
Make an industrial model. Build a model of an actual passenger-carrying
vehicle to a scale of 1" = 1'0" or 1 ⁄2" = 1'0" (10:1 or 25:1 metric).
Take the dimensions of the vehicle and record the important dimensions.
Draw the top, front, rear, and sides of the vehicle to scale. From your
plans, build a model of the vehicle and finish it in a craftsmanlike
manner. Discuss with your counselor the most difficult part of
completing the model.
5.
Build a special-effects model of a fantasy spacecraft or a hand-held prop
that might appear in a Hollywood science-fiction movie. Determine an
appropriate scale for your design. Include a cockpit or control area,
living space, storage unit, engineering spaces, and propulsion systems. As
you plan and build your model, do the following:
a.
Study existing designs of vehicles and hand-held devices.
b.
Arrange and assemble the parts.
c.
Sketch your completed model.
d.
Discuss your design, scale, and materials choices with your counselor.
Describe how you engineered your model and discuss any difficulties you
encountered and what you learned.
6.
List at least six occupations in which modelmaking is used and discuss with
your counselor some career opportunities in this field.
