The Many Aspects of
Building Cost Effective Quality Models
Models Are Communicators
Details do count, many people do not understand abstract models.  Many times models that aren’t detailed raise more questions than they answer.  It is just a fact the more detailed a model the more it communicates.  A good example of just such a model is Grando, OKC National Memorial or Southwest Medical Center.  Yes, quality models are definitely a needed communication tool for the successful sales and marketing program.

Metal Etching
     The metal etching process allows us to have strength and still have extremely fine detail on a variety of elements.  Examples of metal etching on our models are: people (at small scales), railings, steps, window frames, screens, antennas, signs, car parts (as pictured), fences, furniture, etc. Pieces can be etched on both sides or only one, plus all the way through the metal.

Laser Cutting/Scoring
     Different thicknesses of laser cut pieces can be layered to match raised or recessed areas.  The scoring technique is used to reproduce detailed and intricate patterns on surfaces without cutting completely through the material.

Digital Photography for Online Model Review
     Architectural Models can visually keep you updated on the progress of your model construction with our digital capabilities.  Current photographs

can be e-mailed so you can review details, color, etc., at your leisure on your computer.  This convenience can save you time, trips, and money plus making sure every aspect of your model construction is correct.

Wooden Base Frames
     Our hand finished solid wood frames
serve two purposes: (1) to hold the model and Plexiglas dust cover securely, and (2) to add correct proportions of weight and color when viewing each model.
Scale Accuracy 
We use many precision tools and some with calibrations to ten thousandth of an inch.  This precision is important when dealing with many measurements.  The inconsistencies and incorrect scale measurements can be easily detected by most audiences and positive credibility is established only with accurate scale.
Making Molds and Casting 
When we need exact likeness, to a particular scale and detail, we build masters to that scale, then mold and cast duplicates.  This procedure keeps integrity in achieving our “scale accuracy”.
Contours and Landscaping 
First we cut accurate elevations from a solid piece of polyurethane then sand and smooth to the exact site.  After the site is prepared we work at getting the vegetation to look just right and as natural as possible.

For example, most trees and shrubs are built from specification sheets having description, color, shape and size. Also, improperly modeled water features can ruin an otherwise good model.  We have several ways of achieving the appropriate and natural water look.

Color Matching 
Our many years of commercial art, fine art and photo retouching experience have been most useful in the area of color to scale.  We will work from color swatches to match color on all surfaces such as bricks, metal roofs, rocks, trim, wood, siding, etc. The color is a very important aspect when detailing a model, knowing the exact color for highlights, painting normal color areas to scale and making shadows appear to have a natural depth
Materials and Techniques 
Here are some of the materials and techniques we use to achieve unprecedented quality detailed presentation models:

  • Metal Photo Etching
  • Cyanoacrylate Cements
  • Vacuum Forming
  • Solid Wood Frames
  • Photo Transfers
  • Styrene
  • Metal/Plastic Lathe
  • Extruded Plastic
  • Custom Tinted Acrylic
  • Molds and Casting
  • Layered Laser Cutting
  • Fiber Optics
  • Brass Name Plates
  • Airbrushing
  • CAD Engineering
  • Cast Water
  • Exterior Acrylic Paints
  • Tinted Mirror Plastic

Service and Shipping
     With the use of fax, overnight mail and e-mail we quickly respond to all areas of the country.  We build our own sturdy shipping crates to meet our demanding shipping requirements and can ship air express depending on size to
most locations.