Models of industry and artistry

Winners are displayed at the ongoing exhibition, including the Japanese Gundam Series and Saint Seiya animation.

The most popular marine models are World War II military vessels from around the world and the most popular aircraft are modern, such as the MiG and F series of fighters.

Long-time model-makers prefer military models because the earliest kits and blueprints were of military vessels, aircraft and tanks, says Zhu Xiaozhen, a judge of the contest, himself famous for award-winning models.

Emphasis is placed on realism, historical accuracy and scale congruity of the miniatures. In many cases, blueprints do not depict inner structures and machinery, so dedicated model makers need to do research so the entire model is authentic.

"The process of making things clear and exploration is the real fun of making models," Shi says.

Real addicts equip themselves with extensive historical knowledge before starting on a military model. Kits - say for a US Navy Fletcher-class World War II destroyer - must be adapted to depict particular vessels engaged in particular conflicts.

A tank on display has been meticulously painted with rust colors to give it a vintage feel. A model soldier, with authentic uniform type and color, artillery, camouflage and other details are added for authenticity.

"Color gives a model life and soul," Zhu says. Even the most seemingly trivial detail can ruin a work in the eyes of real professionals.

Detail matters

In this year's contest, an otherwise outstanding World War II tank model in a battlefield was criticized by judges because the model-maker used the same green color as that used in German military vehicles.

"It's a fatal mistake, but it cannot be easily discerned," says Shi.

Aficionados pay special attention to the style, color, even the buttons of soldiers' uniforms and the color of the soil and species of vegetation growing in historic battle areas. These items are not included in kits.

In another work, a German tank (Panzerkampfwagen Tiger Ausf. B Tiger B, King Tiger) known by the British as the Royal Tiger is depicted amid the rubble in Berlin in 1944. It looks like a scene from photos, down to the dust and broken stones.

"Brick is gray, but there are different grays, and it is detail that decides the success of a work," Shi says. "There is no specific measure, but use your eyes and you can feel the quality of a work."

Hu Wei, 58, started making military models when he was a boy. At that time models were made of wood and simple carving techniques were required.

Works from model-makers in their 60s are displayed. One man bought blueprints from a shipping factory and did meticulous carpentry to complete the work.

Nowadays, plastics, metals and resins are commonly used and kits are quite comprehensive.

Young people tend to like science fiction and animation models, which are simpler to make than military vessels and aircraft.

Many people like the idea of making models but lack the patience, dexterity and technical knowledge of particular models to create good work.

A motorcycle model on display came from a kit that did not include the motorcycle chain and the maker had to assemble his own from tiny pieces of metal that cost several hundred yuan. It took six hours to assemble the chain alone.

However, many people give up.

Only around 100 people in the city can be considered professionals who invest considerable time and money in model-making. It's still a small-group pursuit.

Models on display can sell for as much as 10,000 yuan (US$1,612), depending on materials and craftsmanship. Some models built by Sun sell for around 10,000 yuan, while his actual cost is around 1,000 yuan. Of course, some sell for far more.

"For people who have not achieved a certain level of craftsmanship, the price of a finished model depends on the cost of materials, while experienced craftsmen can charge more," Shi says.

Models are also traded online. There is no real market.

Interest in model-making has recently expanded thanks to the Internet. As in other fields, stand-alone stores selling model kits have closed in favor of Internet shops.

But real addicts prefer real stores.

"We want to actually touch and examine model kits and talk with real people," Shi says.