Action Miniatures

Because the purpose of a miniature is to convince viewers that they are looking at a real-life scene, movements on an action miniature must be correctly scaled. This implies that distances and times must be co-related and that every motion is recorded at the right speed.

Water

Model ship sequences in movies are among the finest special effects created for the medium, but they are invariably filmed on huge outdoor tanks. (The one at Pinewood Studios is 230ft (70.1m) wide backed by a 60ft (18.3m) high false sky.) Nevertheless quite creditable results can be obtained on smaller tanks constructed from tarpaulins.

Storm sequences require the use of wind machines, wave paddles and foam mixtures, but the drops of water that are thrown up have a natural, unalterable size, which can mar the illusion. Water-softening chemicals (not detergent, which produces troublesome surface bubbles) may be used to lessen the viscosity and prevent drops clinging to the sides of models.

Fire

Flames do not scale down satisfactorily and should never be used on very small models. Slow motion in these circumstances is essential but even with this assistance flames which are too small take on an oily, unnatural quality.

Trains

Model trains rock from side to side on their tiny tracks, but slowed down by high-speed recording, this movement can look remarkably realistic.

Explosions and demolition

Providing they are built as big as possible and are supplied with plenty of scale debris and dust at the source of the explosion, model buildings which have to be blown up generally perform well. It is usual to make them in sections which are merely laid or stood in position.

Tall buildings and skyscrapers need special attention at ground level, where in real life the concrete rubble would fall. One trick is to place cement dust at the foot of the model and blow it outwards with compressed air. This adds drama and obscures the lower half of the building.