The dictionary defines plastic like this " What is capable and able to form. Sucseptible to be molded with fingers or instruments ". Plastic Modeling is basically that definition taken to the ultimate level. It uses the material in its basic form ( obviously molded to a certain shape first ) which is then transformed into a convincing miniature ( depending on the modeler skills ) of the proposed object. 

 

             The origins of plastic modeling itself date back to World War II with the development of the injection molding process. Heated plastic is injected into pre-fabricated metal molds conforming to a designed shape. After being cooled, the parts are ejected from the mold and are ready to use.

 

            The first plastic models were replicas of military vehicles and tanks used by armed forces in WWII to create a map of troop and equipment movements on the battlefield ( you can see such scenes in WWII footage or in Hollywood movies about the conflict. Large tables with rows of models over a map of the area of interest).After the war´s end, this tecnology, like many others, made its way to the civilian market, where it was put to use into almost every aspect of modern life. You could do basically anything with injection molding, from household intems, to toys and, obviously, model kits. Since the first days, the plastic modeling industry has grown and developed into a global business. Wiht computer designed molds and tools, the level of detail and perfection in today´s kits would leave the pioneers impressed.