Making the Scaled-Up Component

Jan 26, 2018
2 min read

With all of the relevant research, designing and technical planning complete, I am now ready to begin creating the scaled-up component: a pull-down blueprint. Below is a brief gallery of the process so far. As mentioned before, this particular sub-project requires the learning of 2 new skills; metalwork and the faux creation of a digital blueprint. I've decided to create a rigid backing to the prop in order to keep everything in place and to avoid the blueprint deteriorating over time.

1:25 Model Making
Initial Blueprint Sketch
Final 1:25 Outcome

Above: An overview of creating the 1:25 component.

Above: Ink and watercolour illustration of the two perspectives.

Above: Technical Drawing for the scaled-up component.

The process of creating this scaled-up component is made up of simply 3 stages; making the digital blueprint, some metalwork to create the rods, hook and handle, and finally, connecting all of these together through welding and glueing - with the addition of a thin backing of metal.

Below I have documented this process step-by-step.

Step 1: Creating the Digital Blueprint

Above: The sketch to be transformed into a digital blueprint.

All credit for the following technique goes to Chris Spooner who posts really helpful tutorials on his website - the specific address for this tutorial can be accessed here.

Creating the Canvas
Adjust Image
The Outcome
Creating the Right Colours
Blending Mode
Creating the Grid
Creating the Grid
Applying the Grid Pattern
Create a Border
Dust Effect
Paper Effect
Paper Effect
Paper Effect
The Outcome so Far
Creating the Graph
Creating the Graph
Working into the Blueprint
Adding Text
Adding Text
Adding Text

Above: Process of creating the fake blueprint.

Above: The photoshop outcome.

Changing the Mode
Checking Resolution
Saving the File

Above: Optimising to print.

Step 2: The 3D Making & Painting

Before starting on the metalwork, I decided to make a cleaner technical drawing of just the metal components. The blueprint above will simply be printed off and attached to this structure.

Above: 'Pull-down chart' technical drawing [excluding blueprint].

Today I went into the metal workshop to discuss the technical drawing with the technicians. It soon became clear that creating it all in metal was overcomplicating things a bit and that balsa/mdf would do the job just fine. I had considered using wood before, but I was just keen to get to grips with manipulating metal. This choice will be much better in the long-term; I'll gain some independent practice in the wood workshop and practice faux painting on a larger scale. It also makes the attachment of the blueprint to the board much easier. I have create a new technical drawing below accomdating these changes, along with a correct scale and presentation.

Above: An updated technical drawing for the pull-down chart.

Below you can see the process from creating the parts, assembling them and painting them.

Creating the Handle
Creating the Handle
Creating the Handle
Making the Rods
Making the Rods
Making the Board
Drilling Holes for the Handle
All of the Components
Sealing the Wood
Base Spray
Filling In
Milliput
Milliput
Joining
Joining
Corrections
Extra Support
Fully Assembled
Painting the Body
Painting the Metal Parts
Painting the Metal Parts8
Painting the Edges
The Back
The Front

The Final Outcome

[In order to attach the A3 printed image onto the wooden board, I simply applied an even coat of PVA to the wood and slowly lay the paper down - making sure to get rid of any excess glue.]