Editing Scale model (section)

{{Short description|Physical representation of an object}}
{{Use American English|date=April 2022}}

{{more citations needed|date=July 2022}}

[[File:Scale Model Of The Tower Of London In The Tower Of London.jpg|thumb|upright=1.35|A scale model of the [[Tower of London]]. This model can be found inside the tower.]]
[[File:Maqueta turbina hidroeléctrica.jpg|thumb|upright=1.35|A scale model of a [[hydropower]] turbine]]

A '''scale model''' is a [[physical model]] that is [[similarity (geometry)|geometrically similar]] to an object (known as the ''[[prototype]]''). Scale models are generally smaller than large prototypes such as vehicles, buildings, or people; but may be larger than small prototypes such as anatomical structures or subatomic particles. Models built to the same [[Scale (ratio)|scale]] as the prototype are called ''[[mockup]]s''.

Scale models are used as tools in [[engineering]] design and testing, promotion and sales, filmmaking special effects, military strategy, and hobbies such as [[rail transport modeling]], [[wargaming]] and racing; and as toys. [[Model building]] is also pursued as a hobby for the sake of [[artisan]]ship.

Scale models are constructed of [[plastic]], wood, or metal. They are usually painted with [[enamel paint|enamel]], [[lacquer]], or [[acrylic paint|acrylic]]s.
Model prototypes include all types of vehicles (railroad trains, cars, trucks, military vehicles, aircraft, and spacecraft), buildings, people, and science fiction themes (spaceships and robots).