The 3d viewable above is on Sketchfab. It is best viewed on a PC or Mac with accelerated graphics. It may not work (or may be very slow) on portable devices
The site around Upminster windmill has been subjected to an archaeological dig, unearthing and uncovering the foundations of all the former out-lying buildings. This new information, and plans produced, together with historic photos from the FUW archive has enabled the entire site to be reproduced to an almost exact scale in the form of a digital 3D model. There is a little more fine tuning to do on the model, but it is now almost complete.
Rendered using Thea Render. Modelled using Sketchup
Rendered using Thea Render. A part of the meal floor looking towards the flour dresser, or bolter.
There are over 300 materials used, many directly taken from actual photographs to ensure realism is maintained.
Wireframe view of cap frame assembly and curb gearing. Potential use as wall art or background graphic.
Cap frame with textures. Potential use as wall art or technical with additional labels.
This model has been produced for the Friends of Upminster Windmill - a registered charity. It will eventually form part of the educational interpretation images on permanent display at the new visitor centre and museum, now being built by the mill.
The project began in January 2012, and is ongoing. Upminster windmill is a smock mill, one of the largest and most complete of its kind and was built in 1803.
Other models have also been produced in support of the project, to provide a little insight into the history of the mill and the milling family who owned and operated it.
The windmill now has funding from the HLF to fully restore the mill, and to make it operational again.
Original 1950's b&w photo of the Abraham baker's shop, that was owned for many years by the Abraham milling family. This was demolished a few years after the photo was taken to make way for Essex House, on Sation Road in Upminster.
Abraham Baker's shop, reconstructed as a model in Sketchup using Match Photo feature to ensure accuracy (compare hanging sign shadows with original photo!). Much research was done to reproduce full colour advertising as it would have been seen in the 1950's, to show new generations how colourful advertising was at the time. This has been set against the adjacent building as it is today, to illustrate exactly where it used to stand. No photos have yet been discovered showing who occupied the shop unit before HSBC bank moved in.
Other end of building demolished in 1950's, reconstructed from old 1950's b&w photo. Again shown against current adjacent building to illustrate exact location before demolition.
Basement of miller's house. Recently excavated as part of numerous surrounding archaeological digs. Reproduced as an accurate and photo textured scale model in Sketchup to preserve the scene. This will eventually be filled in to make a foundation for the proposed new visitor centre and museum at the mill site.
