Military miniaturism

Given the nature of military models, hobby practitioners for the most part lean toward realism in their creations.

Armor kit often feature workable hatches for crew figures, and a few contain fully detailed interiors.

Most modern kits, of all scales, are made mainly from a hard plastic (typically styrene) through injection molding.

Construction is typically carried out using plastic cement or cyanoacrylate[1] ("super glue") to attach parts.

Parts are typically cleaned of seam lines and other imperfections from the molding process before attachment.

Photoetch is perhaps the most prevalent form of aftermarket goods, appearing in most detail kits and some full models.

It consists of thin sheets of brass or nickel that have been laser etched into a firm yet bendable and highly detailed part.

[1] The goal is to reproduce the historical color scheme and markings to individualize and increase the realism of the model.

Airbrushes are used in a multitude of rolls, filling the niche taken by the spray can as well as giving the modeler the ability to lay down easier soft-edged lines and highlights.

Depth is than added using highlights, shadows, and washes (thinned paint that acts on capillary action).

[8] This skill is crucial in Military miniaturism, as it adds a level or realism necessary to replicate a combat worn object or person.