On the Workbench

Projects featured on this page are works in progress.

This page answers one of the questions I am asked most often: "How do these models develop?"

Every finished model represents many hours that are never seen—research, CAD design, prototype printing, testing, redesign and refinement. The print itself is only the final stage of a much longer process.

Like listening to a piece of music, you experience the finished performance, not the countless hours of lessons, practice and composition that made it possible.

Designs, details and release plans may change as development continues. Some projects become finished models, while others remain valuable experiments that help improve future work.

Preston Temple Grounds

Status: First Prototype in Print

Expanding the Experience

The original temple model focused on faithfully recreating the building itself. During development, however, I began exploring whether the surrounding grounds could become part of the display rather than simply a base.

This project extends the model beyond the walls of the temple to include the recognisable landscaping, reflecting pools, pathways and perimeter trees that make the Preston England Temple instantly recognisable to so many visitors.

The aim is not simply to make the model larger, but to better capture the experience of arriving at the temple.

Alongside evaluating the modular design, this prototype is also being used to test marble-effect PLA filament. Its subtle speckled finish has the potential to produce a more authentic representation of the temple's light-coloured stonework and landscaped surroundings.

Development Concept

The temple building remains a complete model in its own right, while the surrounding grounds have been designed as a separate modular display base.

This approach means collectors may choose either:

The temple building on its own.

The temple displayed within its landscaped grounds.

Why a Modular Design?

Rather than permanently attaching the building to the base, the project is being designed so the two components remain independent.

This provides several advantages:

• Existing owners could potentially add the landscaped grounds to their current model.

• New collectors can decide whether they prefer the architectural model alone or the full display.

• Printing, finishing and transportation become significantly easier.

Current Development

The CAD design is complete and the first full-scale prototype is currently undergoing print testing.

The final design will determine whether the landscaped grounds become:

An optional expansion for existing temple models

Or a complete premium display edition.

No decision has yet been made, and feedback during development will help shape the final release.

Etihad Stadium – Manchester

Status: First Prototype Evaluation

The Challenge

The Etihad Stadium presents a different challenge from traditional architecture. Its sweeping roof, curved seating bowl and distinctive support towers require a balance between architectural accuracy and what can realistically be produced at miniature scale.

The current prototype explores how these complex shapes translate into a clean, robust 3D print while preserving the character of the original stadium.

CAD Development

Development of the CAD model showing the evolution of the roof geometry, seating bowl and surrounding structures before the first prototype was produced.

Lessons Learned

Roof surface – Layer orientation creates visible stepping across the roof. A revised print orientation is currently being tested.

Support towers – The spiral tower supports printed successfully but require minor dimensional adjustments for cleaner finishing.

Joint alignment – Small gaps have appeared where roof sections meet. The CAD model has already been revised to improve the fit.

Roof edges – Several corners require redesign to improve both strength and print quality.

If you've enjoyed this page and made it this far, why not click here to visit the Home page?

Discover the story behind John Teal | RJR, explore my architectural models, original artwork and the projects that inspire them, along with models currently available to purchase.

After all... every good tour ends in the gift shop!

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