Model Car Building Honor

Arts & Crafts

Requirements

  1. Build at least one plastic model from a kit. The car should follow the original pattern as closely as possible.

    Answer: Wash the parts with soap and water to remove mold release grease. Study the manual and separate the parts by stage. Cut with flush cutters close to the sprue, sand off the flash, glue with plastic cement (Revell Contacta). Paint hidden parts before assembling. Apply decals over varnish and finish with a protective coat. — Polystyrene cement (Tamiya, Revell) chemically melts the parts, welding them together — unlike ordinary glue. Sanding with 600-1000 grit gives a professional finish. Decals need a glossy surface (acrylic varnish) and use a softener (Microset/Microsol) for adhesion. Airbrush painting is ideal, but a brush works for beginners.

  2. Choose one:
    • Build a second model using optional accessories included in the kit, or create modifications using glazing putty and/or parts from other kits. (Decals do not count.) Paint the model.
    • Build a racing model according to the rules of the Model Car Championship and take part in a race.

    Answer: Custom: use epoxy putty (Milliput, Tamiya Putty) to fill seams, sculpt spoilers, or widen fenders. Sand progressively (400, 800, 1200) and paint. Racing: build a model following the championship rules (1/24 or 1/32 scale, minimum weight, allowed motor), participate in an official race at an IPMS club or a regional Adventist event. — Milliput is a 2-part epoxy putty (resin+catalyst) that cures in 4h at 20°C — it can be sanded like plastic. For racing, 1/32 scale is the classic Scouting Pinewood Derby. There are regional Adventist championships with rules on weight (~140g) and axle type. Decals do not count as customization because they do not change the shape of the model.

  3. Write or present orally the history of the automobile. Be sure to include interesting steps in the development process, such as, for example, engine sizes, automatic transmission, steering wheels, computerized controls, etc.

    Answer: Karl Benz patented the first gasoline automobile in 1886 (Patent-Motorwagen). The Ford T (1908) popularized it with the assembly line. The automatic transmission appeared at GM in 1939. The onboard computer appeared in the 1980s. Today cars have 100+ ECUs controlling injection, ABS, airbags, and autonomous driving in modern electric models. — The 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen had a single-cylinder 0.75 HP engine. The Ford T sold 15 million units by 1927 with the price falling from US$ 850 (1908) to US$ 260 (1925). The first Hydra-Matic automatic transmission was an option on the 1940 Oldsmobile. The Tesla Model S (2012) launched commercial semi-autonomous driving.