Glossary

Using rubber cement to mask entire areas, or to mask irregularly-shaped areas to simulate chipped, worn, or scuffed finishes. First, a base-material color (such as aluminum or steel) is applied in the desired area. Then rubber cement is applied over that area in a stippling or stabbing motion. After the rubber cement dries, the top color is applied and allowed to dry. Then the cement is rubbed off, exposing the color underneath.

The proportion a model bears relative to the full-size object it represents.

A model (or component) constructed “from scratch,” not from a kit.

Generally, using a pointed tool to carve a line (such as a panel line) into the model’s surface.

Sonderkraftfahrzeug, “special purpose vehicle”; SdKfz numbers were assigned to all purpose-built German military vehicles, but other terms took precedence for tanks, self-propelled guns, and other heavier vehicles, with SdKfz more likely to describe armored cars, halftracks, and other vehicles.

Molded styrene parts that cool incorrectly can be marred by sink marks, depressions in the surface.

Injection molds that use more than the traditional two-part top and bottom steel molds. In a slide mold, additional mold pieces can be placed into the sides of the main mold halves, allowing for undercuts and even hollow parts impossible with two-part molds.

“Silvery” areas that appear around or under incorrectly applied or defective decals.

See “parts box.”

Self-propelled gun

A booth with an exhaust fan to remove harmful vapors emitted by paint, adhesives, and other noxious materials and supplies.

A technique in which a tank or other type of tracked vehicle is mounted to a rough-terrain diorama base with a screw, washer, and nut through the hull’s bottom, pulling the vehicle down tightly against the rough objects under the tracks like rocks, boulders, and debris. This causes the suspension arms to bend upwards and impart a realistic sprung-suspension look to the vehicle.

The  plastic “tree” that parts are attached to inside a kit. These were formed by channels that fed molten plastic into the mold and the part cavities.

A model constructed using only the kit-supplied parts without aftermarket additions or modifications. Also a model-contest competition category. Also called “out of the box.”

Heating a piece of sprue by slowly turning it over a candle flame, then stretching it to create flexible plastic wire for details.

Compound used in the manufacturing of plastics and synthetic rubber. Generally, plastic kit parts are made of styrene.

Assembled parts (such as an engine) that will be added to a larger assembly (such as an aircraft fuselage).

A model that has been detailed (often with many additional parts) to the highest standards of detail and accuracy.

A range of metallic paints used to simulate a variety of metal finishes.

A part (usually aftermarket) that looked good on another modeler’s work but unfortunately is no longer available for your model.

Kits molded by pulling a heated plastic sheet down over a positive (male) mold with negative air-pressure caused by a vacuum machine. The kit’s individual parts need to be cut from the sheet.

Model display, often smaller than a diorama, in which the setting and subject form a narrative.

Weathering process in which a solution of highly diluted paint is applied to small details, such as recessed or raised panel lines, rivets. etc., to color them or simulate accumulated grime or dirt. A wash should use a paint base that is different from the one on the model; for example, oil-based paints are used for washes on a model painted with acrylics, and vice versa.

Glue, paint, or other material that can be thinned with water.

Simulating the appearance of wear and tear (battle damage, exposure to the elements, age) on a model with paints, washes, pigments, etc.