A retired Wilmslow resident and keen photographer has taken up a new hobby creating 3D models of some of the town's landmarks.
Having retired three years ago, Cliff Thurrell was looking for new things to do with his computer when he discovered SketchUp, a 3D modelling programme designed for architects, engineers and related professions. Designed for ease of use Cliff soon taught himself how to create 3D models which could be placed within Google Earth.
Cliff explained "The basic workings of SketchUp is to start with a square flat surface, pull it into a 3D box, add more boxes, circles and slopes and your building model starts to take shape. Then by adding photo images of the building you are creating your model on you cut and paste the photo textures onto the sides of your model."
Once Cliff is satisfied with his models he uploads them to Google for acceptance which can take up to six weeks.
He added "My learning curve was Wilmslow St Bartholomew Church, which was months in the making and my first model to be accepted by Google."
There are now over twenty 3D models of buildings from around the Wilmslow area which Cliff has added to Google Earth, including The Guild, the Quaker House and former church, various offices and shops along Alderley Road and Grove Street as well as St Teresa's Roman Catholic Church on Green Lane.
Cliff said "It's a slow project, I don't spend a lot of time doing it, about one week to a fortnight per model.
"If anyone sees me roaming round Wilmslow taking numerous pictures of your shop, pub or office, it's only me preparing your building for Google Earth."
You can see the town in 3D style, by viewing Wilmslow in Google Earth.
To view a selection of Cliff's models click 'next photo' above or play the slideshow.
