Bringing a Picture to Life
Oftentimes, our clients want to see a piece of home or a cherished memory duplicated in miniature on their diorama or train layout. This is usually a structure, vehicle, or landscape that has precious memories or other personal significance.
How do we bring that memory to life?
First we ask for a photograph or any other reference data that may be avilable.. Photos are great reference sources for us, especially if the place no longer exists, or has changed significantly. In most cases, more detailed references such as site plans, architectural renderings, blueprints, etc, are extremely useful as well.
Next, we make some estimations as to size based on things we can easily pull from the visible data, perhaps there are people in the picture, or doors that we can get height from, cars, hydrants, etc.
From our size estimate, we must determine if the entire structure can be represented as-is, or whether we will need to make an idealized version of the structure, capturing the really interesting and distinctive details. At this point, we and the client will decide on a size that the structure must fit into and a scale (fraction of the actual size) for the structure.
Now we can start sketching out the building itself. Depending on the complexity of the building, this can be in AutoCAD, professional 3D software, or a combination of these techniques. Here we take the distinctive features and try out different combinations to find the most aesthetically pleasing alternative before any material is purchased or cut.
Once the client has approved of our proposed version of the structure, we can get to work. We break down the AutoCAD design into parts that we can cut by Laser or CNC cutter as well as other detail parts and components that need to purchased to bring the picture to life. Parts can be made from wood, acrylic, metal, or just about anything we can obtain. Custom textures are added, repetative components are molded and cast. Soon it's time for paint and final assembly.
Finally custom graphics and scenery help set the time and place, and the memory comes to life.
Can we bring your special memory to life? Just Ask...
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