NEWS

 

 

September 2019

MANCHESTER SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

 

We have been working with the B15 workshop at the Manchester School of Architecture for several years showing their new students materials & techniques that would be useful for sketch modelling.

The sessions are held in the ARCHITYPES exhibition which charts the different applications of modelmaking used by students. Featuring over 80 pieces of varied types and styles, the display covers: massing, sketch & concept models, cross section & interior models, large scale models, presentation models, study models and site models.

The exhibition offers a fantastic resource for the architecture students and will inspire them to create wonderful models themselves during their time in Manchester.

 

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August 2019

1:50 PRUSSIAN RAIL CARRIAGE

 

Designer: Gemma Taylor
Model maker: Jack Charrington Pratt

UAL Set Design for Screen Graduation Project.

This carriage is based off an 1890's Prussian 3rd class rail coach. It was constructed as part of a BA graduates' adaptation of the novel 'Emil and The Detectives' into a short stop motion animation.

In one scene, the carriage forms part of a dream sequence experienced by one of the passengers, which involves the wall opening up in a similar fashion to a dolls house. As a result, there was a delicate balance during construction between functionality and historical accuracy, and constant communication between the designer and model maker was essential.

Primarily made of styrene, the model includes 3D printed parts, the lower curved sections of the walls/doors, to create a sturdy base for the numerous hinged panels and doors. The model was airbrushed and weathered with a mixture of washes, dry brushing and weathering powders. Obeche was used for the extensive interior panelling, which was stained and treated with a coating of linseed oil. Finally, some custom graphics were created and printed on decal paper, and applied using micro sol and micro set.

The whole construction took just under 2 weeks and used many 4D modelshop products.

Materials: Styrene sheet, Styrene strip, PVC foamed ‘Palight’, Obeche Wood, Milliput.
Adhesives: Plastic Weld, Zap-a-gap, UHU All Purpose.
Paints: Plastic Primer, Citadel colours.
Graphics: Decal paper, Micro Set, Micro Sol

 

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July 2019

MODELS FOR HEROS

 

Models for Heroes provides model making provisions to the UK's Military, Veteran and Emergency Services treatment organisations around the UK.

They also raise awareness of the mental health benefits of model making while promoting the hobby.

They are currently looking for volunteers in the West & Central London area.

'If you have some time to spare, a passion for modelling and a drive to assist then you will make a fantastic volunteer. We have a group of 100+ who provide their time and expertise to assist model making sessions and fundraise at displays to provide for veterans in their therapeutic hobby'.

Volunteers advise on modelling skills from the very basics like how to decipher the numbers and letters on instructions to how to use a sanding stick and filler to smooth out seam lines.

 

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March 2019

HOW TO CREATE A WOODLAND DIORAMA

 

In March we ran a new modelmaking workshop inspired by the range of Woodland Scenics products introduced to the shop earlier in the year.

Jess from @faerynthorn took charge of the 1 day course, which guided attendees through the process creating a true to-scale model scenic diorama.

Each diorama included several elements of a scenic modelling, namely, rough grass areas, waters edge, flowing and still water, rocks & boulders, shrubs & bushes and model trees.

The processes and techniques taught can be transferred to a wide range of interests and professions, especially railway, architecture, table-top/war-gaming, theatre set design and garden design.

All attending had a fun day and were very enthusiastic with the results:

“Great teaching, excellent fun! Thoroughly enjoyable and it has given me the confidence of what I can achieve.” Paul Fabricius

“Thanks very much! A great workshop, learned lots and was inspired very much!” Jon Pell

“I enjoyed when it all came together and put on the finishing touches. It really came to life. I had a blast!” Ciara Doyle

 “Thanks for the workshop it was a great experience. I love my tile very much!” Marco King

 

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February 2019

AXE & MACE PROJECT

 

Plastidip is a substance that was developed to coat tool handles with a rubber-like grip. Ben, one of our workshop technicians & a live action roleplayer, saw it as an excellent product for making his foam weapons.

Not only is it relatively hardwearing and easy to apply, but comes out much more consistently than something like latex, which is the usual standard for this kind of work. It provides an easy way to transform three-dimensional foam designs from chunks of glued foam into a single, unified piece.

To apply, follow the directions on the can, ensuring that you use a thin coat with each pass. Make enough passes so that it appears wet. Allow to dry for 30 minutes, spray enough coats that you are just beginning to lose definition, usually 3-4.

 

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January 2019

DIORAMA SCENES

 

We have very creative staff, in fact, they are chosen for their knowledge and experience of all branches of 3D design. With that in mind, mid way through 2018, we asking them to create small dioramas from left over and oddments found around the shop. Their only other criteria is that they had to fit onto a 125mm square stand.

We now have quite a few secreted between shelves, on top of cabinets and under bell jars. If you cannot get along to the shop, take a look on our Google 360 and see if you can find them.

 

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