Description and Support

Model Building & Design Merit Badge and Building Workshop

Models help people see how things work, what they do, and what they will look like. But how do you get something boiled down into miniature and still look real? Model Building will help you see with a whole new set of eyes!

Support provided:

Frequently this Merit Badge becomes a real "stumper" because our youth don't get the model building skills or hand craft skills that used to be taught in schools or at home. Parents and other adults are frequently at a loss as to explaining how to build a kit model let alone the kinds of models discussed here. So to better support this Badge, we can hold a special Special Model Building Workshop where boys can learn all the various techniques that will come in handy for completing this Badge.

Additional Support provided:

Approved Merit Badge Counselor.
Daytime meeting to review pre-reqs and already completed worksheets.
Daytime class work if needed.

This is currently supported at Camp Acahela.

Class size: No restrictions

Advance notice needed: Two weeks is preferred.

Cost to the unit is: $6.00 per participant

Patches for the completed award are available at a cost of $2.29 each and can be purchased at Camp Acahela or at the Scout Service Center's Scout Shop.

THE KEY to the Requirements

Below are the current requirements for this Merit Badge. This color key is designed to help you understand what requirements can be completed at our facilities, what has to be done ahead of time, and what we can't support (or what will require special arrangements). Certain requirements may require additional fees to cover the costs of materials used and will be noted with this symbol set (*) .

Text that is green like this means these are fieldwork requirements we support at our camps and can be completed with our Counselors. In some cases this means that you use our camp to fulfill or host an event.

Text that is blue like this means that you can arrange to meet with our Counselors and and review or complete these requirements with them. This usually means you must complete these in advance using a worksheet and /or sit in a class-like meeting to discuss the material or requirement.

Text that is in red like this is not supported in our program. If you elect to do this requirement, you must complete these requirements with local Counselors or your Scoutmaster.

Text that is in purple like this means this is a Pre-Requisite and needs to be completed ahead of time. (In some cases we also support these Pre-Reqs separately). In some cases this means doing the work at home, recording the results, and bringing the results with you to discuss with your counselor.

Text that is pink like this means that this requirement can be done either by our counselors or by some other local counselor but usually requires additional outside work that won't be completed in a single weekend. This usually means special arrangements need to be made, but this can usually be worked out by speaking with us ahead of time.

Text in brown like this means that this requirement can be satisfied at a location near one of our camps by either visiting the site, or participating in an activity at that nearby site (such as visiting Steamtown for the Railroading Merit Badge). In this way, you can use Acahela or Goose Pond as basecamps and then travel to the nearby site.

Merit Badge Requirements

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.

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.

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.

Do ONE of the following:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Arrange and assemble the parts.

Sketch your completed model.

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.

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

Frequently this Merit Badge becomes a real "stumper" because our youth don't get the model building skills or hand craft skills that used to be taught in schools or at home. Parents and other adults are frequently at a loss as to explaining how to build a kit model let alone the kinds of models discussed here. So to better support this Badge, we can hold a special model building workshop where boys can learn all the various techniques that will come in handy for completing this Badge.

On-Line and Additional Support

Worksheets and Requirements

Details about this Merit Badge can be found at the US Scout Service Project Website at the following URL:

http://usscouts.org/usscouts/mb/mb075.asp

At the end of the description at that location, you will find copies of worksheets that you can easily save and print out. This will make the task of completing the Merit badge much easier and give your boys a guide to the information they need to know.

Having this done ahead of time can make the difference between leaving our camps with a signed "Blue Card" or not.

If you have any questions or need further guidance or help, we're here for you! Contact Ranger Tim Bongard at (570) 335-0283 or e-mail him at tbongard@nepabsa.org .