Interactive model with speed and direction controls
This unusual industrial model was a real challenge on two fronts – firstly because of the very complex shaped components involved but also because of the requirement for a very specific interactive element. The thruster comprises a large propeller that forces water downwards through a deflector that can be rotated through 360 degrees to direct the water thrust in any direction. This is the USP of the client’s product and, as such, he wanted the model to incorporate a rotating propeller (with speed control) and a movable deflector (clockwise and anti-clockwise) at 6rpm. We also had to work out how to mount the model in a cut-away view of a ship’s bows and create a cut-away view of the thruster to show the main working components. The model was recently shipped in a large flight case to a trade event in Germany – one of the inset images shows it on their stand.
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.
Industrial model with cut-away internal view
The client for this project was actually the supplier of the oil that goes inside the transformer who wanted to show a typical application of their product in use. That’s why the model shows a cut-away view with a representation of the transformer being full of oil inside. The contained oil is represented by 0.5mm clear acrylic with a pale, slightly rippled amber lacquered finish. It was important that the volume of oil was visible to the eye but clear enough to allow slightly distorted views of the transformer’s internal components. The model was supplied with a purpose-built, aluminium framed flight case because its first use was to be shipped overseas to a trade exhibition.
Realistically detailed model of Europe’s new space observatory
Having already made several models of Britain’s UKube satellite we were pleased to get this new commission for a model of the European space Agency’s latest spacecraft being launched in October this year. As you can see from the images, large areas of this spacecraft are composed of different coloured, highly reflective fabrics and we needed to replicate the uneven, shiny character of these materials on the model. We also had to create a representation of the optical bench (complete with concave mirrors) inside the main body of the spacecraft. It is hard to see in these photos but it is just visible through the “window” openings. Since completing the model, we’ve actually been commissioned to produce three further copies for the UK Space agency.
Two unusual projects to brighten up February
As well as our run of the mill (if you can call them that) projects, we often get asked to make unusual objects such as the oval “magic” mirrors and the twin Tipi model shown above. The mirrors were commissioned by an artist for an installation in Italy and had to feature the famous “Mirror, mirror on the wall…” wording in raised gold script. The Tipi model was produced for an events company who wanted to illustrate the exciting and inspirational space created by the twin tent set up.
