Simple Objective--Delivery Your Model in One Piece
Delivering your 3D scale model projects as promised is as important to us as the information we receive from clients to build it. Once webegin to discuss the details about your scale model’s plans and vision for its use, we start thinking about how it’s going to be packed, shipped and delivered.
Is it going to be fixed in place on a pedestal at its destination or is it going to be moved from place to place for temporary display? First and foremost in our mind is delivering the model to you the way it left us —in one piece. Believe it or not, some of the largest models are split into multiple sections that require some complex crating and packing for shipment. So delivering a model in one piece takes on a completely new meaning.
The painted sign on the custom built plywood shipping container for the model says, “Warning: Handle with Care.” Models are fragile and must be “handled with care.” When it comes to crating them for shipping we put a tremendous amount of time in building a suitably sized crate with foam padding all around and adequate support to enable it to survive in transit. Nothing is guaranteed so we always make sure models are insured when being shipped by freight carrier.
Two Types of Crates
We do not advise standing on your model's crate!
There are two types models and crates to ship them. The most common are the durable and functional plywood crates built for models of all types and that can be reused if shipping to trade shows at multiple locations. The second is a rolling “roadie” style crate like the ones used for musical instruments and for models that will be moved from one viewing location to another by the client to promote their project. These are a more elegant and easier for many clients to handle. Often these are used for smaller models that have to be brought into meetings and conference rooms.
Enclosures are Made of Plexiglass
Plexiglas display enclosures are different from the shipping crates models are shipped in. Custom Plexiglas enclosures protect the model for a longer life. People are curious and love to get their hands on the models in places like museums, showrooms or training centers. Enclosures keep “itchy fingers” from breaking them and altering their design. Practically speaking, enclosures keep dust off the models, or spills from staining them. Enclosures assure a longer life for a model--especially if you anticipate making changes to it in the future.
Case Study: Doyle Drive Model--Shipped in Four Roadie Crates
Last year, Dave Thorp, Manager of Design Visualization at Parsons Brinkerhoff, had us build a model for the proposed and planned changes along Doyle Drive from the Palace of Fine Arts to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California. It was a large model about four feet wide and twelve feet long with the designated purpose of being split into parts to be reviewed by different neighborhoods and stakeholders affected by the roadway changes.
Thorp explains, “initially it was going to be a one piece model but once we discussed how the model was going to be used, we decided split it into four pieces. It made it easier to move segments from one site to the next. So we had it cut into four pieces along different stakeholder’s neighborhoods and locations. With it being a long model this was perfect for moving around whether in a van or someone's car.” The “roadie” style crate was built with deep foam padding to protect each segment while on the move. The model was delivered complete with video packing instructions on how to unpack and assemble it too. So far, so good, twelve months later and no problems.
Case Study: Special Packaging Instructions for Legal Model
Recently, Bryan N. DeMatteo, Associate Attorney at Dickstein Shapiro LLP in New York requested a model to defend a client’s patent infringement case. Actually the project required two exact replicas of hospital nurses station pill picking systems to demonstrate the differences between his clients design compared to the claimants. The project was on a short time line to begin with but needed to be shipped overnight plus two models had to ship together. The utmost care was taken to assure the models would be delivered whole and on time to DeMatteo. This time instructions were built-into the crate in order that it could be unpacked and assembled quickly. Ultimately, DeMatteo was able to assemble the model in court and win the case on his client’s behalf.
Remember, the sign stamped on the outside suggested, “Handle with Care.” Crating our models for shipping is as important as building them. Delivering your project in one piece as requested is our priority from the day you sign the contract with us to build your model.
In this fatal rollover accident there was disagreement about how fast the car was travelling and the number of rolls it took before being stopped. The plaintiff's counsel requested the construction of this model to represent the facts. The key argument in the plaintiff's case were illustrated, showing that the forces at work caused the seat belt worn by the victim to release during the accident. The first trial was thrown out due to juror misconduct, yet the use of a professional scale model had made an indelible impression with the defense’s counsel. The case settled prior to going to trial a second time around. The plaintiff’s counsel are certain the 3D physical scale model demonstrated the facts about what happened and resolved any disagreements so a settlement could be reached.
Jury members young and old can easily relate to a model. When the subject is uncomfortable, gruesome or complicated a model bridges the emotional gap connecting the jury in a personal way to the perspective you are presenting. A model clearly explains difficult points and subjects in a comfortable and easy to grasp format.
Models are a defining presence in the courtroom. After all other presentations are complete and materials are put away, the model is still present and in front of the jury. The model becomes an easy reference tool throughout the case clarifying and enhancing testimony without having to find a document or visual.
Complex ideas and designs are more understandable and accessible to the general public with a model. A model is essential where understanding complex equipment is the key to winning the case. Attention spans are short. Not only do you need clarity, but also showmanship to make your points stick in the jury’s minds. A model is often the single best device to amplify critical case points and reinforce complex concepts.
We have delivered models only to hear days later that the case is settled and not going to trial. Settlement out of court is the preferred outcome for many cases and a model can become significant leverage in the settlement negotiations.
Craig Martin -President 
