Toner Cartridge Display Model

The brief for this project was to create a simple, sturdy yet portable display that enabled the client to demonstrate the minimal number of parts in his Toner Cartridges (on the right) compared with the complex myriad of components in a conventional cartridge. We created this simple design which shows the two sets of components fixed on to clear Perspex up-stands mounted on plain white plinths. The Perspex covers helped “frame” the displays visually and protect them from dust and damage.

Small Scale Housing Model – Scale 1:500

This is an unusually small scale for a housing development marketing model – 1:200 scale or 1:250 is more typical for this type of project. This small scale was chosen due to limited space and a tight budget. But although this lacks the detail of the larger scales it does convey a clear easy to understand overview of this large spread out site. The grey blocks represent existing buildings that are not part of the development. If you click on the Enlarge Image feature on the picture, you’ll see that a surprising level of detail is shown (even though the house elevations are only about 14mm high) and we’ve even created accurate topography with stepped roof levels and sloping contours, etc.

Range of Models for HSBC Bank

This diverse group of models was commissioned by HSBC bank as part of a worldwide branch refurbishment program. Designed to fit into standardized glass cabinets, the purpose of the models is to draw attention to newly created information panels featuring case studies of companies the bank has supported. Each model reflects an important element of the company’s field of business. The picture above shows four of the models in one of HSBC’s main branches in central London. So far we’ve sent dozens of sets of models to branches in cities all over the world, as far apart as Vancouver, Paris and Hong Kong (to name but a few). All the models began as concept visuals which we then developed from prototypes through to final approved designs, before going into batch production. The range comprises seven different model types and we are currently in the process of developing new model designs for three new case studies. We’re pleased to be able to say this is an ongoing project with orders coming in on a regular basis.

Seven different model designs

The creation of these seven very different models required a wide range of model making techniques and involved solving many technical problems along the way. The models look deceptively simple in the photos but each design had at least one technically demanding issue that needed resolving. Furthermore they had to be designed so that they could be safely shipped in cardboard boxes, be easily assembled on site, and be durable enough for long term display. Luckily this is just the sort of challenge we enjoy. With our highly skilled team and 20 years of experience behind us, we were able to turn the initial concept sketches into the eye catching models that are now on display in HSBC branches around the world.

Housing Marketing Model – Scale 1:150

October was a busy month and some of the projects are still ongoing – here’s one we did finish though, a marketing model for one of the UK’s largest house builders. We produced a similar model for the same company back in August and they were very pleased with the results. This one has been extremely well received as well. At 1:150 it’s at a slightly larger scale than normal for these sort of developments. This was because the client wanted to ensure that prospective buyers could easily appreciate the carefully designed levels and contours of this complex sloping site.

Rain Making Exhibition Model

For this particular project we were commissioned by a subsidiary of the Dow Chemical company to design and create an exhibition model that demonstrated the unique properties of their rail-track ballast stabilization system. The key feature of the product was that it bonded the ballast together whilst still allowing free drainage between the individual stones. This free draining aspect was the product’s major advantage and the display had to illustrate this in a visual demonstration. It also had to be compact and portable as it would be travelling to exhibition venues all over the world (the electrics needed to be compatible with multinational power systems). Our solution was to create a “Rain Machine” that showed a sample of the client’s product (using clear stones rather than conventional ballast) under a continuous deluge of water, set within a Perspex tank. The clear void underneath the ballast showed the “rain water” draining freely into the collection tank below where it was pumped back up to the header tank at the top to continue the cycle. This image shows the model without the water running for clarity. Since this picture was taken branding graphics have been added and the model has gone off to its first venue     in Germany. We’re hoping to add some on-site “in action” shots at a later date.

Model of Refurbished Theatre – Scale 1:150

The most difficult aspect of this project was representing the blue-grey patina and diamond motifs created by the unusual galvanized steel “shingle” cladding. It would have been much easier to show on larger scale model but unfortunately the budget wouldn’t stretch to that. If you click on the Enlarge Image button you can see a close up of the effect we managed to achieve using laser-engraving and multi-coloured paint textures.

Laser-engraved Conference Folder

We used our laser cutter to engrave this company’s logo onto a batch of conference folders to be used as promotional gifts. The client opted for laser-engraving because it produces a subtle, textured finish that has a higher quality feel than conventional surface printing.

Industrial Model of Scrubbing Column – Scale 1:25

This is a model of an industrial component for the LNG gas processing industry. It’s actually called a “Scrubbing Column” and the real thing is over 25 metres tall and 3 metres wide at the base. At this scale (1:25) it’s about a metre tall. When the client commissioned the model we came up with the idea of putting it on a circular turntable base so that the model could be rotated to be viewed from all sides. We also gave it a tubular Perspex cover to tie in with the turntable and to reflect the cylindrical proportions of the model.

Replica of Vintage Aircraft

This is actually the final stage of a project we started in March . It’s a fibreglass replica of a crashed World War 2 seaplane, a “Vickers Supermarine Walrus” and what’s especially unusual about this model is that it is actually underwater. When the National Marine Aquarium at Plymouth decided they wanted an unusual display to put in their huge sea water tank, they avoided the obvious route of a sunken ship and went instead for this wrecked seaplane. They chose the Walrus because it had strong historical links with the area. If you visit the aquarium’s web site you can read the full story (link below). At 12 metres long and with a 14 metre wing span it was one of the biggest projects we had ever undertaken and one of the most technically demanding. Our starting point was a small set of paper plans, a photograph of a model, and some photos of the real thing at the Royal Fleet Air Arm Museum. When working out how to make it, the design process was complicated by several factors. It had to be transportable from Cardiff to Plymouth. It had to go into the aquarium through a small door three stories up the building. It had to be reassembled in a small space on top of the 9 metre deep tank. It had to sink (obviously). Divers had to be able to do the final assembly under water. And it had to be structurally sound and be able to withstand being under water for many years. Furthermore we had to design the damaged areas in a way that wouldn’t injure or trap the fish. It was a difficult project to photograph due to restricted viewing lines into the tank, but hopefully the images we’ve shown give a good indication of how the finished display looked. If you scroll down through the images below you can also get a flavour of the installation process. It was certainly a challenging but enjoyable day for us and the aquarium’s team of divers. The sharks and other fish seemed to find it pretty entertaining too.

Image Gallery

Fully Functional R/C Crane Model – Scale 1:12

The client for this model, a provider of specialist training for signalmen and crane operators, needed a fully functioning crane model to use during his training sessions but the right type of crane just wasn’t available on the market. His solution was to ask us to convert an off-the-shelf toy into a purpose-built machine. This involved scrapping about 70% of the original model, adapting the radio controlled motors to perform new functions, adding a completely new winch, new main boom, new pulleys, new ‘A’ frame, new hook, new base (it previously had caterpillar tracks), and a new power supply plus a few other cosmetic alterations. In fact, about the only thing we haven’t changed is the driver’s cabin. The model is now fixed to a desk in their training rooms and used on a weekly basis for tests and as a teaching aid. It’s definitely not a toy (although we did have a lot of fun “testing” it before it left our workshops).