Custom Scale Models FAQ
1. Which industries do you build custom models for?
At Sela Projects EU, we create custom scale models for every industry, including defence and military, aerospace, transportation and automotive, maritime and shipping, architecture and real estate, heavy equipment, industrial machinery, medical technology, cosmetics and consumer products.
From aircraft, satellites, trucks and buses to ships, yachts, buildings and complex systems, we tailor each model to the product and its presentation goals. We produce reduced-scale, full-size and enlarged models for exhibitions, sales demonstrations, product launches and showrooms.
Each model combines advanced manufacturing technologies with precise hand craftsmanship, with close attention to detail and finish.
2. Can you create a custom model of any product, vehicle, vessel or building?
Yes. We build bespoke models of a wide range of products, structures and systems, from vehicles, aircraft and ships to industrial machinery, medical equipment, cosmetics and architectural developments.
We can reproduce an existing product or represent one that is still in development, using 3D files, technical drawings, photographs and other reference materials. After reviewing the information, we recommend the size, scale and level of detail to suit the model’s purpose, budget and required delivery date.
Every model is built around your needs, in the appropriate size and scale, with attention to the details that make your product distinctive.
3. How much does a custom scale model cost, and what affects the price?
The cost of a custom model depends on its size, structural complexity, level of detail, materials and required finish. Lighting, moving parts, screens and interactive features also affect the price, along with the quantity, packaging and shipping requirements.
After reviewing your reference materials and presentation goals, we prepare a tailored quotation. If you have a set budget, sharing it early helps us recommend a suitable solution.
4. How long does it take to manufacture an exhibition or display model?
Production typically takes 8–16 weeks, depending on the complexity of the model. Size, quantity and special features also influence the schedule. We confirm the timeline after reviewing the project requirements and reference materials.
If your model is needed for an exhibition or product launch on a fixed date, contact us as early as possible and allow additional time for approvals, packaging and shipping. For urgent projects, we will assess whether we can meet your deadline.
5. What files and information do you need to prepare a quotation?
To prepare a quotation, it is helpful to receive 3D or CAD files, technical drawings, dimensions and photographs of the product, where available.
Please also tell us the model’s purpose, preferred size or scale, quantity, required delivery date and shipping destination. Include any requirements for lighting, movement or other special features. You do not need to have every detail finalised before contacting us.
6. Can you build a model from photographs and drawings without a 3D file?
Yes. In many cases, we can start with photographs, drawings, dimensions and other reference materials, even when no 3D file is available.
We review the information and identify what else is needed to design and manufacture the model to the requested level of accuracy. More detailed references help us reproduce the product’s structure and features more precisely.
7. What model sizes and scales can you produce?
We manufacture small and large models in a wide range of scales, tailored to each project. These can include reduced-scale models of large products, full-size replicas or enlarged models of smaller items.
Dimensions are chosen according to the display purpose, the details you want to show, the available space and transport requirements. We can tailor a model for anything from a tabletop display to a large exhibition stand.
8. How do we choose the right model size for an exhibition, office or showroom?
We start with where the model will be displayed and what it needs to communicate. We consider the available space, viewing distance and the details visitors should be able to see.
Weight, packaging and frequency of transport are also important. We help you select a size and scale that presents your product clearly and effectively, within your budget and intended use.
9. How do you combine advanced manufacturing and hand craftsmanship to achieve high precision?
Our model-making process combines computer-aided design, CNC machining and 3D printing, as appropriate to the project, with precise manual assembly, painting and finishing.
We select the manufacturing method for each component according to its shape, material and required level of detail. This approach allows us to create accurate structures while giving careful attention to small details, colours, textures and the final appearance.
10. Can you add lighting, movement and interactive features to a model?
Yes. We can incorporate lighting, moving parts, screens and interactive elements, depending on the model’s design and demonstration goals.
These features can highlight specific components, demonstrate a function or illustrate stages in a process. During planning, we assess which options will best support your presentation, taking operating requirements, budget and display conditions into account.
11. Can you create a cutaway model that reveals internal components and systems?
Yes. Depending on the project, we can design cutaway models, removable sections or transparent areas that reveal the internal structure.
These options are useful for presenting machinery, vehicles, vessels, buildings and complex systems. Together, we identify which components to reveal and how to present them clearly, while considering the model’s stability and transport requirements.
12. Can we order a single model or a series of identical models?
You can contact us for a single custom model or a series of models, for example for multiple offices, sales teams or events in different locations.
Please specify the quantity when requesting a quotation, as it affects production planning, unit cost and the schedule. We can also explore different versions of the same model where required.
13. Do you make custom models for private clients?
Private clients are welcome to contact us with a custom model request. We assess each project according to the model type, level of detail, budget and required timeline.
Our service focuses on models made to order. Please share photographs or reference materials and describe the result you are looking for so we can assess the project and prepare a proposal.
14. Do you provide protective packaging and international shipping?
Yes. We provide protective packaging tailored to the model’s dimensions and delicate components, and coordinate international shipping according to the project requirements.
Please let us know in advance whether delivery is to an office, showroom or exhibition with a fixed receiving deadline. Packaging, shipping arrangements, costs and delivery terms will be specified in the quotation.
15. Are your models suitable for transport and repeated use at exhibitions?
Models can be designed for repeated use at exhibitions and events. If this is your intention, it is important to establish it at the start so we can consider structural strength, weight, delicate components, packing and assembly.
Depending on the model, we can also assess modular sections and suitable protective solutions. Early planning and proper handling help preserve the model’s appearance over time.
16. How is confidential product information and design data handled?
We understand that design files, drawings and technical information may contain commercially sensitive material. Before sharing files, you can discuss confidentiality and access requirements with us, including an NDA where needed.
Please identify any restrictions on file sharing, photography or publication of model images in advance so these can be addressed as part of the project.
17. How do we start a custom model project?
Send us a brief description of the product you would like to turn into a model, together with any available photographs, drawings or 3D files. Tell us where the model will be displayed, when it is needed and the size or budget you are considering.
We review your request, clarify the details and prepare a quotation. Once the order is confirmed, a dedicated project manager guides you through planning and production to delivery.
18. Our product is too large or heavy to transport to an exhibition. Can a model represent it effectively?
Absolutely. A custom scale model allows you to present products that are difficult to bring to an exhibition, such as industrial machinery, vehicles, ships and large systems.
We tailor the scale and level of detail to preserve the product’s appearance and highlight its key features. Lighting, movement or cutaway sections can also help your marketing and sales teams explain how the product works.
19. We have a fixed exhibition date. How far in advance should we order?
We recommend contacting us as soon as the exhibition date is confirmed, even if you have not yet decided on every detail. Production typically takes 8–16 weeks, depending on the complexity of the model. You should also allow time for planning, approvals, packaging and shipping.
Please include the date by which the model must arrive at its destination in your initial enquiry. After reviewing the requirements, we can propose a schedule and assess options for urgent requests.
20. Can you help us decide what to highlight in the model to communicate our marketing message?
Yes. When planning an exhibition model, we begin with a question: what should your customer see and understand about your product?
Based on your audience and presentation goals, we assess which details to highlight, whether to reveal internal systems and where lighting or movement could improve the explanation. This helps make the model a useful tool for product presentations and sales demonstrations, alongside its accurate appearance and finish.
21. Can the model be tailored to our exhibition stand dimensions and display design?
Yes. The model’s dimensions and positioning can be planned around your stand space, display base and visual identity.
Please share a stand plan or the dimensions of the display area, along with any available renderings. We consider viewing angles, access to the model and operating requirements so it fits the display and is practical to demonstrate.
22. Will the model include our product’s exact colours, logo and details?
Yes. We tailor the paintwork, markings and branding to your product and the agreed specification, paying attention to the details that make it distinctive.
For an accurate result, please provide current photographs, logo files and colour codes where available. The achievable level of detail depends on the scale, model size and manufacturing considerations.
23. Can you design a model that is easy to pack, transport and assemble at different exhibitions?
Yes. When a model will be used at several exhibitions, we take this into account from the planning stage.
Depending on its structure, we can explore removable parts, modular sections and packaging solutions that protect components and simplify handling. Please tell us who will assemble the model and how it will travel between events so we can tailor the solution to its intended use.
24. Will we receive photographs and updates during production and be able to approve details before completion?
Yes. Each project has a dedicated project manager who serves as your point of contact for questions and coordination throughout the process.
We agree on progress updates and approval stages as part of the project. It is important to provide feedback at the appropriate stage, as changes after manufacturing or painting may affect the cost and delivery date.
25. Can you recommend a solution that fits our budget?
Yes. A defined budget helps us recommend an appropriate size, materials, level of detail and demonstration features.
Together, we assess which characteristics are essential and where the model can be simplified while preserving its main message. Adjusting the scale, number of components or interactive features can sometimes provide a better fit for your budget.
26. What is included in the quotation for a custom model?
The quotation specifies the agreed scope, including dimensions and scale, quantity, level of detail, finish and additions such as lighting or moving parts.
It also clarifies whether 3D design, a display base, protective packaging and shipping are included, alongside the schedule and payment terms. This helps you understand what you will receive and plan your model and exhibition budget accordingly.
27. Can you show examples of models with a similar level of detail to what we need?
Yes. We are happy to share relevant examples of work that we are permitted to show, so you can assess the accuracy, paintwork, finish and detailing.
Examples may come from your industry or from another project with a similar size, complexity or features. Some projects are subject to confidentiality requirements and cannot be shared.