Model Design and Building

Model Design and Building merit badge requirements

1. Study and understand the requirements for personal safety when using such modelmaker hand tools such as: knives, handsaws, vices, files, hammers, screwdrivers, hand drills and drill bits, pliers, and portable power tools, and when to use protective equipment such as goggles when grinding or drilling. Know what precautions to take when using flammable or hazardous products such as: glue, epoxy, paint, thinners. Discuss these with your counselor before you begin your model-making project and tell why they are important.
2. Explain the uses for each of the following types of models: architectural, structural, process, mechanical, and industrial. Do research into the different types of materials that could be used in making these models.
3. With your counselor's advice, select a subject from requirement 4 for your model project (no kits). Prepare the necessary plans to the proper scale, a list of materials to be used, and a list of the required tools. This model should be your own original work. Tell why you selected this subject.
4. Do ONE of the following:

   a. Make an architectural model. Build a model of a house to a scale of 1/4"=1'0" (50:1 metric). Discuss with your counselor the materials you intend to use, the amount of detail required, outside treatment (finish, shrubbery, walks, etc.) and color selections. After completing the model, present it to your counselor for approval.

   b. Build a structural model. Construct a model showing corner construction of a wood frame building to a scale of 1 1/2"=1'0" (8:1 Metric). All structures shown must be to scale. Cardboard or flat sheet wood stock may be used for sheeting or flooring on the model. Review with your counselor the problems you encountered in gathering the materials and supporting the structure. Be able to name the parts of the floor and wall frames, such as intermediate girder, joist, bridging, subfloor, sill, sole plate, stud and rafter.

   c. Make a process model. Build a model showing the plumbing system in your house. Show hot and cold water supply, all waste returns, and venting to a scale of 3/4"=1'0" (15:1 Metric). Talk to your counselor about how to begin this model, and present the scale and the materials you will use. After completion, present the model to your counselor and be prepared to discuss any problems you had building this model.

   d. Complete a mechanical model. Build a model of a mechanical device that uses at least two of the six simple machines. After completing the the model, present it to your counselor. Be prepared to discuss materials used, the machine's function, and any particular difficulty you may have encountered.

   e. Make an industrial model. Build a model of an actual passenger-carrying vehicle to a scale of 1"=1'0" or ½" = 1'0" (10:1 or 25:1 Metric). Take the dimensions of the vehicle, and record the important dimensions. Draw the top, front, rear, and sides of the vehicle to scale. From your plans, build a model of the vehicle to scale. From your plans, build a model of the vehicle and finish in a craftsmanlike manner. Discuss with your counselor the most difficult part of completing the model.

5. Build a special-effects model of a fantasy spacecraft that might appear in a Hollywood science-fiction movie. Determine an appropriate scale for your design - one that makes practical sense. Include a cockpit or control area, living space, storage unit, engineering spaces, and propulsion systems. As you plan and build your model, do the following

   a. Study aircraft, submarines, and naval ships for design ideas.

   b. Arrange and assemble the parts.

   c. Sketch your completed model.

   d. Write a short essay in which you discuss your design, scale, and materials choices. Describe how you engineered your model and discuss any difficulties you encountered and what you learned.

6. List at least six occupations in which modelmaking is used and discuss with your counselor some career opportunities in this field.

The official source for the information shown in this article or section is: Boy Scout Requirements, 2015 Edition (BSA Supply SKU #620714)

A FREE workbook for Model Design and Building is available here! with the maps, charts, links, diagrams, and checklists you need! Or click here to print just the Model Design and Building requirements.

meritbadge.org has PDF and DOC versions of Boy Scout merit badge workbooks, Webelos workbooks, and Cub Scout workbooks.

• Per the BSA: "You should read the merit badge pamphlet on the subject." Pamphlets (books) are at local Scout Shops and online at ScoutStuff.org.
• "Get a signed Merit Badge application from your Scoutmaster." An online, printable Word doc file version is available.

• Boy Scout Merit Badges: Architecture - Art - Basketry - Bugling - Cinematography - Cooking - Graphic Arts - Indian Lore - Leatherwork - Metalwork - Model Design and Building - Music - Photography - Pottery - Sculpture - Theater- Wood Carving - Woodwork
• Venturing: Arts and Hobbies Bronze Award - Outdoor Living History (Ranger Award elective)
• Webelos Activity Badges: Artist - Craftsman - Showman
• Cub Scout Belt Loops & Pins: Art - Music

• An Introduction to Merit Badges – how to get started, who chooses the counselor, etc.
• Merit Badge Worksheets & Requirements – with the revision dates, diagrams, charts, checklists, logs, and links you need.
• Merit Badge Application – offers online resources to let you print "Blue Cards," etc.
• Merit Badge FAQ – answers dozens of questions like: Who can be a counselor? Can requirements be added or removed?
• Merit Badges Requiring Prior Approval – Certain requirements need prior approval. Most do not. Here is the list.
• Also see: List of how many boys have earned each Merit Badge – Merit Badge policies – Merit badges required for the Eagle Scout rank – Merit Badge Days
• Additionally: List of Merit Badges by Field of Study – Merit Badge Pamphlets & Libraries
• Merit Badge Counselors must complete Youth Protection Training, file an Adult Application (and Merit Badge Counselor Information Form); and be approved by the local council. (See the Guide for Merit Badge Counselors for additional details.)