A custom physical scale model takes about 1 week of shop time for a simple study model, 3–8 weeks for semi-detailed work, 8–18 weeks for detailed presentation models and 18–30+ weeks for a large, complex development model. These are active shop-time ranges, not calendar delivery promises.
Study and explanatory models: about 1 week. Simple massing or layout models that make a proposal easier to discuss.
Semi-detailed presentation models: about 3–8 weeks. Buildings with site context, roads, landscape and recognizable finishes.
Detailed presentation models: about 8–18 weeks. More refined buildings, landscape, display bases, cases and optional lighting.
Large, complex development models: about 18–30+ weeks. Multi-building projects with many unique structures and extensive detail.
These ranges describe the active model-making labor. One shop day means one model worker spends eight hours on the model. Calendar time from approval to delivery can be longer because projects include back-and-forth with the client, reviews, approvals, shipping and scheduling. The actual elapsed schedule depends on the project and the timing of those decisions, so we discuss it individually rather than equating weeks of shop time with calendar weeks.
The amount of detail, source material, revisions, client review periods, number of people assigned and shipping or installation needs all affect the calendar. We will discuss a practical schedule in the proposal and keep you informed as the model moves through design, fabrication and finishing.
For a cost estimate alongside these ranges, see how much a custom scale model costs. For project stages, see how a project works.
Active shop time ranges from about 1 week for a simple study model to 18–30+ weeks for a large, complex development model. Calendar time can be longer because of client reviews, approvals, coordination and delivery.
No. Shop time is active labor. One shop day means one model worker spends eight hours on the model. Client back-and-forth, reviews, approvals, shipping and scheduling can add calendar time.
A detailed presentation model typically requires about 8–18 weeks of active shop time. The calendar schedule depends on project reviews, approvals and delivery.
Share the model’s purpose, available plans, display location and target date with Archetype3D. We will discuss a project-specific schedule and proposal.
Tell us what the model needs to show and when you need it.
Contact us