SCALE MODELS UNLIMITED

Project:
Shasta Trinity Relief Map
Northern California
Client:
Formations Inc.
Scale:
1:63,500 metric
Size:
4' x 4'

A foam topo base is made into a relief map by pulling a fiberglass mold from it and then casting duplicate parts, or by vacuum forming from the original. An airbrushing technique is used on the finished part to highlight depths, water and vegetation. Graphics are applied to the surface before the model receives its clear protective top coating.

Scale Models Unlimited has developed and patented machinery for producing topographic models (i.e. foam topo bases) from contour maps. Our topo-cutting process saves labor hours and produces a significantly lighter model than using the more familiar techinique in which sheets of material are layered up.

Our service starts with simple stepped-contour topo bases for your use as a design tool. For planning agencies, investors and presentations to the public, the contour steps are sanded and aesthetic characteristics added. Some graphic elements, such as property lines and labels, are added to fully orient the viewer and provide a complete and effective presentiation tool.