NEWS

 

 

 

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NOVEMBER 2024

BLUE GARAGE STUDIOS

 

Blue Garage is a new dynamic coworking hub and workshop space located in the heart of South London. This social enterprise offers designers, engineers, and makers affordable access to studio spaces and professional workshops, aiming to empower the next generation of inventors, designers and creators to bring their ideas to life.

The facility includes private and shared studios, meeting rooms, a fully-equipped wood and metal workshop, CNC cutting machines, 3D printers, assembly areas and a dedicated powder-coating station. For added convenience, Blue Garage also features a kitchenette and a spacious breakout area for informal gatherings.

Blue Garage are hosting an open night on Thursday 12th December. It is the perfect opportunity to check their creative studios and workshops, meet new people and enjoy some insightful talks.

 

 

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SEPTEMBER 2024

MODEL MAKER APPRENTICESHIP

 

Foster + Partners has spearheaded the development of the UK’s first Model Maker Apprenticeship Standard, a Level 6 qualification equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. The three-year programme, approved in July, was created through collaboration with creative firms, universities and the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE).

It combines hands-on workplace experience with training from partner universities, allowing apprentices to gain essential skills while receiving a salary and employee benefits, without tuition fees. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between industry and academia, promote diversity, and prepare candidates for specialised roles in model making.

Key figures involved in the apprenticeship emphasise its potential to shape the future of creative professions. Peter Garstecki (Chair) of Foster + Partners highlighted that their Architecture Apprenticeship Standards have already had a transformative impact, the new modelmaking apprenticeship is a natural progression. Diane Teague (Co chair), also from Foster + Partners, noted that modelmaking’s practical and collaborative nature makes it ideal for an apprenticeship model. This programme aligns with industry demands, allowing participants to develop vital skills while engaging in real-world projects.

Industry experts across multiple sectors have expressed strong support for the apprenticeship. Representatives from Amalgam Modelmakers, Arts University Bournemouth and Heatherwick Studio have all praised the initiative, underscoring the value of hands-on learning in modelmaking.

 

“At Heatherwick Studio we are excited with the announcement of the Model Making Apprenticeship Program, a new initiative aimed at nurturing the next wave of design and architectural talent. We believe that hands-on making is at the heart of design. This apprenticeship program gives students the chance to dive into the art of model making and gain an entry point into the world of design.”

Jeff Powers (Senior Associate, Head of Making, Heatherwick Studio)

 

They believe that this programme will expand career opportunities and enhance the talent pool, ultimately benefiting industries ranging from architecture to film. The initiative offers a new pathway for aspiring professionals to enter the creative industry without the need for a traditional university education.

 

 

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JULY 2024

ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL MODEL MAKERS

 

The Association of Professional Model Makers champions the model making industry by connecting diverse specialists who offer services globally.

Established in 1993, the association unites experienced professionals, business owners, managers, students, educators, and select vendors to discuss all facets of the industry.

Their members hail from various fields, including architecture, industrial design, film and television, gaming, prototyping, exhibitions, and education.

The APMM facilitates opportunities for members to interact, share knowledge, expand networks and advance their careers, whether they are completing a degree or are a seasoned professional.

Their website provides a platform for posting jobs, advertisements and CVs, as well as engaging in discussions and asking questions on numerous forums.

They also explore the latest materials, tools and model-making methods, whilst continually reviewing and refining standard practices.

Consider joining the APMM to become part of a global network of model makers, gain insights from industry leaders and experts, and enhance your professional network.

 

 

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MAY 2024

SCENE-A-RAMA

 

This month we have introduces 3 types of Scene-A-Rama kits from Woodland Scenics.

The Theme Kits, are simple cardboard dioramas that are perfect for last minute projects. Theme Kits allow students to easily add a fun feature to school projects, dioramas, and displays. They consist of full colour printed structures and landforms include everything needed for quick assembly and are mess free with no scissors or glue required.

The introduced range includes: Castle kit, Energy Efficient Kit, Pyramid Kit & Volcano Kit

 

The Diorama Kits use easy-to-use materials and supplies to design and create the foundation and base surface for a project, display or diorama.

The introduced range includes: Mountain Diorama Kit

 

Project Accessories and Adhesives Kits provide glues & materials to build bespoke structures for architectural models, railway models and dioramas.

The introduced range includes: Building & Structure Kit

 

All these kits can be embellished with backdrops, figures and landscaping materials.

 

 

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April 2024

YE OLDE SPROUTING SPUDE

 

Taking inspiration from Max Fitzgerald’s post-apocalyptic wargame Turnip28, Savanh, one of the 4D team, built this model he called Ye Olde Sprouting Spude.

Built at 28mm scale, the design draws influence from late-medieval architecture, featuring elements of masonry, wattle & daub and Tudor-era timber framework.

The groundwork's masonry was meticulously crafted by sketching and carving the desired layout into four separate sheets of 5mm styrofoam.

Intricate details such as the windows, doors & timber framework were fashioned using balsa wood strips, balsa sheets and some steel mesh for window leading.

The chimney's brickwork achieved its authentic appearance through individually laid styrofoam bricks of varying sizes, lending a haphazard and asymmetrical aesthetic.

To enhance texture, the bricks were placed in a tupperware container with small jagged stones and shaken.

The roof tiles & lead flashing were cut from 1.5mm finnboard and 360gsm white card in a range of sizes & placed slightly askew to add further character to the piece.

The building was then painted with black paint & fine sand, to give a muddy base, then highlighted with a range of coloured acrylics & rust effect paint.

Finishing touches included hand-sculpted milliput barrels, green texture, grass tufts, Graean stone and a hand-carved pub sign to complete the immersive ambiance of Ye Olde Sprouting Spude.

 

Materials used: 5mm foamboard, blue styrofoam, balsa rectangular rods, balsa sheets, PVA glue, CA120 superglue, steel mesh, finnboard, 360gsm white card, black paint, fine sand, light bronze green paint, System 3 acrylic paint set, rust effect paint, Milliput, mid green texture, grass tufts, Graean stone, obeche sheet & black chain

 

 

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March 2024

HOME DECAL SYSTEM

 

Our dry transfer technicians recently put the Microset Home Decal System, currently available from our shop, through extensive testing.

The Home Decal System offers the flexibility of utilising existing artwork from books, magazines, clip art or original creations to craft personalised decals using either an inkjet or laser printer.

 

In our test, we used the Clear Laser/Photocopy Printer Decal Paper, though white versions are also on offer.

Following the manufacturer's instructions, we printed the artwork, cut out an individual design, submerged it in lukewarm water for 30-60 seconds, positioned it and slid out the backing sheet. A gentle dab with a damp cloth removed any bubbles and the decal was left to dry.

 

While we didn't use them in our test, there are additional treatments available to enhance the durability of a Home Decal System transfer:

• Liquid Decal Film - applied to protect printouts from smudging.
• Micro Set - enhances adhesion and conforms to the surface when applied before placing the decal.
• Micro Sol - softens the decal, allowing it to conform to more complex shapes or textures.
• Micro Flat - applies a protective layer, akin to a lacquer, over the decal.

 

We also created a similar set of 4D Dry Transfers to compare the two systems of decal production.

 

We found the positives of the Home Decal System include its affordability, quick production time, ability to produce multiple colours on a single sheet and versatility in creating decals with gradient, blended and multi-tone colours. Being a waterslide, the decal is also very forgiving during the application process, allowing repositioning until the it dries.

However, there are negatives, such as quality dependency on the printer being used, the lower resolution decals with less vibrant colours, the difficulty producing a white colour, loss of fine details and a visible raised border around the decal edges.

 

On the other hand, 4D Dry Transfers offer very sharp details and edges, the ability to produce fine details down to 0.1mm thick lines, strong solid colours and various finishes like matte, gloss, metallic, or foil. They can easily produce solid white artwork without borders or raised edges, providing a crisp painted or printed on appearance. Application is also quick and easy, with no drying time.

Drawbacks include the longer production time, higher cost, limitation to block colours, need for precision during application and the difficulty in applying larger single pieces.

 

Choosing between the Home Decal System and 4D Dry Transfers really just depends on the specific application. You certainly get a more professional finish with 4D Dry Transfers, but the accessability of the Home Decal System makes it ideal for mock-ups, prototypes & the hobby market.

 

 

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February 2024

HOT WIRE CUTTER

 

We have set up a space in our shop for customers to use our Proxxon Hot Wire Cutter.

Whether you would like to practise cutting, cut components for a project, cut up larger sheets for easier transportation or give the cutter a try before you buy, the Hot Wire Cutter is available to you.

You will find plenty of options for purchasing model making grade styrofoam and polystyrene in the shop.

We have fitted the area with adequate extraction and produced an information sheet for it's safe use.

To use our Hot Wire Cutter, simply ask a member of staff next time you are in the shop.

 

PLEASE NOTE: The Hot Wire Cutter is used at your own risk.

 

 

 

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January 2024

MODULAR TRENCH TERRAIN

 

This modular trench terrain was crafted in 29mm heroic scale by our workshop technician & gaming enthusiast Ben.

He meticulously designed the units with Games Workshop’s Kill Team in mind, though they're also suitable for any number of skirmish tabletop wargames.

Simplicity was key to construction, ensuring minimal interference with models on the tabletop, while providing ample artistic liberty for weathering and intricate detailing.

Everything used is readily available from the shop, with our laser service cutting the bespoke wooden elements from plywood, sparing hours of laborious crafting by hand.

Versatile in function, the boxes serve as exceptional scatter terrain, capable of being stacked for cover, scattered across expansive gaming tables for added intricacy, or utilised as strategic elevation in games incorporating such mechanics.

For gaming setups where a fully customised table might pose challenges, these modular pieces offer a unique touch to every game layout, enhancing the gaming experience.

 

Materials used: Dark grey styrofoam (main structure), 1.6mm plywood (boxes and laser cut parts), Zap-a-gap (assembly), 1.0mm clear PETG (bases, cut by hand and sanded matte for adhesion and to avoid sharp edges), Sandpaper (sanding foam and PETG bases), Fine dried 'silver' sand (for texture paste), Granulated cork (for texture paste), Fast tack glue (for texture paste + assembly), System 3 acrylic paint set, Satin black spraypaint (undercoat), Mid green flock (grass), Yellow green flock (grass).

 

 

 

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