Modelling. Part-One.

Closest to the Subject.

For many people today the world of modelling allows one to get close to the subject of their interest, wither it be aircraft, space, submarines or missiles. Most of us will see real trains everyday, with shipping and vehicles at easy access to photograph or film.

But the model allows us that chance to have a closer look at the detailing that has gone into the engineering of a machine. Scale, what is the best?

I think it is easier for younger folk to work with the smaller scales, because they are fiddly. Larger scales such as 1:48/35/32 and 25 are perhaps the best for adults and us who are getting a bit older. Detailing of these kits are much easier, especially if ones hands shake.

There is such a variety of model making kits now available from plastic, to metal and of course some can create from just matchsticks.

Asimo

The rise of the Robots.

We have had robotic automation now for some time in aircraft, train, metro piloting systems, examples being auto-pilot and the London Docklands light rail system (DLR). This could be described as the first generation, along with military drones etc. 

Now that the Honda Asimo and other similar humanoid robots have been created, we are perhaps moving into the second generation.  

Has sci-fi becoming a reality? 

These robots will help greatly in the care of older folks and the disabled in the ability to lift them. Currently the U.S. army has announced its first successful mechanical horse. This horse will move much faster than any natural animal, but also do the job of the mule or donkey in mountainous regions like Afghanistan/Pakistan. But what will the third generation of robots bring to humanity? Will there ever be a day when the machines take over, such as in the Terminator scenario of films?