Mangled model restored to former glory.

If you’ve got a damaged model that looks beyond repair make sure you contact us before you throw it in the skip – we may be able to give it a whole new lease of life. This industrial model had been shipped to events all round Europe since 2015 (when we built it) before it got badly damaged in transit. The client asked if we could repair it and we were happy to oblige. Of course it helped that we’d made the model originally but even if your model was made elsewhere, as long as you’ve kept most of the broken pieces and can supply plenty of photos of how it looked before the damage, we should be able to restore it to its former glory at a significant saving compared with rebuilding it from scratch.

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.

Custom-built planning tool for Logistics division.

This multi-layered display is a custom-built planning tool for the Ministry of Defence Logistics team. They got in touch with a sketch design (literally a very rough sketch) and asked if it was something we could build. The idea was to create 4 vertically stacked transparent maps showing all the UK MOD bases so that the team could assess varying logistics routes by linking different depots both horizontally and vertically with colour-coded string. Our solution was this aluminium framed design that can be easily bolted together but also “flat-packs” into the white base for storage when not in use (which you can see in the inset pic above).

Another high quality satellite model for the British space industry.

Completed last month, we’ve made several variations of this life-size CubeSat model for a number of different clients and we’re currently in mid-production of a further satellite model for yet another client (who saw this model and liked it). Designed for easier shipping, this model comes as four separate main components – acrylic base; tubular steel mount; main body; solar array panels – that can be easily slotted together on site. Even the aerials slot into place once the main model is assembled.

Four models with interactive lighting features

This group of models was commissioned by the Cardiff University School of Engineering for their stand at the Royal Academy of Engineering Summer Soiree. The models were used to highlight the university’s extensive research in the field of geo-engineering (underground engineering), covering areas such as nuclear waste containment, ground source heating and other underground activities. The models represent cut-away views of the earth’s strata, using different coloured LEDs to illustrate the various processes happening in the layers of rock and sediments. The lights, which were activated by labelled buttons on top of the models, had to recreate several different effects, including linear flows, pulsing, slow fades, changing colours, random flashing, and some complex, timed sequences.

Illuminated model of contemporary house – Scale 1:100. Detailed full colour model

When we quoted for this project we offered the client the option of adding lights within and around the building because we felt that illumination would really help bring this model to life. The client was happy to go for it and, as you can see from the pictures, it does give the model an extra dimension which helps sell the scheme as a vibrant, contemporary design. In particular, the internal illumination highlighting the 4 car “garage/car gallery” with glass doors was an important feature. At 1:100 scale, we were able to show plenty of detail and the model was only 450mm wide, making it easily transportable. 1:100 is an ideal scale for a model of an individual building such as this.

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.

1:20 Model of Information Point

This model was used to help illustrate the proposed design of a new information booth. It had removable security screens and faithful representation of all the material finishes. Even the illumination was a scaled down representation of the proposed lighting system.