Scale modeling Boy Scout merit badge

General Discussion FSM Ready Room
1

I’m planning on suggesting a new merit badge, which is ,as far as I know, the only one of its kind* if it does become a commissioned badge, to the Boy Scout council leaders. I will be suggesting a Scale Modeling merit badge, as the title clearly states. I have a few key ideas and requirements down, but not enough. I would like some input from the community here on what you think of this idea and any requirements you suggest I include.

The requirements as I have them now are:

  1. Name some different materials that the model parts are made of (I.e.: sheet styrene, photo-etch metal, etc.)

-name different paint types (I.e.: enamel, acrylic, etc)

  1. Name different paint applicators (i.e.: airbrush, brush, spray canister, etc.)

-pros/cons of each

-for airbrush, list the materials necessary for operation

-find instructions online for airbrush, read them, then explain in your own words how to use an airbrush properly

-explain proper safety measures for painting/airbrushing

-show you recognize the difference between airbrush paints and regular, non-airbrush paints.

  1. Demonstrate proper knife and handtool handling

-demonstrate what to do should you cut yourself

  1. Understand how hobby/model cement works

-understand the dangers of hobby/model cement and how to circumvent these dangers

  1. Understand the hobby scaling system and difficulty scale

  2. Visit a local hobby dealer/ hobby website (manufacturer or wholesale/retail) and research about model building and starting out in the hobby.

-write a short summary of what you learned

-if you visited a dealer or a wholesale/retail website:

-do above requirement plus:

-write a short list of 5 different manufacturers

  1. Visit a hobby website (retail/wholesale) and create a short shopping cart of 1 model kit and supplies you think you may need to build this kit. (Do NOT buy these items unless you want to. Buying these items for the merit badge is NOT required.)

-print this cart and write a short description of why you chose the products you chose.

-show the cart and descriptions to your counselor

  1. Build a model kit. (You may get your choice of kit to make. If you choose your own kit, the kit MUST require you to paint some parts or sub-assemblies and CAN NOT be an “easy-build” kit. Otherwise a kit will be supplied to you.)

-document the progression of your build with pictures and, if you want to, short summaries of work days.

-compile a list of all materials used to build your kit. This includes paints, glues, etc.

-at the end of the build, write a summary of how you feel the build went, your opinions on the kit, what you could have done better, what you learned, and what you would do next time.

-present the finished kit to your counselor with your summary and materials list.

*There’s already a railroading merit badge with a subcategory of Model Railroading. The badge I’m suggesting would be a completely new, separate, individual merit badge.

2

I don’t know too much about the scouts but it sounds like a fantastic idea to me. My stepson was an Eagle Scout. He turned out to be one great guy and a great father.

Jim [cptn]

3

Glad you approve :slight_smile: . Any suggestions for the requirements?

4

This is a great idea. I’m not familiar with the American system - what ages is this geared for?

5

Great idea! Good for the kids and good for the scale model hobby. I hope it gets approved.

6

Gunner Chris: this is for Boy Scouts. Ages range from 11 or 12 to 18.

7

What’s wrong with the old (1964) one?

8

The old one isn’t specifically scale model building. Which the one I’m planning is going to be about. The old one encompasses electrical, mechanical, and structural models. But not scale model building. Trust me… I’ve read over the merit badge information and I’m also a Biy Scout.

9

I thought I remembered there being one… but that was about 15 years ago. Thanks for clearing that up, Tom.

10

I think there is belt loop out there also to for the Cub Scouts. My son has so many belt loops he cant fit any more on his belt.

Thad

11

There may be one for the Cub Scouts. Although the Cub Scouts and Bou Scouts are both apart of the same organization, the Boy Scouts of America, they are basically two separate entities. But they both coexist as a whole. Since I haven’t been a Cub Scout for about… 6-7 years now… I don’t remember if there is a belt loop for SCALE model building or not. But there might be. I know there isn’t a badge specifically for scale model building for the Boy Scouts. Which is what I plan on creating. Any suggestions that you think I should add or remove?

12

How about usage of proper safety equipment. IE respirators gloves John

13

It depends on what they want for requirements. I know many of the badges for Canadian scouts have options to complete say 2 out of the following 5 or complete a or b. There seems like a lot here, but depending on what the powers that be want, maybe they can use the above to construct the badge requirements from.

14

I think you need a computer badge: using the “auto-correct” and “edit”.

The original Model Design and Building merit badge was created 1963. Requirements revision: 2004. I just don’t see a NEW modeling merit badge. Upgraded maybe.

15

Sorry about the spelling errors. My autocorrect didn’t pick it up and I didn’t notice it. I meant “old” as in the one that’s current. Not the “old version” or “new version.” But the model building merit badge in place now is only structural modeling, architectural modeling, and mechanical modeling. Not scale model building like what we do here, i.e: model cars, boats, trains, aircraft, trucks, etc., etc… There is a railroading merit badge, but only a small subsection is about model railroading. There is no such section in the current model building merit badge as it stands now.

16

HI :

I believe you’ve hit on a good idea . I am an old " EAGLE " myself and I think anything that improves a mans skills , that are learned as a scout are always worthwhile .Model building has changed so much , it’s worth a try .That’s why I was saddened at the demise of the " FISHER BODY CRAFTSMENS GUILD ". I got two years of college paid for because of them .The program REQUIRED the involvement of a parent and a teacher too . I was a scout at the time and I tell you , when I was announced as the third prize winner (A scholarship to a school of my choice , a two year scholarship ) I was elated .We weren’t what you’d call even upper middle class , but the men in my family worked hard and provided well for all of us .That was a day of pride .A merit badge can do the same . I know .

17

Remember getting the Railroad one.

One more requirement- stand around a hobby shop for 2 hours talking about absolutely nothing of consequence, then walk out without buying anything.

18

Thats basically what one of the requirements is already… and this is different from the railroading merit badge.