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Models have always played a major part of our work. We find that this aids the client's in
seeing the proposed project in miniature form located in it's true scale environment. This page
shows some of the methods and steps that are form the process of our model building.
Drawing the Pieces
Using CAD we draw all the individual pieces for the model - these are then plotted and
lightly glued onto card for cutting. Using very thin card - one can glue several pieces
together in order to build up the desired thicknesses. The drawings are temporarily glued
onto the card for cutting - and providing you did not overspray - the paper pieces are quite
easy to remove. Using the CAD drawings assists in the overall accuracy of the model
which is important.
Typical House Model
We first built the roof for this model. The reason for this was that it had to be
removable so we could see the top floor. It was built up in stages with a very stiff core
made up of 7 layers of card laminated together.
Images above show the developing model, main floor with rear walls, the upper level and
(right image) the stairs under construction. The squares on the cutting mat are 1 inch
- which gives an idea of the size we are dealing with.
Typical model base showing landscaping...
Now we get to the really challenging part. Creating the site base is vital to the overall
setting of the model. After creating a wood platform to work from - a contour plan is
glued down to serve as a guide for the contours. Using styrofoam boards for the outside -
these are cut to the correct shapes and hot-gun glued into place. Using plain old
corrugated card - these are shaped and bent to the key contour lines as per the immage at
center. Finally - styro-foam board is cut and moulded over the corrugated card and fixed
into place to form a stiff yet very light surface to work with. Finally - 1/4" cork
(sprayed lighthly with various green shades) is glued over the entire model - except of course
where the buildings are located (exact openings for these were created with the corrugated card.
The Final Model
Adding the detail is essential for creating that sense of "realism" that any model needs to
become alive. Over the years we have found some very quick and easy routines that achieve
this.
General Landscaping: Building the models at HO (1/87 scale) allows us access to the
huge assortment of model making materials that are available for model train enthusiasts etc.
We (mostly) build our own trees from kits, use 3 sizes of stones for landscaping bases,
and of course the stretch fabric turf is very useful along with the foam bushes that one can
break off to suit the occasion. For the pools and water features we used clear set resin.
Creating Finishes
Using "Corel PhotoPaint" - we create the various textures and
colours that we want for the house. The tiles are all created as we want - using various
methods of adding "noise" etc to get the desired effects. Even the infinity pool has tiny
ceramic tiles printed out at high resolution to get the very thin grout lines that are only
just visible from close up.
Masking Tape Planter Pots and other items...
Left Image
See the terra cotta plant pots on the left? These are made from the white things you get
at the end of a koki pen and wrapped with a finely tapered piece of masking tape. Because
of the taper - the tape lands up thicker on one side than the other - this creates the nice
shape that terra-cotta pots normally have - plus the small ridges on the tape provide some
texture. A light splash of gauche paint does wonders to complete the illusion - then you
stuff very lightly a small sprig of stretch turf into the hole at the top. It's messy
business I assure you when you are done.
The deck chairs are also custom made - just a simple piece of card shaped with two bits
underneath - quite crude but create the scale that is necessary to complete the setting of
the model.
Centre Image
Detail of the entrance of the house. The grout lines of the tiles are just visible. We
also include artwork on the walls - placed on a piece of card with black edging looks really
great. The fountains at the front have small tufts of light gauge fishing line to simulate the
water spray. The stone pavers on the grass are simply irregular cut card glued into place.
Note too the handrail for the stairs fixed to clear plastic (glass) panels.
Right Image
Detail of pond. The wood chairs are also custom made from ordinary brown card.
On Site Model Photographs
Image of model photographed on site demonstrates the effectiveness of the work involved
above. Enclosed in a clear plastic box - the models remain fresh and relatively dust free
for years.
Return to Models Gallery
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Hewitt Designs, 684 Drummond Ct, Kelowna, British Columbia V1W 4N8, CANADA
Bus/Fax 250.764.5138
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