MODEL MAKING

I spent the first twenty- five years of my working life as a full- time model maker and lived through the transition from traditional hand work to computer aided design and rapid prototyping.

A good knowledge of the old techniques is very useful, because there are still many instances where they can do the job better. A good example of this is when I create the free form shapes of the bodywork for a classic car, when only perhaps only a few photographs of the original exist. It is easier to make a scale model of the subject by hand and continuously refine the forms until they match up with the photograph. The finished model is then 3D scanned and digitised into the computer environment This model can then be manipulated and the ash frame can be designed. Using this data, the individual parts are then produced in house on a CNC machine.

PATTERN MAKING

When reproduction of a rare classic car, many unobtainable castings are often needed and 3D computer modelling and CNC machining has made this a lot more viable. Draft analysis, contraction rates and core boxes can be designed and proven before the parts are machined.

SCULPTURE

I recently set myself the challenge of trying to capture the likeness of Ettore Bugatti (1881-1947).

I was quite pleased with the result and have produced a numbered run of twenty editions of them in bronze, using the lost wax process.

FILM MODELS/