For more than 25 years, Scaletech has built scale models for building promoters, project developers, real estate agents, industry, and museums. What once started as a passion for historic ship models has now grown into an internationally leading model workshop.
In Diepenbeek, a municipality in Belgian Limburg, we spoke with Gert Weytjens of Scaletech Maquette Atelier. His story begins when he was 11 years old and started building ship models, a hobby for which he has an exceptional talent. ‘Two years later, Sinterklaas could no longer bring more expensive construction sets. I built historic sailing ships for 18,000 francs. They were ready in a few months. When you were supposed to be happy with it for a few years.”
After a period of working abroad for his parents’ carpet company, he returned to his first love and started building scale models. Now, 25 years later, Scaletech has built hundreds of scale models for clients at home and abroad. The clients are building promoters, architectural firms, and turnkey firms. But museums, shipping companies, and manufacturers also come to Scaletech.
Details and durability
What makes Scaletech an international top player in model building is the quality of the work. Gert Weytjens and his team use the latest technology. CAD/CAM production with CNC-controlled laser, milling machines, and photo-etching ensures particularly lifelike scale models, where only the finishing is still done by hand. This detailing takes up the most time: the gutters, the joinery, the mini-interiors, all handwork for the finishing touch. In addition to the rich detailing, Scaletech’s models are also distinguished by their intrinsic product quality. Gert Weytjens: ‘Maquettes have to last until a project is sold. They move from offices to trade shows and back. During the day it is warm, at night it cools down. A model only needs one night to warp. Foam and cardboard are outdated. At Scaletech, everything is made of plexi.”
Scale models and engraving
Scaletech is also active as a builder of other kinds of scale models which find their way to restaurants, waiting rooms, clubs, and private interiors. Model-building enthusiasts can go to Scaletech for exclusive brands such as Pocher and Legrande. Another activity is engraving. Scaletech also distinguishes itself from other providers in this respect. As it is stated on the website: ‘That which no one makes yet… that is what we make our specialty. From that “old fashioned” copper nameplate, hand-colored with Chinese lacquer, to an exclusively engraved map of Reims that houses your collection of champagne “caps”. That nice logo or exclusive signage with Braille. An object “cast” in liquid acrylic, immortalized indestructibly.’
