Five models reflecting Atkins involvement in the London Olympic Park

Designed and built for Atkins Engineers, this group of five interactive models was commissioned to reflect Atkins' huge involvement in the construction of the London Olympic Park. Each model highlights a particular aspect of the unglamorous but essential engineering work Atkins carried out at the site, from creating an artificial level surface for the equestrian event, to installing fundamental infrastructure such as bridges, water supplies and drainage. One of the models, which incorporates scrolling LED messages and allows the operator to lift a table tennis ball into the air by controlling a fan, conveys how Atkins designed complex climate control systems to "engineer" the air in many of the park's specialist sporting venues. The models were used initially at an exhibition event linked with the start of the Olympics but will subsequently be displayed in the reception areas of Atkins' main offices around the UK. There is also a plan to export one of the models to the Middle East. .

Contoured model with interactive back projection

We designed and built this topographical model for display at a Royal Academy of Engineering exhibition. The model had to incorporate an acrylic “sea level” panel suitable for back-projection of computer modelled animations showing currents, tidal flows, sediment deposits, etc. It was a technically demanding project because we had to make sure the back projected animation fitted perfectly within the outline of the coast. The vertical scale was exaggerated to accentuate the distinctive character of the South Wales Valleys.

Interactive model with moving lights and screen interface

After being impressed by the variety and quality of projects on our website, British Sugar came directly to us to design and build this interactive model demonstrating the sophisticated, sustainable manufacturing processes at their main sugar production facility at Wissington. The model design was based on a stylized 2D visual depicting the complex interrelated systems, beneficial by-products and energy efficiency of what is Britain’s biggest sugar beet processing plant. We had to develop this 2D layout into an informative three dimensional display model complete with directional moving lights, illuminated images, and a video presentation with on-screen interface. As you can see from the pictures, the model also had to be eye-catching and attractive with a high quality finish throughout. The client was really pleased with the finished model and informed us they wanted to work with us again in the near future – a sweet result all round!

Life-size Display models for grass protection system.

We’re proud to say that much of our business is from repeat customers and this is one such example. We made a display model for the client last year and they were so pleased with it they came back to us for two more. The company produces grass stabilisation and reinforcement systems and needed some 3D mock ups of how these systems worked to take to trade shows and exhibitions. The first one proved so useful they were delighted to order these new models for use at this year’s shows. All the models were designed to break down for easy transportation.

Three 1:20 scale industrial transformer models completed for export

We actually completed these models last month, a week ahead of schedule and they are now about to head off abroad, two to China and one to Brazil. They are part of an order for four identical 1:20 scale models, the first of which was completed and delivered before Christmas. If you click on the images to enlarge them, you’ll be able to see the high level of detail we can achieve at this large scale (the models are over a metre long). We made a similar model for the client over a year ago and it generated such a positive response from their overseas colleagues that they’ve come back to us for more.

Wooden playground equipment models at 1:10 scale

We actually produced this set of 10 playground equipment models back in early June but we’ve been so busy through the summer we haven’t had time to update our recent projects pages. These models were commissioned by the UK’s biggest manufacturer of wooden playground equipment and were for use at exhibitions. The main picture above shows the models at their first event. It was enjoyable for us to work with real wood for a change rather than the usual plastics, resins, etc. The client was really pleased with the how the models looked and is planning to commission more models of other designs for future shows.

Realistically detailed model creates a splash at show

The client for this project wanted a model that would be an eye catching centrepiece on their stand at several trade shows throughout the coming year. The company produces a wide range of water tanks for markets all over the world and they wanted the model to illustrate several technical details about their products, both inside and outside. For this reason we made the models as half tanks so the inside could be viewed as well as the exterior. If you click on the photos to enlarge them you’ll see the high level of detail we’ve been able to show at this scale. We also provided a purpose-built aluminium framed flight case to protect it during shipping.

 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 more industrial models – Sub-sea control module & Ukube Satellite.

Not all the models we make are scaled down to a smaller size. These two industrial models are both life-size replicas of the real thing. The subsea control module is about 900mm square and was commissioned because the client wanted a lightweight version of the product to take to exhibition venues. The real unit was extremely heavy and difficult to transport whereas our lookalike version, made from thin plastics, could be easily lifted by two men. The Ukube satellite model, made for the UK Space agency, was unusual in that the original satellite was only about 350mm long so there was no need to scale it down. We’ve actually made four of these satellite models with possibly more to follow. They’re used for educational presentations and were made with working hinges so that the solar panels and antennae could be deployed in the same way as the real thing.