Three models of 5000 year old tombs.

We’ve just completed these three very different types of architectural models – they’re different because the architecture they represent is over 5000 years old. The Maghera Heritage Centre in Northern Ireland commissioned us to create these unusual models of three local megalithic tomb structures. It was a technically challenging project because it was important that the stones were accurately shaped and positioned and had a realistic looking finish. We also had to make sure that the landscaped setting looked convincing and didn’t detract from the realistic appearance of the stones. The client was very pleased with the finished models and it was very enjoyable for us to apply our architectural model making skills to some very different types of man-made structures.

Life-size Model of 3U Cube Satellite.

We recently completed this 1:1 scale mock-up of a 3U Cube Satellite for the Glasgow Life museum. The photos don’t show the model in its fully finished state because most of the black solar cells still have a thin protective film on them. We left the film on to protect the panels while the model was assembled on site. The model was too fragile to be shipped in its “deployed” position so the main body and four solar panels had to be kept as separate components. The protective film could then be removed once the model was securely mounted. We’re hoping to get a “finished” pic from the museum once the display is finalised. We have produced numerous satellite models over the years including several variations of this design (see Industrial Models page).

Life size model of UK satellite

We’ve made several models of satellites over the last few years including the Gaia Spacecraft and UKube Satellite (Recent Projects June 2013 and March 2013 respectively) and, as often happens, this model was commissioned due to a referral from one of the previous clients. These models are mostly used for educational or promotional purposes in the UK but this particular example had to be shipped directly to Mexico for a major presentation. With this in mind we made the model with a detachable stand, push-fit aerials, and fold up solar panels so that the whole thing could flat-pack for shipping.

 Repeat Orders mean a busy start to 2014

As well as working on a very big commission that’s going to take us several months we’ve also just completed these two projects which are actually repeat orders of models we made over a year ago. It’s quite common for clients to come back to us for a second version or even multiple versions of models we’ve previously made for them. Usually this is because the first model proves so useful it becomes well worth having additional units made – often this can be at a reduced cost. The yellow model is a lightweight, life-size display model of a Subsea Control Module, a piece of equipment for the off-shore oil industry (the real thing was extremely heavy and difficult to transport). The other model is a two part display comprising the internal components of toner cartridges and was designed to demonstrate the simplicity of the client’s product compared with a conventional cartridge.

Wrap-around Waste Bin prototype model – Scale 1:1

The purpose of this model was to demonstrate how this new design wrap-around waste bin (for cigarette butts) could be retro fitted to any street furniture or signs. The client needed a working mock-up he could take to meetings to demonstrate how the unit would look and how it could be easily locked together around different sized poles/posts. The design required the model to be made in four sections that fitted perfectly together. (Read the client’s positive comments on the “Testimonials” link, above left).