Magic Kingdom Model update and question

[modelbuilder]

For those that are interested in the progress in the 1:400 scale model of the Magic Kingdom I have been working on, here is an update:
The overhead detail map is complete. It consists of about 20 11"x17" seperate sheets and when put together show my whole park in the actual size the model will be.(5 ft x 6 ft) On recent trip to the Magic Kindom, Disney World, I took nearly 800 photos for reference in addition to the roughly 1000 pics I have on a CD that I have saved from the internet. I have drawn in every detail from lamposts to railings and fences and waterfountains.
I have now begun the drawing the 3-D views of each seperate building and piece in the park. It will take me probably 5 or 6 more months to finish drawing all of my plans and schematics. Everything is being drawn right down to the corrcect railing types to every window on the different structures.
Sorry nothing to take pictures of yet as it still only exists on a large stack of paper plans and in my mind.
One area I am lacking good photos of for the design is the entrance area before you go under the train station and enter the park.
Does anyone have any pictures of the building fronts to the two buildings on the outer side of where you actually walk under the train station and into the Magic Kingdom? I have plenty good views overall but none that I can really make out the window/ door details of the actual buildings. the overhang makes much of this detail too dark to make out. This area includes the stoller rentals, guest relations etc. any help would be appreciated. thanks!!!

 

[wdwcrazy]

Wow, that sounds like a lot of work. Keep us updated and show us some pictures too!

 

[wdwmaniac]

Sounds cool. What are you going to make the model out of? (Like wood,clay,lego?)

 

[DisJosh]

Sounds like this is gonna be a lot of work! Is this like a digital model or are you constructing something? Good luck!

 

[Al]

Good luck matey!

 

[Coronado]

This sounds like a very worthwhile project.....Good luck....by the way.... what is next MGM, AK, or EPCOT? Do you have any pix of the other side of the MK? What about Utilidors, service areas, etc?

 

[Maria]

I would LOVE to see your model!! Please let us know when its ready and post pics!
Good luck!!

 

[WDW-Imagineer]

Originally posted by Coronado
This sounds like a very worthwhile project.....Good luck....by the way.... what is next MGM, AK, or EPCOT? Do you have any pix of the other side of the MK? What about Utilidors, service areas, etc?

Great question... I would like to know if you are including "back-stage" areas of MK.

 

[modelbuilder]

model

Sorry, I have been in Iceland for the last two weeks. As for the model: I am not including any backstage or unsightly areas. I will instead fill them in with trees. also some of the buildings that extend way beyond the part you are supposed to see will also be reduced and replaced with trees. ie the large "warehouse" behind the haunted mansion and the back of the Small world ride. My goal is to have a very accurate model of the Magic Kingdom while making it appear as it is supposed to be seen by guests. the buidings housing rides like "pooh" and "country bear jamboree will be accurate as all sides have detail visible to guests. I may paint the roofs of these lare buildings a dark gray and will not include airconditioning units etc that are on the actual roofs as those parts are not meant to be seen and will distract from the other parts.

 

[woofboy111]

I've always wanted to start on one of those models, but something that huge seems overwelming to me. Do you have any idea how much this thing will cost you by the time you're done with it??? Will the rides that can be seen from the outside be working models??? Are you going to include retired attractions (like 20000 legues)???

 

[modelbuilder]

It is a very large project that will take a couple years to complete. I have been building things like model railroads and sculpting scale figures for years and have aquired many skills in modeling and this project is still a difficult one.
the cost, while spread over a couple years is still high.
I have already spent a couple hundred dollars on film and developing for the 800 pictures I took at the park. (i wont even count the trip in the cost, even though my wife does)
the custom brass etchings for every rail, window and ornate detail in the park will cost a few hundred dollars but will be well worth it.
overall, I estimate in the couple thousand dollar range. but again spread over a few years, it is not too bad.
the design is difficult because every inch of the park has to be meticulously drawn out from every angle so all of the details can be etched in brass at the same time. but building the model can progress as small sections one at a time.
the only possible working rides will be the rockets, dumbo etc. and that i am still not sure if it is worth the effort.
after much thought, i decided to build it as it looks today, but will be built on almost a large jig saw puzzle base that parts can be removed and updated as the park changes.
I am very excited about the progress even though is is all on paper right now(a very large amount of paper)