InfoLink - Model Airplane Construction

While not specifically film-related, I had a great time following the progress of the construction of this 1:6.5 scale Russian Su-27 fighter plane. Many of the construction techniques utilized in making this plane would be used to produce large-scale, film-ready miniutures as well. If you're into building miniatures and not just admiring them, you'll surely pick up a few construction tips here. The project is very well documented.

Su-27 Construction

InfoLink - Science Fiction Sets & Vehicles

If science-fiction is your thing, you won't want to miss The Model Builder's Reference Vault for information on some of the miniatures created for classic sci-fi such as Star Trek, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Gerry Anderson productions and more. There are several unique items, such as detailed plans and vehicles I haven't seen covered elsewhere, there are also plenty of behind-the-scenes images showing effects crews putting these beauties together. Lots to see and read from someone who has been admiring these miniatures for a long time.

Science Fiction Sets & Vehicles

InfoLink - Atlantis SFX

Here's a collection of photos from projects undertaken by Atlantis SFX, apparently somewhere in Germany. Various buildings, vehicles and structures get destroyed in miniature, with plenty of behind-the-scenes shots to whet your appetite. I especially like the Boeing 737 in what looks to be around 1/6 scale. Click the links at the top of the page to view the different projects.

The Model Shop

InfoLink - Miniatures at TheSign

Over at TheSign Digital Pictures Entertainment, they have a small gallery of their work that's worth looking at. Mostly sci-fi themed, and I don't recognize the movie (movies?) they are from. The background photo shows a builder detailing a large spaceship model and you can see the shelves filled with model kits used for kitbashing.

TheSign Digital Pictures Entertainment -LINK IS DEAD-

InfoLink - Practical Virtues: Three Physical Effects Artists Explain Why Business Is Booming

In this Digital Content Producer article from 1998, several practitioners of old-school special effects are interviewed about their craft, including several comments about model-making and miniature use. Even though nearly ten years have passed since this article hit, I don't think much has changed. The comments about the use of physical effects in a digital age still stand, despite the advances in computers and digital imaging. Miniatures still have their place in filmmaking today, and it's not yet a "dying art."

Practical Virtues: Three Physical Effects Artists Explain Why Business Is Booming