How long does a model take?

Indicative production lead time runs in bands of 3-10, 11-30 or 31-45 days, set by content, functions and size. Sample confirmation, packing and international transport are scheduled on top and confirmed at scope stage.

Can you repeat or extend a model later?

Every project is delivered against a written specification, so repeat and extension work can be scoped from the original documents.

How a Custom Scale Model Is Made

Q: How much does a custom scale model cost?

Quoted by scope: size, complexity, materials, dynamic systems and repetition. Indicative bands start around US$140-7,000, US$7,100-14,000 and US$15,400-28,000 (ex-works, before international freight, duties and installation) and scale up with the project. Request a project-specific quote.

Every project runs through six stages — from requirements and drawings to packing, delivery and support. Stage durations depend on scope and complexity and are confirmed per project.

Start Your Project

How a project runs

Every project runs through six stages: requirements and drawings, technical scope and feasibility, proposal and quotation, design and specification approval, production with checkpoint inspection, then packing, delivery and support. Stage durations depend on scope and complexity and are confirmed per project.

The six stages

STEP 1

Requirements review

You provide: Purpose, destination, size range, budget, target date
We deliver: Feasibility feedback and how we would take it on
You confirm: Go / no-go

STEP 2

Technical scope

You provide: Scale, drawings, materials, detail level, dynamic features
We deliver: Technical scope and assumptions
You confirm: Scope agreement

STEP 3

Proposal & quotation

You provide: Confirmation of scope
We deliver: Written proposal: inclusions, exclusions, schedule assumptions, payment and change rules
You confirm: Quote approval

STEP 4

Design approval

You provide: Feedback on drawings, key sections, colors, lighting
We deliver: Design package and written specification
You confirm: Design sign-off

STEP 5

Production & inspection

You provide: Checkpoint confirmations
We deliver: Progress records; pre-assembly and function tests where needed
You confirm: Checkpoint approvals

STEP 6

Packing & delivery

You provide: Delivery address and site conditions
We deliver: Packing for transport, delivery and support
You confirm: Delivery acceptance

What is built into the model

Lighting runs, water systems and landform layers are made as separate systems before assembly.

Close-up of blue and green model lighting channels on a plant model

Water treatment plant model with green-lit basins

Partly finished relief model showing landform layers

Where the precision comes from

Colour is matched against the reference image on the bench, not estimated. Small parts are placed by hand, one at a time. Interiors are built out to the level of furniture and figures.

2.7s · silent loop

3.1s · silent loop

Interior cut-away detail of a furnished unit model with miniature figures, table and clothing rails

Which of these a model carries is fixed in the technical scope stage.

The build, step by step

Every model runs through the same production and quality workflow before it leaves the workshop:

1
Preparation
Collect the project materials — CAD drawings, renderings and landscape design plans — and convert them to model scale.
2
Base
Build the wooden base and apply the baked-on paint finish.
3
Terrain
Shape the landform in foam board and plaster, then treat the surface.
4
Buildings
Fabricate the buildings from ABS sheet and acrylic to the CAD drawings, with detail work and lighting installed as they go.
5
Roads
Lay the main roads in matte-grey stainless steel and the sidewalks in stone-look or tile material.
6
Landscaping
Set the artificial planting and landscape features for a believable setting.
7
Atmosphere
Install advertising neon and intelligent lighting systems to build the commercial scene.
8
Commissioning & acceptance
Commission the whole model so lighting and sound run correctly, then carry out final acceptance.

What to prepare before you ask for a quote

Purpose
What the model must demonstrate or explain
Drawings or references
Site plan, layout, equipment list, or reference images
Target size & scale
Footprint and height limits, preferred scale
Dynamic features
Lighting, motion, water, digital integration needs
Environment
Indoor / outdoor, public access, maintenance access
Timing
Target date and fixed events (openings, shows)
Budget range (optional)
Helps us scope realistically

If you do not have drawings yet — reference images and a written description are enough for a first review.

Cost & timeline

Scale models are quoted by scope, not by a standard price list. Five factors drive the cost of a build:

Size & scale: Larger footprints and finer scales require more material and labour.
Design complexity: Curved facades, cut-away sections and dense detail raise the build time.
Materials & finishes: ABS, acrylic, stainless steel and specialty coatings each carry different cost and lead-time implications.
Dynamic systems: Lighting circuits, water features, moving parts and digital integration add engineering and commissioning time.
Repeated elements: Standardised repeats (street trees, lamp posts, identical building modules) cost less per unit than one-off pieces.

Indicative bands start around US$140-7,000, US$7,100-14,000 and US$15,400-28,000 (ex-works, before international freight, duties and installation) and continue upward with project scale. Production lead time typically falls in bands of 3-10, 11-30 or 31-45 days. We review your project and return a project-specific quotation with the assumptions stated. The USD bands above are converted at a fixed reference rate for reference only; final pricing is quoted per project.

Frequently asked questions

Have drawings? Let's see what they can become.

Share your drawings, target size and intended use. We will review the project and outline the next steps.

Get a Free Quote