The short wave lengths required in a seismic model to give wave‐front patterns geometrically similar to those in a large prototype (the earth) can only be obtained by using high frequency sound waves. As sources and detectors of such high frequency waves, piezoelectric crystals are used, primarily because under identical stimuli they are capable of almost perfect duplication. Such duplication is made use of in displaying on an oscilloscope stationary patterns which are characteristic of transient particle motion at a point in the model. Also, it has made possible the direct visual observation of transient wave fronts in transparent models, techniques for which are described, and sample photographs given. As an example of quantitative use of the described model techniques, the results are presented showing symmetric and anti‐symmetric wave propagation in a free elastic plate. Good agreement is found between many features of the experimental record and theoretical predictions.