A Comprehensive Alphabetized Glossary for Scale Model Aircraft Building
Scale model aircraft building is one of the most enduring and technically sophisticated hobbies, transforming simple plastic parts into museum-quality replicas that capture the essence of aviation history. This comprehensive glossary provides detailed explanations of the specialized terminology used throughout the scale model aircraft community, from fundamental hobbyist language to advanced technical terms employed by master modelers.
Whether you’re a newcomer seeking to understand basic concepts or an experienced builder looking to refine your technical vocabulary, this reference ensures accurate communication within the modeling community. Every term has been carefully defined with practical context, historical background, and relevant applications to help you navigate conversations at club meetings, contests, and hobby shops with confidence.
A
Accelerator – A chemical agent that instantly cures cyanoacrylate (superglue) upon contact. Typically sold in spray or dropper form under brand names like Zip Kicker, accelerators allow modelers to set superglue immediately, especially useful when holding difficult-to-position parts. Caution: CA can become hot and develop a white, crusty appearance when accelerated, so use sparingly in visible areas.
Accuracy – The degree to which a model represents the actual aircraft in terms of proportions, details, and historical correctness. In IPMS judging, accuracy is officially a lower priority than basic construction and finish quality, though wildly inaccurate models may catch judges’ attention negatively if competing models are otherwise equal.
Acrylics – Water-based or alcohol-based hobby paints known for low odor, quick drying time, and easy cleanup. Popular brands include Tamiya (alcohol-based) and Vallejo (water-based). While less toxic than enamels or lacquers, acrylics can be challenging to brush-paint due to their fast-drying nature and may require sealing for durability.
Advanced Modeler Syndrome (AMS) – Humorous term describing the condition where modelers never finish projects because they constantly add more detail or wait for perfect references. Symptoms include spending months scratch-building cockpits or acquiring numerous “accuracy upgrades” without completing the basic model.
Aftermarket Parts – Detail parts or upgrades manufactured by third-party companies to enhance or replace kit components. These can include resin cockpit sets, photo-etched metal details, replacement decals, or specialized accessories. The aftermarket industry allows modelers to achieve levels of detail and accuracy beyond what standard kits provide.
Airbrushing – The technique of applying paint using an airbrush, a small spray gun that provides fine control over paint application. Airbrushing enables smooth, even coats, feathered camouflage demarcations, and sophisticated weathering effects impossible to achieve with traditional brushes. Key concepts include PSI (air pressure), double-action vs. single-action operation, and proper paint thinning ratios.
AMPS – Armor Modeling & Preservation Society, a U.S. organization that uses open judging (gold, silver, bronze medals) rather than IPMS’s traditional 1st, 2nd, 3rd place system. While primarily focused on military vehicles, AMPS judging principles influence some aircraft modeling contests.
B
Basic Construction – One of the primary judging criteria in IPMS contests, focusing on fundamental building skills like seam elimination, proper alignment, and clean assembly. Superior basic construction forms the foundation for all other modeling achievements.
Best of Show (BOS) – The highest award at most modeling contests, given to the single best model among all category winners. Also called “Judges’ Grand Award” at some events. This represents the pinnacle of modeling achievement at any given competition.
Box Scale – Refers to older kits manufactured to fit standardized box sizes rather than accurate scales, resulting in odd proportions like 1/54 scale. This practice was common in early U.S. kit production but has been largely abandoned in favor of standard scales.
Brassin – Eduard’s product line combining resin and photo-etched brass components, with the name derived from “brass” + “resin.” These sets typically offer highly detailed cockpit or engine upgrades that combine the best features of both materials.
C
CA Glue – Short for cyanoacrylate, commonly known as superglue. Essential for attaching resin, metal, and dissimilar materials that plastic cement won’t bond. Available in various viscosities (thin, medium, thick gel) for different applications. Bonds skin instantly, so keep debonder handy.
Canopy Glue – Specialized adhesive, typically PVA-based, designed for attaching clear parts without fogging or crazing. Products like Formula 560 or Micro Kristal Klear dry crystal clear and don’t emit vapors that can cloud transparencies.
Capillary Action – The physical principle by which thin liquid adhesives flow along joints when parts are held together. Modelers use this effect to apply plastic cement precisely by touching the brush to assembled seams, allowing the glue to wick into the joint automatically.
Chipping – Weathering technique that simulates worn paint exposing underlying metal or primer. Methods include dry-brushing silver paint for small chips, or advanced techniques like hairspray chipping where a barrier layer allows controlled removal of topcoat paint.
Clear Coat – Protective transparent finish applied over painted surfaces. Available in gloss (for pre-decal surface preparation), satin, or matte finishes. Future Floor Polish (now Pledge Floor Gloss) became legendary among U.S. modelers as an inexpensive, high-quality gloss coat.
Conversion – Modifying a kit to represent a different variant of the aircraft than originally provided. Can range from simple antenna changes to major structural modifications. Aftermarket conversion sets provide the necessary parts to transform one aircraft type into another.
Cottage Industry – Small-scale manufacturers producing specialized aftermarket products, often operating from home workshops. These producers fill gaps left by major manufacturers, offering unique subjects and detail sets for niche markets.
D
Debonder – Solvent designed to dissolve cured cyanoacrylate adhesive, essential for separating accidentally glued fingers or removing unwanted CA bonds from model surfaces. Apply carefully as it can damage painted surfaces.
Decals (Waterslide Transfers) – Printed markings on a clear film carrier that transfer to the model when soaked in water. Americans say “decals” (pronounced “DECK-uls” or “DEE-cals”), while British modelers may use the older term “transfers.” High-quality decals are screen-printed with thin carrier film.
Decal Setting Solutions – Chemical aids that help decals conform to surface details and eliminate silvering. Micro Set prepares the surface and helps positioning, while Micro Sol softens the decal film to conform to panel lines and rivets.
Detail Sets – Aftermarket packages designed for specific model kits, typically including cockpit upgrades, wheel well enhancements, or engine details. Eduard’s “Zoom” sets focus on smaller details like instrument panels and seat belts, while their “BIG ED” packages combine multiple detail sets.
Diorama – Three-dimensional scenic display placing the model aircraft in an appropriate historical or operational setting. Can include figures, vehicles, buildings, and ground effects to create a compelling narrative beyond the aircraft itself.
Dot Filtering – Advanced weathering technique using tiny dots of oil paint blended across surfaces to create subtle color variations and realistic fading effects. The dots are applied then blended with a brush dampened with mineral spirits.
Dry Brushing – Fundamental painting technique using a nearly dry brush to highlight raised details by depositing small amounts of paint on edges and high points. Essential for bringing out cockpit details, worn metal effects, and general surface enhancement.
Dry Fitting – The critical practice of test-assembling parts without adhesive to check fit, alignment, and identify potential problems before permanent assembly. The modeling maxim “dry-fit twice, glue once” emphasizes the importance of this step.
Dullcote – Testors’ flat lacquer clear coat that became so popular the brand name is often used generically for any flat clear finish. Essential for eliminating unrealistic shine on military aircraft models.
E
Eduard – Major Czech aftermarket manufacturer renowned for photo-etched detail sets, pre-painted instrument panels, and masks. Their “Color PE” (pre-painted photo-etch) revolutionized cockpit detailing by eliminating tedious hand-painting of tiny details.
Ejector Pin Marks – Small circular or rectangular indentations on kit parts caused by pins that push molded parts from manufacturing molds. These marks often appear on visible surfaces and may require filling with putty or covering with punched plastic discs.
Enamels – Oil-based hobby paints known for superior coverage, smooth finish, and slower drying time that allows better paint leveling. More toxic than acrylics and requiring mineral spirits for cleanup, but still favored by many modelers for their durability and brushing characteristics.
Epoxy – Two-part adhesive (resin and hardener) that creates extremely strong bonds when mixed. Available in 5-minute and 30-minute cure times, epoxy is ideal for load-bearing joints, securing metal landing gear, or bonding dissimilar materials.
F
Fading – Weathering technique that simulates sun bleaching and environmental exposure by subtly lightening paint colors, particularly on upper surfaces. Achieved through post-shading with lighter tones or oil paint rendering.
Filler – Material used to eliminate gaps, seams, and surface imperfections. Common types include solvent-based putties (Squadron Green, Tamiya Basic) and two-part epoxy putties (Milliput). Proper application and sanding are crucial for invisible seam work.
Filtering – Subtle weathering technique involving very thin, translucent paint layers that modify underlying colors to simulate environmental effects like dust accumulation or sun fading. Often done with heavily thinned earth tones over base camouflage.
FineScale Modeler (FSM) – Popular U.S. modeling magazine published by Kalmbach Media, providing tutorials, reviews, and build articles across all modeling scales and subjects. Often abbreviated as “FSM” in hobby discussions.
Flash – Thin film of excess plastic along part edges caused by imperfect mold alignment. More common in older or limited-run kits, flash must be carefully trimmed with a hobby knife or sanded smooth before assembly.
Future – Johnson’s Future Floor Polish (later renamed Pledge Floor Gloss) became legendary among U.S. modelers as an excellent, inexpensive gloss coat for pre-decal preparation. Though the original formula has been discontinued, the term remains synonymous with quality clear coating.
G
Group Build (GB) – Organized modeling projects where participants build models following a common theme within a specified timeframe. Popular on online forums and within IPMS chapters, group builds provide motivation, community interaction, and shared learning experiences.
H
Hairspray Chipping – Advanced weathering technique where hairspray or specialized chipping fluid acts as a barrier between paint layers, allowing controlled removal of topcoat to reveal underlying colors. Creates realistic large-scale paint wear patterns.
Hand Brushing – Traditional paint application method using brushes rather than airbrushes. While potentially showing brush marks on large surfaces, hand brushing remains essential for detail work and sharp demarcation lines.
Hobby Knife – Sharp, precise cutting tool essential for model building, typically using X-Acto #11 blades. Used for removing parts from sprues, trimming flash, scribing panel lines, and general cutting tasks. Always use fresh blades for best results.
I
Injection Molding – Manufacturing process used to create most plastic model parts by injecting molten plastic into precision metal molds. This process, perfected in the 1950s with polystyrene, allows mass production of highly detailed parts.
IPMS (International Plastic Modelers’ Society) – The world’s largest scale modeling organization with branches in many countries. IPMS/USA organizes the annual National Convention and Contest, setting standards for judging and competition categories throughout the hobby.
J
Judges’ Grand Award – Alternative term for Best of Show, used at some contests instead of the more common BOS designation.
K
Kitbashing – Creative technique combining parts from multiple kits to create aircraft variants or subjects not available as single kits. Popular in science fiction modeling and for building “what-if” aircraft or rare prototypes.
L
Lacquers – Solvent-based paints that dry quickly and cure to extremely durable finishes. Known for excellent atomization when airbrushed and superior gloss for natural metal finishes. Require good ventilation due to strong fumes and potential toxicity.
Landing Gear Bay – Internal structure housing retracted landing gear, often enhanced with aftermarket detail sets including hydraulic lines, structural framework, and electrical components to create realistic operational appearance.
Limited Run – Kits produced in small quantities by specialized manufacturers, often featuring subjects not covered by major companies. These kits typically require more advanced modeling skills due to potential fit issues and simplified engineering.
Local Hobby Shop (LHS) – Community term for nearby hobby retailers, though many have closed due to online competition. The phrase carries nostalgic significance in the hobby community.
M
Masking – Technique of covering areas to protect them from paint or create sharp demarcation lines. Tamiya masking tape is highly regarded for its clean removal and precision. Liquid masking products handle irregular shapes that tape cannot follow.
Matte Finish – Flat, non-reflective surface finish typically used as the final coat on military aircraft models to eliminate unrealistic shine. Also called “flat” finish in common usage.
Micro Set/Micro Sol – Popular Microscale decal setting solutions. Micro Set prepares surfaces and aids positioning, while Micro Sol softens decal film to conform around details. Often generically referenced as “setting solution” and “softener.”
Milliput – Popular British-made two-part epoxy putty that’s water-soluble before curing, allowing smooth application and blending. Available in several grades and colors, it’s ideal for filling large gaps and sculpting details.
Multi-Media Kit – Model kit containing parts made from various materials (plastic, resin, photo-etch, metal) in one package. Common in limited-run production where manufacturers supplement basic plastic parts with specialized materials for enhanced detail.
N
Natural Metal Finish (NMF) – Painting technique and finish type representing bare aluminum aircraft, particularly WWII and early Cold War subjects. Achieving realistic NMF requires specialized paints like Alclad II or foil applications like Bare-Metal Foil.
O
Oil Paint Rendering – Advanced weathering technique using artist’s oil paints for subtle color variation, streaking effects, and realistic surface variation. Often applied as dot filtering or streak effects over base paint colors.
Orange Peel – Paint defect creating a bumpy texture resembling orange skin, typically caused by improper thinning, excessive air pressure, or spraying from too great a distance when airbrushing.
Out-of-the-Box (OOB) – Contest category and building philosophy using only parts and materials provided in the kit, with minimal exceptions. IPMS rules strictly define what constitutes OOB, emphasizing fundamental building and finishing skills over aftermarket enhancement.
P
Panel Line Enhancement – Technique of emphasizing engraved panel lines using thin washes, pencils, or diluted paints to make them more visible and realistic. Must be done subtly to maintain proper scale effect.
People’s Choice – Contest award voted on by show attendees rather than appointed judges, representing popular appeal rather than technical excellence.
Photo-Etch (PE) – Precision metal parts created through chemical etching process, typically made from brass or stainless steel. Used for fine details like cockpit instruments, seat belts, antennas, and structural elements too thin to mold in plastic.
Pin Vise – Hand-held drilling tool using small bits for creating precise holes in plastic parts. Essential for adding antenna mounting points, gun barrels, rigging attachment points, and other fine details.
Pin Wash – Focused washing technique applying thin paint solutions precisely along panel lines and around details using a fine brush, rather than broad application across entire surfaces.
Plastic Cement – Solvent-based adhesive that chemically melts plastic surfaces, fusing parts together. Available in liquid form (applied by capillary action) or thicker tube consistencies. Creates stronger bonds than mechanical adhesives but only works on similar plastics.
Polystyrene – The thermoplastic polymer used in most model kits since the 1950s. Easy to cut, sand, and glue with plastic cement, making it ideal for modeling applications. Often simply called “styrene” by modelers.
Post-Shading – Painting technique applying lighter or darker tones after base colors to create panel variation and depth. Often used to simulate sun bleaching on upper surfaces or shadow effects in panel recesses.
Pre-Shading – Advanced painting technique involving application of dark colors along panel lines and detail areas before main color application, creating subtle shadows and depth as subsequent coats are applied in thin layers.
Primer – Base coat applied before main colors to improve paint adhesion, provide uniform surface, and reveal surface flaws requiring correction. Essential for mixed-material models and achieving professional-quality finishes.
Putty – Generic term for various gap-filling materials used to eliminate seams and surface imperfections. Includes solvent-based putties (Tamiya, Squadron) and two-part epoxy putties (Milliput, Perfect Plastic Putty).
R
Resin – Polyurethane casting material used by aftermarket manufacturers to create detailed parts impossible to injection-mold economically. Requires superglue attachment, careful handling, and dust protection when sanding. Allows extremely fine detail reproduction.
Rigging – Fine wires or cables on aircraft models, particularly biplanes, representing structural bracing or antenna wires. Materials include stretched sprue, monofilament, metal wire, or specialized products like EZ Line.
Rivet Counter – Slightly derogatory term for modelers obsessively focused on minor accuracy details, sometimes at the expense of overall model quality or enjoyment. Can be used affectionately or critically depending on context.
Runner – Technical term for the plastic channels that carry molten plastic from the injection point to individual part cavities during the molding process. While “sprue” is the commonly used term among modelers, “runner” represents the more precise industrial terminology. The runner system includes the main channels, secondary branches, and gates that connect to each part.
S
Scale – The proportional relationship between model and full-size aircraft, expressed as ratios (1/32, 1/48, 1/72, etc.). In 1/48 scale, one inch on the model represents 48 inches on the actual aircraft. Scale determines both model size and appropriate level of detail.
Scale ModelWorld – Major annual European modeling show held in Telford, UK, organized by IPMS/UK. Often simply called “Telford” by international modelers, it’s one of the world’s largest modeling events.
Scratchbuilding – Creating model parts entirely from raw materials (plastic sheet, rod, wire) rather than using kit or aftermarket components. Ranges from simple antenna fabrication to complete aircraft construction from plans.
Shelf of Doom – Humorous term for partially completed models that have been set aside, often indefinitely, due to problems, lost interest, or new project priorities. Completing these projects is cause for celebration in the modeling community.
Silvering – Undesirable whitish appearance under decals caused by trapped air between the decal film and surface. Prevented by applying decals over gloss surfaces and using setting solutions to eliminate air bubbles.
Sprue – The plastic framework holding kit parts, created by the injection molding process. Parts are attached to sprues by small tabs called gates that must be carefully removed during assembly.
Sprue Cutters – Specialized flush-cutting pliers designed for cleanly removing parts from plastic sprues without stress or damage. Also called side cutters or nippers, they’re essential for proper part preparation.
Stash – A modeler’s collection of unbuilt kits, often far exceeding what can realistically be completed. Building one’s stash is both a source of pride and good-natured shame in the hobby community.
Stippling – Paint application technique using dabbing motions with brush or sponge to create textured, mottled effects useful for representing fabric surfaces or irregular wear patterns.
Styrene – Short form of polystyrene, also referring to plastic sheets, rods, and structural shapes sold for scratchbuilding. Available in various thicknesses and profiles for custom detail fabrication.
Superdetailing – The practice of adding extensive additional detail beyond kit provisions, often using aftermarket parts and scratchbuilt components. Represents the highest level of modeling craftsmanship and dedication.
Superglue – Common term for cyanoacrylate adhesive, essential for bonding resin, metal, and dissimilar materials. Also functions as gap-filler and can be sanded when cured. Bonds skin instantly, requiring careful handling.
T
Thinner – Solvent used to reduce paint viscosity for airbrushing or improve brush flow. Type must match paint base (water/alcohol for acrylics, mineral spirits for enamels, lacquer thinner for lacquers).
Tip Dry – Common airbrushing problem where paint dries on the needle tip, causing spitting and uneven spray patterns. More frequent with fast-drying acrylics and can be minimized with proper thinning and air pressure adjustment.
Tree – Colloquial term for the complete sprue assembly, emphasizing its branching, tree-like appearance with parts hanging like leaves from the main framework. Experienced modelers often refer to “cutting parts from the tree” when removing components for assembly. The tree structure is carefully engineered during kit design to ensure optimal plastic flow during injection molding while minimizing stress points and gate marks on finished parts.
V
Vacform (Vacuum-Form) – Manufacturing method where heated plastic sheet is drawn over a mold by vacuum. Produces thin, scale-appearing clear parts (canopies) or entire aircraft kits requiring significant modeling skill to complete.
Varnish – Clear protective coating, sometimes used synonymously with clear coat. In modeling, typically refers to final protective finish rather than traditional furniture varnish.
W
Wash – Fundamental weathering technique using heavily thinned paint to flow into panel lines, around details, and recessed areas to emphasize depth and simulate accumulated dirt and grime.
Watchmaker’s Cement – Specialized clear-drying adhesive designed for jewelry applications but ideal for attaching clear aircraft parts without fogging. Micro Kristal Klear is a popular modeling version.
Weathering – Collective term for techniques simulating the effects of use, environment, and time on aircraft surfaces. Includes washing, dry brushing, chipping, fading, staining, and various specialized effects.
White Glue – Polyvinyl acetate (PVA) adhesive that dries clear and doesn’t fog clear parts, making it ideal for canopy attachment. Modern versions are synthetic rather than the original animal-based formulations.
White Metal – Soft metal alloy (typically tin/lead) used for cast detail parts, particularly landing gear struts and propellers in older aftermarket products. Largely superseded by resin but still occasionally encountered.
WIP (Work in Progress) – Common forum abbreviation for ongoing modeling projects shared to document progress and seek advice from fellow modelers.
Conclusion
This comprehensive glossary represents the specialized vocabulary that has evolved within the American scale model aircraft community over more than half a century of hobby development. From the basic terminology needed to understand kit instructions to the advanced concepts employed by master modelers, these terms form the foundation for effective communication within this passionate community.
Understanding this vocabulary enables more meaningful participation in club meetings, online forums, and modeling competitions. It also demonstrates respect for the craft and the dedication of those who have elevated model building from simple assembly to sophisticated artistry.
Whether you’re documenting the hobby as a journalist, joining the community as a newcomer, or advancing your skills as an experienced builder, this reference provides the linguistic foundation necessary to engage confidently with one of America’s most rewarding and technically sophisticated hobbies.
The terminology continues to evolve as new techniques, materials, and technologies emerge, but these fundamental terms represent the core vocabulary essential for anyone seeking to understand and participate in the fascinating world of scale model aircraft building.