The Little World

We need a decision on a number of words.

The little world frequently expands its vision past the small individual model. From a simple toy soldier comes a figurine on a plinth. Then several figures arranged in a group. Then a piece of armour or machinery…and so on.

Eventually it is a complete depiction of the Battle Of Waterloo housed in a castle. I know, i’ve seen one in Great Britain. It looked a lot like the Waterloo I remember, too.

Along the way different words are picked up: vignette, tableau, diorama, layout, etc. The problem is to sort out what each one really means, and whether this is universal for all modellers. Judges of scale model contests will need careful guidelines, or adequate shielding from the contestant’s wrath.

Think this is just footling? Try a debate over the terms ” aircraft ” and ” airplane ” some time and then crank in the pedantic ” aeroplane “. See if you can get your rubber boots out of the mud before they disappear…