When Does A Model Become The "Real Thing?"
- Thread starter Steven
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No, it boils down to what the person asking the question means when he or she uses the term “model.” It’s an imprecise question with multiple contextually correct answers.
We use the word model to represent an ultimate (“I am the very model of a modern Major-General")
Or a template, a starting point (a model city, model regulations like NFPA codes before adoption, etc.).
We use it as a verb to mean making a replica, usually smaller scale than original (I’m modeling the Saturn V). Or as a noun for things we have an interest in (model care, model trains, model rockets, etc.) These are not always replicas of existing objects; there’s fantasy scale, etc.
Or to create something a prototype in small scale, such as model makers do before full scale buildings or automobiles are built.
Or to differentiate between different from a manufacturer (What model of car is that?)
Or someone to wear your fashion designs to make them look their best.
And then there are legal definitions like I cited.
So, with all of these choices, there’s no single right answer, but the common theme would be that it’s a model right up until it must include all the messy complexities and commitment that reality demands. [emoji851]
We use the word model to represent an ultimate (“I am the very model of a modern Major-General")
Or a template, a starting point (a model city, model regulations like NFPA codes before adoption, etc.).
We use it as a verb to mean making a replica, usually smaller scale than original (I’m modeling the Saturn V). Or as a noun for things we have an interest in (model care, model trains, model rockets, etc.) These are not always replicas of existing objects; there’s fantasy scale, etc.
Or to create something a prototype in small scale, such as model makers do before full scale buildings or automobiles are built.
Or to differentiate between different from a manufacturer (What model of car is that?)
Or someone to wear your fashion designs to make them look their best.
And then there are legal definitions like I cited.
So, with all of these choices, there’s no single right answer, but the common theme would be that it’s a model right up until it must include all the messy complexities and commitment that reality demands. [emoji851]
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Steve,
Is the "Japanese Pencil" rocket "real" or a "model" ?
Dimensions : 23 cm in length by 1.8 cm in diameter, weighing 200 grams.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pencil_Rocket
https://global.jaxa.jp/article/interview/sp1/index_e.html
Dave F.
Is the "Japanese Pencil" rocket "real" or a "model" ?
Dimensions : 23 cm in length by 1.8 cm in diameter, weighing 200 grams.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pencil_Rocket
https://global.jaxa.jp/article/interview/sp1/index_e.html
Dave F.
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In my opinion it wasn’t a model rocket, it was an experimental rocket. But a model of it is in the Smithsonian.
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Nytrunner
Pop lugs, not drugs
Aight, who's up for 10:1 upscaled model 
As Steve mentioned, one of the meanings of "model" is a small scale item used for development of a "full scale" item later. In that sense, the pencil rocket could be called a model.
By the definition I used above, since it was made with a research mission, it's "real".
So take your pick.
By the definition I used above, since it was made with a research mission, it's "real".
So take your pick.
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Alright, and what about the rockets Goddard was was flinging into the sky? None of them were 'models' but designed and built into successively larger rockets.
I agree; I would also call those experimental rockets. They were used to prove concepts and incrementally test theoretical knowledge and develop technology.
Yukon@K-9 Rocket Tech
Student, Drone and Rockets, Aspiring Engineer
Um I think a model is a real thing when it has a real world application. I mean a high powered rocket is just a high powered rocket till it carries payload and conducts a experiment.
Interesting question. There was a thread here on TRF about sounding rockets the Navy was launching. https://www.rocketryforum.com/threads/sounding-rockets.149873/ So those are clearly sounding rockets, not model rockets, but they were just launched on an Aerotech G-something.
Many of the Remaining Phantom F4's were re-worked as drones for targets and training. Though they outlived their initial intended use, they served an equally important 2nd stage in life as it was cheaper to turn them into drones, than it was to build drones from scratch to destroy. Basically, not an on board pilot, but on the ground remote pilot.
In the grasps of things, the F4's had become models. Just as the few that still lay around on display. The Real Deal has become a Static Model, or Historical Physical piece of time and place.
IMPO, static model building is for people who solely enjoy building and displaying their work. Perhaps they spend so much time in detail to make it look real, it can be used as movie props. They have used model trains since late 1930's for this. While others build models (and some with exceptional time and detail) for the enjoyment of building, but also using them as way to continue to enjoy them. Displaying them not as static something to look at, but a working device to look and enjoy upon on. And when it does it's thing correctly, the owner gets the reward of feeling successful at his attempt to succeed.
To answer Steven's question, I don't think a model can become real. There is models, and there is the real deals. NONE of us, I doubt, would ever be rich enough to "Make the Real Deal" on our own (Pertaining to air space flight, where I think discussion belongs). Although, I'm sure there are many here that has worked in the Real Deal job market.
As a last minute thought, Vern Estes probably deserves the right to say he has created the "Real Deal Model Rocket". Thank You Ever So Kindly Vern!
Just my opinion.
Special thanks to the Chinese, for the "gift" of Gunpowder . . .
Dave F.
Dave F.
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