Hi from a UK skyscraper fan

piginapoke · 10-09-2008

Hello everyone,

I'm Robin and for a while I've been into paper skyscrapers, having been inspired by SkyscraperModels.us - THE place for free build-it-yourself model skyscrapers.. Skyscraper modelling is a bit different from the normal plastic model kits but good fun. When you have a row of skyscrapers all the same scale, the different architectural styles can be fascinating.

I've set up a website to make available free downloadable mini versions of major skyscrapers. Check it out at the link below.

miniskyscrapers - Mini Skyscrapers

I've got just Canary Wharf in London on the website for now, but more coming soon, (when I can find the time!)

Let me know what you think of the site and model.

Cheers,

Robin

new to trains · 11-09-2008

what about st marys axe ( the gherkin?)

piginapoke · 11-09-2008

I've assembled a prototype of it, it's hidden away in the photo on my first message, 12th from the left next to Canary Wharf. I'll dig out the link to it but someone on skyscrapercity.com (i think) put it out as a challenge following someone's request for it.

It's a little fiddly with strip after strip to attach together and I've yet to see a textured version. Maybe I'll do one.

Trouble is, with the scale I'm using of approximately 1700:1 (as used by skyscrapermodels.us to make for a fair comparison) it ends up quite small compared to 11.75" of Taipei 101 (and near 19" of Burj Dubai)!

new to trains · 11-09-2008

oops, yes i see it now !

i have built several of the london skyscrapers but not in card !

i have also done the empire state, also the sony building the MET life and others from new york too...

piginapoke · 11-09-2008

In a word, WOW!

It looks like they're at Legoland Windsor? Do you work for Lego?

Amazing, I particularly like the Gherkin with its curved exterior. To get the smooth exterior is that a covering I see over the main lego structure?

new to trains · 13-09-2008

In a word,

yes and yes- i am senior modelmaker/ designer at windsor

the gherkin is 100% standard lego, there is a simple internal structure to stop it twisting out of shape and then simple a stepped stack of lego bricks to make up the exterior....

The second picture is ok the new york model skyline at legoland california...

Most hi rise buildings are at 1 to 30, 1 to 40 or 1 to 50th scale.. More conventional lo rise buildings in our model village we try to stick to 1 to 20th scale or as near as the bricks allow

we are building a legoland theme park in dubai which opens in 2011, so some interesting hi rise buildings are on the way....starting to plot and research them now, with build starting very soon after the drawings plans are approved !

piginapoke · 13-09-2008

I guess a lego model of Burj Dubai is going to make an appearance at Dubai as well as presumably versions of Burj Al Arab, Palm and The World?

Amazing models, I'm green with envy and my son loves your models.

piginapoke · 13-09-2008

The Gherkin is to be found here

STR's Skyscraper Models - Page 5 - SkyscraperCity

For other links check my summary of all other downloadable paper model skyscrapers

Skyscraper Paper Models - Website Links - SkyscraperCity

new to trains · 14-09-2008

i was in dubai about 5 yrs ago.....and got a guided tour round the burj al arab, - however so many new buildings going up there i think we will need to go again to update the research !

alan2525 · 14-09-2008

I've been to the top of the Hancock Tower and the sears tower, both mightily impressive! I actually thought the view from the Hancock was a little scarier, as it's nearer the lakefront and the surrounding buildings seem to emphasise it's massive height more than when looking down from the sears tower.

One thing that's interesting about these models in comparison is how they actually measure height, i.e. height to highest occupied floor, height to top of roof, total height to spire, including any antenna, Radio masts etc. It is a little amusing the see the lengths the architects go to get a few extra floors ontop too. Regardless of which is highest etc, they are all amazing works of civil engineering.

It's a shame that in the UK, we don't open more of these buildings to the public, and have public observation areas at the top, it's a case of terrorism winning, and we don't seem to have the same sense of pride or ownership with these tall buildings as in the states for example. Overhere they are very exclusive and just seem to belong to the closed in corporate world of banking.