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.

Model for industrial testing facility in North Africa.

We completed this project a few months ago but the client didn’t want us to post any photos of the model before their official launch so we’ve had to wait till now to feature it in our Recent Projects blog. At 1:250 scale the model was approximately 1m x 1m square and had to be shipped in a custom-built flight case to the site’s location in North Africa. The strong colours were added to indicate the varying functions of the components across the installation.

Generic missile model for Defence exhibition event.

The client for this project designed guidance systems so wanted a life-size model of a 155mm missile for their stand at one of the UK’s largest exhibitions for the Defence industry. Exactly 1m long, the missile needed to look authentic but not clearly identifiable as an existing product so we evolved this generic design through a series of drawings, amending it at each stage based on feedback from the client to finalize colours, numbers and shapes of fins, etc. Made from various plastics with a combination of 3D printed parts and laser-cut parts, the model weighed less than 5Kg and was designed to slot onto a clear acrylic stand at an angle of 45 degrees. It was supplied with a custom-made flight case with a tailored foam interior.

Large industrial model for National Grid

At over 2m x 1.5m this large industrial model was commissioned by the National Grid to help with staff training and forward planning for installing new equipment on site. The model was made in two halves and supplied with a custom-built storage case for each section so they could be safely stored away when not in use. The model was made at 1:220 scale, the equivalent of Z scale in the railway modelling industry. This allowed the client to buy model vehicles and figures online to add extra detail to the model.

Touchscreen controlled illumination of individual plots.

Unfortunately we weren’t able to get any good photos of this model before delivering it to site because we had to rush the final stages to fit in some last minute amends from the client. The model featured an interactive lighting system which allowed illumination of individual apartments controlled from a tablet mounted on the model edge. The client was very pleased with the finished result and immediately asked us to produce another model for one of their other retirement developments.

Another high quality sales model for one of our regular clients.

We usually produce at least 2 sales models a year for this client who keeps coming back to us because of the reliable, high-quality service we provide and they’ve just confirmed an order for a new development. At 1:150 scale this model is approx. 1300mm long x 450mm wide which fits perfectly against a wall in a compact marketing suite. If you click on the photos to enlarge them you’ll see we can achieve a high level of realistic detail at this scale.