Model Making

Skills Passport

Week One

In our first lesson we focused on using the scalpels safely, creating a to 1:25 scale model of a 1-meter square. Getting the correct measurements proved a challenge as we had to allow for the thickness of the material however, after a few corrections to the size, I managed to create accurately measured sides that I could glue together to create a 1m scale block.

We also created a 1:25 scale figure based on our own heights which could be placed into any 1:25 set design for reference. Our final task for the session was to build a 1:25 scale model of a standard 2.44x1.22x4m steel deck using recycled cardboard. Although this material was thicker and more difficult to cut than mountboard it was still workable, and its sustainability makes it a good option for future model making.

Week Two

In our second session we looked at creating a model door using a printed template. We cut out a series of pieces that would be stacked to create an accurate 3D model of a door. The thin details on this door made it a difficult pattern to cut out therefore choosing suitable materials for each later was important as some were thinner and some thicker. We

After building the door, we cut out a piece of mountboard to be the wall, creating a space within it for the door to sit. Using masking tape, we crafted a hinge so that the door could open and shut, this allows the models to be highly accurate and for spacing within the show on stage to be clear.

Week Three

In our third week we used the same process as the prior week to create two windows, one which would be a working window that would be placed into a wall and another which we could distress.

The challenge this week was how thin parts of the template were, causing pieces on the interior of the window to break. However, using thin strips of masking tape, we were able to repair this. Although extremely fine work and I did have a few breaks I really lie the final outcome bringing my door and steel deck into one small stage piece.

Week four

Week five

Our fourth session involved creating a range of brickwork surfaces. We started by spreading ........ over the surface of our recycled packaging to create texture for the bricks. We then cut out all the squares and rectangles using our templates. We then had the tricky task of sticking down all the tiny bricks to create the pattern we wanted. Our last step was to add colour to our pieces, starting with a base colour and then dry brushing another colour over the top to show the texture from the filler we used earlier. I really enjoyed this weeks task as I enjoyed looking at the textures and painting our pieces as it was something we had not looked at yet within the sessions.

In our final session we looked at furniture having the task of creating two chairs, one using our scale rulers and skills from previous sessions and another using laser cut pieces that we would glue together.

This session involved extremely delicate pieces that I found difficult to stick together. Next time I would let each layer dry for longer before attempting another as I feel not leaving it for long enough left the chairs tacky and difficult to work with.

After coating the chairs with glue to make them more sturdy, We painted them using acrylics. Finally, we created a foamboard box for them to sit in so that they could be safely transported.