Two models for R&D wind tunnel testing – scale 1:150

Over the years we’ve created many models specifically for use in wind tunnel tests to measure various performance criteria of proposed new designs. These two models, both at 1:150 scale, have a 1.8m diameter and are designed to fit on a circular rotating bed within the wind tunnel chamber. They were recently delivered to the R&D department at a local university where various tests will be conducted. The project with the clear acrylic building in the middle will be used to measure natural ventilation performance and will have pressure taps fixed at key points within the building envelope. The darker model is for a different development and will be used to measure pedestrian discomfort levels at varying wind conditions. This is done by filming the disruption patterns of fine white powders around the buildings under different wind speeds and directions. The model is dark so that the powder shows up against the background. The enlarged image shows the upper part of the buildings removed.

 Brazil, China... Stafford – More models off to exotic locations!

After sending five models to Russia last month we’ve just received a new multiple export order – two models for Brazil, one for China... and one up the M6 to Stafford where the client’s UK facility is based. The orders are for four identical 1:20 scale industrial transformer models similar to the one illustrated above. We actually made this model for the client last year and it generated such a positive response from their overseas colleagues that they’ve come back to us for more. As part of the project we’ll be supplying specially made shipping crates to protect them on their travels.

Recycling Centre Model – Scale 1:250

We’ve just delivered this model illustrating the newly extended and refurbished premises for an
industrial recycling company. Although models of industrial premises aren’t particularly exciting
to look at, the addition of some landscaping detail and lorries in the company’s authentic livery
brings this model to life. The client was really pleased with the finished result and the model
is now in a meeting area where staff and clients can see how the new extended facilities will look
when all the building work is complete.

Six models head off to St Petersburg

Commissioned for a Russian developer, this group of six models all had to be designed to fit into large standard suitcases so they could travel out to St Petersburg as normal luggage. This necessitated choosing a small scale and making the models as sturdy as possible to withstand the rigours of both UK and Russian baggage handlers. The white model is for a proposed Sailing Club and is at 1:750 scale. It also incorporates battery powered LED illumination. The full colour models are at 1:300 scale and show five proposed designs for luxury holiday dachas.

Fully detailed sales model for the retirement homes sector.

The client for this project got in touch after we were recommended to him by one of our other clients who we’ve worked with for many years. In fact, quite a bit of our work comes via this route and it’s always gratifying to know that our customers are happy to recommend us to other organisations. This model is at 1:150 scale which, as you can see from the photos, allows us to show a high level of architectural detail. It’s an ideal scale choice for mid-sized buildings or compact developments comprising several smaller buildings.

Second model this year for national developer.

Over the last decade we’ve produced several housing models a year for this national house builder and this is the second of three models they’ve ordered this year. They keep coming back to us because they know we always meet deadlines and always produce high quality, accurate models that really help their sales staff do their job. This model is at 1:250 scale which is too small to show a high level of detail but if you click on the images above to enlarge them you’ll see we’re able to show more than enough detail to make the houses, gardens and overall site layout easily understandable. We’re starting the next project for this client later this year.

Industrial model featuring interactive illumination.

Although we specialise in architectural models we also regularly produce high quality industrial models such as this model of a Cryobattery power station which incorporates interactive LED illumination. The CryoBattery system uses renewable sources to compress air in tanks which can later be used to generate power. In effect, it acts as large battery to store energy for when it is most needed. This is very much a stylised representation of the facility with the strong colours being used to indicate different parts of the process. The LED illumination rises slowly upwards to the top of the vessels and then gradually drops down again to represent the “filling up” and “emptying” phases of the CryoBattery facility.

Set of 7 models shipped in Pelicases.

The client for this project initially had the models 3D printed but quickly realised that the quality of finish wasn’t good enough for their requirements so they decided to contact us for help. They wanted to use the models for marketing purposes so it was important the technical spec and level of finish reflected the high quality of their product. We designed the models in three parts that could be easily slotted together including two interchangeable options for the top section. The rotors were able to be freely turned and we recreated the yaw action which allows the turbine assembly to turn and face the direction of the wind. We also added the reflective solar panels shown on top of the wind deflectors and finished the models in the specified white RAL colour. We then provided a Pelicase with tailored foam inserts for each of the 7 models which you can see in one of the photos above.

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.