Building a Wood Model Car

Wood model cars have a nostalgic appeal that plastic model cars and die cast model cars seem to lack. Wood models make an interesting hobby because they require you to use your imagination, art skills and engineering skills to turn pieces of wood into a replica of your favorite car. To build a wood model car you need to decide on the scale to work with, the type of car you want to build a model of and the colors and decals you need for your car's design.

Car Model - Ford, Chevy of Rolls Royce

Before you can build a wood model car you need to select a car make and model to replicate. Usually car modelers select a make and model that have some sentimental value to them. For example, they choose the make and model of their first car or the make and model of the car they most admire. To find inspiration for your wood model car browse through car magazines, car books or walk around a car lot. You can also browse through wood model car kits to see what models are available.

Wood Model Car Scale - Size Matters

After you select a car model to build, you will need to determine what scale you want your car to have. The scale of a model car will be based on a ratio between the size of your model and the actual size of the car you are trying to replicate. The first number in this ratio will be 1 and it relates to the model's size. The second number will be the number of times larger the actual car is compared to the wood model car you are building. The larger the second number is the smaller your model will be. For example, a model ratio 1:18 will be larger than a model car with a ratio of 1:20.

Paint Colors and Decals - Creating the Perfect Aesthetic

To create the most realistic looking wood model car possible you need to select your paint colors and decals carefully. To start with you will want to select your base paint color. For the most authentic affect you will want to use car manufacturer specific colors for your model. To finish your wood model cars you can hand paint details, however, it is easier to simply buy decal kits to replicate fine details, especially if you are working with a small scale wood car.