All posts by pam

Scale Model Suppliers

scale model shop

 

Like a lot of companies, scale model shops rely on other businesses to supply them with the materials necessary to fabricate the products they sell.

Custom models require a vast array of materials in order to be built. Numerous types of plastic, wood, rubber, foam, metal – even cloth- are used to create scale models. Then there’s the glue, hardware, and sometimes welding material, that is needed to fasten parts together. Finally there are the finishing touches – paint, vinyl wraps, decals etc…

Unlike many other businesses, a  custom model shop can’t always go to a set list of suppliers. Projects vary too much from job to job as to what materials are going to be needed. One scale model job may require a 12 inch diameter plastic sphere, another job a sheet of Ren board and yet another, hundreds of scale trees.

Model makers try to stay stocked up on particular materials that are used more frequently, but there are so many one-off jobs that bits and pieces from past projects end up being the largest  surplus in a model shop.

It can be challenging to develop a relationship with outside suppliers when new ones are regularly being sought based on the unique material needs of each particular project. Consistent relationships with material suppliers are important, though, as reliability is a crucial component of the exchange.

Knowing what’s in stock at a particular supplier and how quickly it ships are essential, along with price and quality issues. When a scale model shop quotes a particular project,  materials are figured out ahead of the build, and a time frame must be communicated to the client. These factors hinge on our suppliers and their ability to provide materials on a consistent basis.

Sometimes this dependency on suppliers can threaten to hold up a job. Because model makers are resourceful and creative by nature, a different approach using different materials and fabrication methods can often be substituted when this occurs. No company wants to let their clients down in terms of a final product and delivery date because of supplier issues.

A quality model shop makes sure it has as much stock as possible on hand to start a job, a reliable list of suppliers for additional material, and a system in place for quickly seeking out new sources. In the end it is the model maker’s on-the-fly decision-making and ability to change course in the middle of a project that keeps a delivery schedule on course even if all these other safe guards fall short.

 

 

Tent Models as Sales Tool

Recently KiwiMill was asked to make a series of tent models to depict a manufacturer’s product line. The models would be used as a sales and marketing tool, with possible trade show use as well.

Masters were formed on the CNC mill out of tooling board to represent three different tent designs. The tents all have metal frames with wire cross pieces and the idea was to show some of this detail on the model surfaces.

The tents were then vacuum formed using the 3 carved masters. Twenty of one design were made, and 10 each of the two other designs.

Tent connectors were made from stamped sheet metal. Five different styles were built. These connectors would attach to the tents by the placement of magnets in each tent. The idea was to offer the ability to reconfigure the tents and connectors into different layouts as needed.

Vinyl graphics were digitally printed and the tents and connectors were painted olive drab.

An oak trimmed  48″ by 60″ base was constructed with sheet metal underneath a grass mat. This way the magnetized tents would stay in place when configured, rather than slipping around.

The finished diorama can be added to, subtracted from and reconfigured using different tents and connectors.

Ask The Model Maker!

Model Maker

Ask the model maker: What burning question do you have about model making? What is something you want to know about model makers, model making, or scale models? It can be a technical question, a price inquiry, a personal question or a how-to . Anything goes.

Leave your question in the comments section and it will be answered by a model maker (through me) by the end of the week.

Remote Control Trade Show Truck Model

 

Truck Model

Occasionally professional model making feels a little bit like a kid in a candy shop. This phenomena occurred recently when KiwiMill was asked to build a trade show truck model of a car carrier in 1:14 scale (big!)

When it was determined that the semi trailer truck model would be outfitted with an RC controller, lights and sound, it became one of those projects that reminds model makers of why they went into the business in the first place.

Our team started with a cab kit. It was surprisingly challenging to build, considering most of our work is custom, made-from-scratch. All of the chrome parts were swapped out for more authentic looking, hand-built parts. The only way to make chrome look realistic at this scale is to actually make it out of metal – otherwise it just looks cheap. These custom aluminum add ons were more accurate and detailed.

Model Maker

Even though lighting was supplied in the RC kit, additional bulbs were added throughout the model. These decorative lights can be found on real 18 wheelers, which are really like a person’s temporary home on wheels.

Model Maker

The trailer was scratch built from laser cut styrene. Vinyl graphics were added to the trailer which included both the company’s signage and details found on the sides of trucks such as seams, rivets, handles, etc…

Model Maker

The wheels were molded and cast in the shop. The resulting combination of kit and hand-built parts made for an impressive finished truck model that was both a delight to display and interact with, as well as being an economical choice for a relatively large-scale vehicle.

Truck ModelTruck Model

KiwiMill Helicopter Model Build

 

A year ago, KiwiMill documented a 1/10 scale multiple helicopter model build, to be used as a reference in future, similar projects.

It began with brainstorming sessions to determine the materials and methods used in the process. Various approaches were suggested for going about the construction. Ultimately a design was settled upon using the same criteria as our other projects: consideration was given to the purpose of the helicopters (multiple trade show use), the scale, the amount of desired detail and a very challenging time frame of 8 weeks.

Once the over all fabrication methods were decided upon, our project manager, Dean, created a spread sheet time-line of our mission. This master schedule would be referred to throughout the project in order to maximize the time spent on each process, and to check that progress was staying on target for the due date.

model maker spread sheet

Drawings were made in Autodesk Inventor for the parts that were scheduled for machining. The helicopter bodies were CNC milled in-house, starting with foam blocks. Each shape was roughly carved on the CNC router and then coated in resin and re-machined for a finer finish.

The helicopter blades were CNC machined as well. A master was created out of ren board, then molded and cast into multiples and painted.

More detailed appendages were created with our 3D printer. These included the blade hubs, rear props, camera turrets and missiles:

The helicopter model parts were then assembled using a variety of techniques. Because the helicopters needed mounting points for display, a sheet metal skeleton was designed for each body to form around. This gave our model makers  a secure place to attach aluminum block mounts with brass sleeves, using bolts. Other parts were assembled using resin and solvent.

 

A special fastening method was used for the helicopters involving magnets. Magnets allowed for parts to be assembled and disassembled with ease by the client, and were used in the rotor blades, props & mounts.

In the final days of the project the helicopters were painted. The process required a look back at the original files that were provided in order to determine the exact location of the windows. Measurements were taken off the drawings to be used as reference points, but the final placement was done by eye. The helicopters were masked off and brought into the spray booth for application.

The last, yet very important, consideration that went into this project was the design of each case that would house and transport the helicopter models to various trade shows.  These road cases were custom created to fit each helicopter model  and its particular appendages. Padded jigging was built for the bodies to nestle into, along with designated locations for each removable part.

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A couple of the finished products:

helicopter model

helicopter model

House Model Prop for “How It’s Made” Television Program

KiwiMill just built a house model for Cavco to be used as a television prop for How It’s Made, on the Discovery Channel (Canada) and  Science Channel (USA).

This scale house model was created in less than a week and shipped to Canada in time for a taping of the show.  After the model is used in the TV episode it will serve as a sales model back at the home offices.

Museum Model Gives Local History Lesson

It’s not often that KiwiMill has the opportunity to work on a local scale model project. This past summer we jumped at the opportunity to contribute a historical museum model to Rochester, NY’s own Genesee Brewery Company. Owned by North American Breweries, this landmark location started in 1878, making it one of the largest and oldest continually operating breweries in the United States.

As part of its evolution, the brewery recently opened the Genesee Brew House in a former packaging facility on its campus, complete with pub-style restaurant, interactive historical exhibits, gift shop and pilot brewery. Housed in this exciting new venture is a 20 foot square historical museum model of the two original breweries and surrounding neighborhoods circa 1915. Commissioned by our client, North American Breweries, its purpose is to provide a permanent record of the area for the community.

As with any historic model, a great deal of research was done by our shop prior to the construction phase. Sanborn and plat maps were used to discern the overall footprint of the model. Model makers walked the site as it stands today, and took photographs of existing structures and remnants.

Genesee Brew House Model ResearchGenesee Brew House Model Research

Old photographs provided by the brewery and the city library became the primary source of research material. These historic photographs helped determine the layout of the streets and buildings, styles and location of surrounding houses, as well as street lamp design and landscaping in the early 1900’s. Architectural drawings of the buildings and houses were then created in AutoCad. After this time-consuming phase, the actual build could begin.

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The buildings and houses were scratch built primarily from laser-cut acrylic. Cars and wagons were drawn on the computer and 3D printed. A trestle and tracks were assembled from laser-cut plywood. Railroad cars were scratch built, along with accessories such as street signs, lamp posts, stairs and lawn decor.

Museum ModelMuseum Model

The landscaping included the river gorge created from sculpted foam and mounted on a plywood box bases. The water was made of plexiglass and a layer of liquid model water poured over it. Model trees were placed throughout the site. Dirt was collected locally and sifted and glued down onto the model, giving it a realistic, textured ground cover. Finally, weathering techniques were applied to various parts of the model to tie together the different elements: buildings, streets, landscaping, and accessories.

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All of this attention to detail produced a museum model that accurately portrays a time and place in history – the aim of  well executed dioramas. If done exceptionally well, a historic model will evoke emotions from the viewer as well. If given the opportunity, check out this project in person, and let us know if we met our goal to produce a lasting, meaningful, entertaining and educational display.

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Museum Model

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Museum Model

Weathering a Scale Model

Architectural Model

Recently I watched our model makers take perfectly crafted scale model buildings and purposely mess them up. My curiosity was piqued. Why painstakingly create a line drawing on the computer, laser cut it, precisely assemble and finish the parts into an architectural model, only to “dirty’ up its perfection?

It turns out that a certain segment of architectural models – historical models – are given what is called weathering effects. Why? The intent is to represent the impact of the elements on an object, in order to project the sense of time, and place, that a historical scale model must provide.

The artistic application of weathering techniques attempts to simulate – not duplicate – the natural ageing and wear process on the buildings, vehicles, roads, and other inanimate objects represented on a particular historical model. Things like dirt, grime, sun fading, paint wear, spills, stains and rusting, must all be scaled down to size using well honed modeling techniques.

In addition to developing specific methods for applying weathering effects, a model maker must do the historic research necessary to match the ageing process with the time period the model is attempting to capture. For instance, a train run on burning wood will leave markings that differ quite significantly from a coal powered machine.

Model makers can enhance their expertise at weathering models by studying the world around them – noting the textures, colors and formations of real life wear and tear . Once you pay attention you may notice that everything is subject to weathering – grass isn’t green, asphalt isn’t black, houses are different shades depending on sun exposure and vehicles have signs of use soon after they are purchased.

Our perception of the world is that it is much more brightly colored and distinct than it actually is in reality. Weathering techniques take a fully painted and detailed model and use filters, washes, dusting, and  other techniques to give the desired muted effect that more closely mimics real life. Signs of wear  like scratches, faded paint, rust and stains further enhance the effect.

It’s a fascinating process watching a model maker take a flawlessly constructed architectural model and add blemishes to it. In a historical scale model, it is this artistic application of ageing techniques that ties the display together and gives it life, and the feeling that it’s accurately captured a moment in time.

What’s In a Custom Model Quote?

model making

Like most scale model shops, KiwiMill prepares free-of-charge custom model quotes to anyone inquiring about a project, big or small. Sometimes we give ballpark figures over the phone or email, based on basic information about model purpose, design, size and detail level. These quick estimates can be given for model projects that are similar to ones we have done in the recent past. Initial rough estimates can help identify whether there is a sufficient budget to proceed with a formal written quote.

Most custom scale model inquiries go through a lengthier process to determine the costs involved.  First, there’s an exchange of ideas and information with the client, then a bit of research and brainstorming, culminating in a formal, written quote. The quote usually spells out what will be provided by the model makers – over all design, materials, functionality, details, accessories, finishes, and any mounting, bases and crating options included. It also addresses timing and what is required from the client to start the job in terms of data and initial financial investment.

Before generating a formal quote, our sales staff addresses the inquiry:  receiving the request, asking clarifying questions, and collecting any drawings, photos or additional documentation provided by the client. The more information that can be gathered about a project, the more detailed and accurate the quote will be. This initial exchange goes very quickly, as the goal is to get the project in the hands of our model makers to assess as soon as possible.

KiwiMill likes to connect potential projects with a model maker fairly early on in the quote process. Talking to an actual model maker has benefits for both the client and the model shop. First, a model maker can help clarify the scope of the project. By talking with a client, our model makers are able to understand what the model is required to do, and in many cases, help determine what the best approach is to meeting those goals. Clients sometimes know exactly what they are looking for in a scale model, but more often than not, an exchange of ideas helps narrow down the options to one that best fits the client’s needs and budget.

Secondly, our model makers can begin thinking about how they would go about the build of a custom model as they talk with the client about their project. This initial thought process will aid them when it comes time to prepare the actual quote. There is no magic formula used at KiwiMill for generating quotes. Each project is given careful consideration in terms of  materials used, fabrication methods chosen, size and complexity of the model, and the engineering of moving parts or other special effects. Another major consideration is whether parts for the model will need to be drawn up in a CAD program, before construction can start. Timing may be a factor as well; if the job needs to be rushed, then vendor supplies and overtime costs need to be considered.

A detailed quote can be prepared after the project is defined, the accompanying documents are studied, availability of materials are researched and fabrication methods are decided upon. This process may sound complex, but it assures our client that what they are getting is what they expected and desired. It also does not need to take up a lot of time. We pride ourselves on getting quotes out very quickly, without sacrificing the attention to detail and customization of each project. Well defined, personalized and accurate quotes are a service we are happy provide to each and every one of our potential customers as an initial sign of our commitment to quality service and performance.

Scale Model Prices

model maker

Scale Models and Prices

Taken from our website FAQ page:

How much does a scale model cost? This is the #1 question asked by all clients.  Unfortunately there is no “set price” for a scale model.  The way we work is this; we meet with the client until we are satisfied that we have a good idea of what it is they want.  Then we sit down with our staff and talk about the project to determine the best way to create what the client wants. We discuss materials, processes, tools required, and finally how much time the job will take.  With this information, we prepare a detailed quote for the client based on estimated time and materials cost.  This fixed price quote assumes no changes to the scope after the job is started.  Additional work due to changes in design are quoted separately.

On the subject of how much it costs… One thing we suggest to clients is that once you have an idea of what you want built, figure out how much you want to spend on the scale model.  We will often ask clients what their budget for the project is.  This question might seem strange and a little like the poker equivalent of “showing your hand” in the middle of the game but there is a good reason for it.  When we quote a job it is based on time and materials estimated as accurately as possible. There is no magic to it, it’s all just numbers. 

The reason why we ask about your project budget is this; Imagine you tell us you want a half scale model of a XYZ-123 with full interior detail and a working articulated motivator oscillator arm and you tell us you have a budget of $2,000.00.  Now anyone familiar with the XYZ-123 knows that a half scale model of this fine fictional example of a machine simply cannot be built on that budget, but armed with the knowledge of how much you want to spend we might be able to suggest alternatives.  How about a ¼ scale cutaway model showing the most important interior areas and not the less important areas? Maybe you can live without the articulated motivator oscillator arm?  It is to our advantage to work within your budget rather than just say,  “Sorry, it can’t be done for that price.”

A Different Approach to the Same Truck Model

Nearly two years ago, KiwiMill built a model of a five ton FMTV armored cab truck model with a specialized medical hospital payload. The model was 1/10th scale with the truck about 36″ long. It was completely hand-built for trade show use, with a brass frame and numerous brass details. The cab had separately applied bolt head and hinge details on laser etched acrylic armor panels.

military truck scale modelmilitary truck scale modelmilitary truck scale model

Recently the model shop was asked to make a second FMTV truck, in 1/20th scale. Having acquired a 3D printer during the interim, KiwiMill approached the build somewhat differently the second time around. Many detailed parts that were built by hand originally, were drawn on the computer and made with the Objet 3D printer, precisely and quickly. Soldered brass was still used for strength and longevity. The fabric tent design was altered a bit as well.

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There is no one right way to make a scale model. Approaches vary depending on the materials and fabrication methods available, as well as the particular preferences of the model maker. Specific client requests may factor in, and of course, budget and time constraints. Skilled model makers adapt and adjust to new technology, continuously honing and  improving on their techniques.

Something that doesn’t change in the profession: the purpose of the scale model will always drive the fabrication method and materials used, while the quality of the finished product will determine if the chosen methods were successful.

Architectural Site Models

Site models serve a variety of purposes. They may be used for sales, fundraising, development approval, corporate show piece, or museum display. Typically they encompass a large geographic area. The area included in a site model often extends beyond the boundaries of the particular structures being featured. In this way it gives the project a sense of place and space.

Because a site model usually needs to cover a lot of area, the scale tends to be smaller. Smaller scale models generally have less detail than a large-scale architectural model. It’s not impossible to create tiny details on a smaller scale site model but much of that detail will be difficult for the naked eye to see, and therefore many clients opt not to go too detailed. Of course, a museum or corporate display model may be both small-scale and highly detailed. It depends on the model’s purpose.

Site models may be as simple as geometric blocks representing structures, or include textured, storied buildings with window recesses and balconies . The chosen scale of the model will lend itself to different approaches. Most site models include extensive landscaping because there is a large physical campus, or area to represent. Topography is important as well, for the same reason; smaller scale does not mean sacrificing the varied elevations of most sites.

Check out the pictures of different site models below. They include housing developments, office parks, military bases, corporate headquarters and production facilities. Even an urban skate park!