Hall of Fame
Much of what we do is in the form of client requested contract work. The staff of FX Models have official ties to the United States Government and as such we do a lot of work directly for the Navy and Defense Contractors. Below are just a few of the models associated with projects that we can show publicly. Projects that we cannot show are either due to National Security reasons or due to client requests.
1000 Leagues Under the Sea
Nautilus
This project was a custom model for a Chicago client. The Nautilus has a full wheelhouse with plentiful detail, a salon with a number of very nice details, and of course, menacing lighting to convey the malevolence of Nemo’s creation.
Space 1999 44" Eagle
What is it that weighs around 55 pounds, is made of resin, brass and aluminum, uses lots of spare parts from several types of spacecraft kits (such as the 1/24 scale Gemini from Revell), and would have been MUCH easier to scratch build than use the non-pressurized castings from the model kit? Thats right, a giant Eagle Transporter kit that we were asked to build for a client! If you recall, Space 1999 was a fairly popular series from the Gerry Andersen era. You remember the story right? A huge explosion kicks the Earth’s moon out of its orbit, sending it hurtling into open space. The adventures of the moonbase Alpha crew ensue and the series goes on and on. One has to forgive the lack of science in that concept and just enjoy the series for what it is. It brought us interesting spacecraft designs and cool plot lines that to this day intrigue a great many people.
Seaview
FX Models was asked to take part in creating this masterpiece of a display model by providing the laser services. The Seaview model is over 8 feet long, and has a complete control room with working computer display, other lighting and exceptional detail, much of which was laser cut. The control room could very well be a kit the way it was designed, and scaled for different sized Seaview models. Enjoy these photos that we took of the finished model.
Sea Hunter
Sea Hunter is an unmanned vessel designed to take on the role similar to that of the modern destroyer. While it is still undergoing sea trials, the principle idea behind the Sea Hunter is to do more with less. It’s a vessel designed to cut costs, and fulfill a variety of roles. This project was given to us as an opportunity to be the first to make the official model of this state of the art surface vessel.
DSRV Mystic
Continuing with our love of deep diving submersibles and submarines such as NR-1, the FX Models staff created this highly accurate model of the NAVY Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle, the Mystic, for a client that is similarly veined and who enjoys these craft as much as we do. This page shows some details of the master pattern prior to molding. Many of the finer details are not on the model in these images as the master parts were put together simply for photography.
The model is 24″ long, 4″ in diameter and is a very imposing display model with its intricate detail.
More finished and progress photos of the model are available by clicking the link just below.
NR-1
This deep submergence vehicle is the first and only of its kind to use nuclear power. Launched back in 1969, NR-1 has been a Navy Deep Submergence Vehicle that has demonstrated the ability to remain submerged for extreme periods of time. When the Challenger was lost, bad weather plagued recovery efforts and all of the rescue ships had to return to port. NR-1 remained on station, deep below continuing to photograph and survey the impact field. We were asked to create an NR-1 model that was unparalleled in detail and appeal. To that end, we put every plate, rivet, bolt hole, and light on the models. The imagery that follows gives an idea of the levels of detail we went to for this rendering of this venerable boat.
Fine detail was accomplished using acid etched brass fittings that we drew up intially and sent to an etching house for final etched parts. The entire NR-1 was drawn in CAD first from plans and imagery, and then the physical model pattern constructed.
LPD-17
USS San Antonio
The LPD-17 Amphibious Assault ship is a pivotal platform that brings together a common vision as foreseen by the Navy and the Marine Corps. The ships in this class of which 12 are projected, will have the capability to meet this new vision with a variety of offensive/defensive capabilities.
We were asked to create several models of the LPD-17, some very highly detailed and some as notional models only where detail is spartan by desire.
The images below show these Notional, less detailed models.
AGSS-555 Dolphin
The USS Dolphin (AGSS-555) is the Navy’s only operational diesel electric deep diving submarine. The keel for this amazingly versatile Navy baot was laid down in 1964, and the boat was launched in 1968. Oddly, during diesel operations, the only hatch on Dolphin must be open so that the diesels can breathe.
Dolphin is arrayed with an extensive suite of instrumentation to support missions such as acoustic deep-water and shallow-water endeavors. Dolphin was designed to be a test platform and can be modified to allow installation of up to 12 tons of additional equipment and instrumentation. This instrumentation can be attached to either the interior or exterior of the hull.
Many of the technological leaps credited to the US Navy have been achieved through Dolphin programs. Several of note are the deepest launch of a torpedo, first successful submarine-aircraft laser communications, evaluation of non-acoustic ASW techniques, and development of underwater Laser Imaging systems for photographic clarity.
FX Models was asked to create USS Dolphin in 1/72 scale ( 27.5″ long by 3″ diameter) by the US Navy. Dolphin complements our extremely popular and highly accurate NR-1 which has received critical acclaim.
Flash Gordon Rocket
This project was for a commercial for a national chain of retail stores. It is a Flash Gordon style rocket ship that was created in a 4 day span. There are laser cut wings, decals, and engraving detail, computer based color designs in the cockpit, and vacuformed hull sections.
CVN-65
USS Enterprise
We have done some very exciting work for Atomic Power Laboratories around the country. One asked us to create several models, one of which is shown here as it is a very interesting subject. This model was created using many commercially available components but was super-detailed with etched brass and custom laser cutting.
Virginia Class Submarines
We were commissioned to create a 1:64 scale NSSN. We did so using fiberglass and urethanes, using drawings provided. The stern section is still a matter of security so for public release we placed a ‘button’ on it in place of any type of propulsion assembly.
Shipping Containers
Fxmodels has been asked to create a number of Shipping Container models. In one case, we constructed a model of a specially designed payload with the standard ISO shipping container that would carry it. The container is the only part of this project that we can show. A clear window on one side (not shown) of the ISO container allowed a view of the internal arrangement of the payload. This container is a fully operable container, containing hinged trailer doors at the end, and functionally capable corner fittings. For display purposes, the corner fittings were slightly enlarged to illustrate them more clearly.
The Model was fabricated after the Sea Box 20′ x 8’6″ Dry Freight ISO Container and was constructed in 1/13.87 scale. Odd scale was due to the established scale size of the payload. Construction was accomplished by CAD drawing the box first, and then laser cutting the pieces and assembling using solvents.
The blue shipping container model was created for the US Coast Guard and is used for counter terrorism training. That particular model is even more complex and carries full detail right down to the smallest information data plate on the doors.
The Staff at FX Models would like to acknowledge and thank Sea Box, Inc for their wonderful support in the creation of this model. For your own real container needs contact Sea Box, Inc and let them help you!
Lafayette Class
SSBN Submarine
We created the USS Sam Rayburn, a Lafayette class submarine for a client. This page is meant to show the construction process and finished model. The model was turned on a lathe first to basic shape, and then hand sculpted to final cross-sectional form. Master copies of the planes and rudders were created using plastics and pinned so that indexing in the final model is instantaneous. Once we were ready with the CAD files of the boat detail, we lasercut the details into the masters and prepared them for molding. Molds were created of the masters after all details were engraved, and copies made from the molds.
Battlestar Galactica Models
Revell/Monogram Models commissioned us to create the box cover models for their re-release of the Battlestar Galactica Plastic Model Kits. We built the Cylon Base Star, Galactica, and the Colonial Viper and Cylon Raider models. No Decals were applied and much of the lining detail was painted on. Weathering was accomplished using airbrush and hand treatments followed by dull coat sealers. No lights were required but we had our ample fiber optic lighting standing by just in case!
Solar Systems
When a Science Institution asked for a large scale solar system model to be used in their on-site television studio, FX Models was able to create it quickly and employ its own astronomer/president to paint the planets accurately! Each planet was an acrylic sphere with mounting brackets in the top for hanging within the studio. Saturn’s Rings were a single sheet of circular cut acrylic sheet attached to the main planet via stand-offs.
Planet Restaurant Makeover
When an upscale restaurant in South Carolina wanted a makeover, we were asked to come up with a plan for making the restaurant, named Pizza Planet, look the part. This meant bringing together the design elements used in the interior construction of the building with a Solar System theme to make the dining experience memorable. Our large scale set of planets were created as full round and half-rounds so that some would hang from the ceiling while others would be protruding halfway out of the walls. We further added to the whimsical nature of the restaurant with rocket models in ‘flight’ in several places in the space above the diners’ heads.
The Pizza Planet management left the interior placement and design to us, and the words of the owner upon completion of the installation summed it up: “I am well pleased” …
Huntsville Science Laboratory Planets
We were commissioned to create a very large Solar System model consisting of all of the known 9 planets.The client was outfitting a Science Laboratory in Huntsville, Alabama and our planets were going to be the showpiece.
As with any project, compromises had to be made. In this case we made all the rocky planets between 18″- 30″ in diameter. Jupiter was 4′ across as was Saturn overall. Although this is not to scale, the vastly differing sizes of a scale model precluded it from having the desired impact. Secondary material was posted illustrating TRUE scale sizes of the planets relative to each other on the science floor below along the walls so this was a reasonable compromise in our view.
The project went very well, and the planets were well received. Each planet was painted with airbrush and hand brush to create a work of art, yet maintain a level of accuracy. For each planet there are details that match known details of the real places. Our kudos to master artist and key modelmaker Ed Miarecki for his talent on this project!
Iditarod Dog Sled
This 1/8 scale representation of a classic dogsled was created to commemorate those who take part in the Iditarod Sled Dog Race. The very first run originated out of necessity when a serum in short supply was needed to inoculate residents of Nome Alaska in 1925 to halt an outbreak of diptheria. Foul weather prevented aircraft from getting out of an originating airport in Fairbanks so Sled Dog teams rushed the serum to Nome almost 700 miles away. Residents received the medicine 128 hours later.
Today the race covers more than 1049 miles and mushers make the distance over a two to three week span.
The Iditarod commemorates this historic mission of salvation, and this Iditarod Classic sled commemorates those who took part then, and take part now, in reliving the adventure.
SSN23 USS Jimmy Carter
We were asked to build a USS Jimmy Carter for ceremonies surrounding the christening of the USS Jimmy Carter SSN23, the third and final boat of the Seawolf class. This boat is different from its sister boats, the USS Seawolf, and the USS Connecticut, in that it has an additional section inserted into the hull for special operations. The imagery provided here is illustrative of those design aspects of the Carter that are public domain. This model was created in a two week timeframe and is a highly accurate Seawolf class boat with a rendering of the new section inserted into it. This new section is visible through a clear section.This model was used for illustration purposes with former President Jimmy Carter and his wife former first lady Rosalyn Carter at a reception after the Christening event. Rosalyn Carter was the sponsor of the boat and christened it.
Battleship Office Space
When we embarked on the creation of our office suite, we wanted to have an office space that would be enjoyable to work in, exciting, and inspiring. What you see here is the realization of a number of ideas we had for what such a space should look like. We built this office space using traditional means, but then utilized our further background with ships and movie set design to turn our office into a full blown battleship office complete with a number of authentic details.
The battleship theme was utilized because we needed natural light flowing in from outside, courtesy of real WWII portlights or ‘portholes’ as they are typically called. Since submarines do not have windows, we figured a surface ship the next best thing.
Doctor Who Tardis Model
Who could have gauged the impact of an ordinary British Police Call Box turned time travel device on the imagination of the Public? The BBC was able to ply the fertile playground of science fiction with the Dr Who television series, which, broadcast originally from 1963 to 1989 is perhaps the longest running Science Fiction television series in history. Later a 1996 movie was made followed by a resurgence of the series which continues to this day. The TARDIS which is the “Doctor’s” ship travels through time and is disguised as an ordinary Police Box. Funny stuff! TARDIS supposedly stands for Time And Relative Dimensions In Space and this Police Box has gone down in history as one of the strangest time travel devices written into a story.
This model TARDIS, created for a client who is a big fan of the series, was made to reproduce the current TARDIS as it appears in the current series with the current Doctor. It is 1/6 scale so its approximately 14-15″ tall and Its function is to be a low level office night light lamp, a job that it does admirably! The TARDIS lifts off of the base so that the single light bulb can be changed. It was decided not to use LED illumination because the TARDIS should have a soft incandescent glow. The one bulb effectively lights up all four signs at the top, the light on top, and the windows.
Miscellaneous Projects
There are models we make for various reasons that we just call miscellaneous.
These are just a few of the more interesting ones.
(redirect fxmodels.com/subsgalore.shtml & fxmodels.com/misc-models.shtml to gallery page below. Formerly two pages combined into one gallery)
Special Note:
People ask us how we are able to obtain such accurate renderings of our models. For submarines and other real subjects, we have assembled a formidable research network over the years . This network provides us with the answers we need on virtually any subject. Whether we can share that information fully or not is a burden we must live with. Here we provide you with a view of our resources so you can see a sample of the type of information we typically gather for model making assignments. We are in the process of getting additional photo archives cleared for public display