Saw these small "laser cut 3D models" at an A.C. Moore store. They are made by Fascinations at
http://www.fascinations.com/metalearth
They are steel and look very finely etched and cut. There are more on the Fascinations website than at the store. The prices at the store ranged from $5.99 for models like The White House, Kennedy Center and The U.S. Capitol, to $12.99 for various Star Wars items and frequently A.C. Moore has 50% off coupons.
The models are assembled by folding them. If examined closely there are small, very finely patterned areas that could become delicately textured surfaces on models of various scales, though more likely small scales. There are also small cut out areas for widows, girders and other parts that can be cut out individually and repurposed for very small details. Some models have potentially more useful areas than others. The three mentioned above are ones to consider.
http://www.fascinations.com/metalearth/360/mms032/index.html
http://www.fascinations.com/metalearth/360/mms057/index.html
http://www.fascinations.com/metalearth/360/mms054/index.html
http://www.fascinations.com/metalearth/360/mms001/index.html
Thanks for posting you have just taken care of a couple of Christmas gifts I need to get!
Paul
Paul, Glad to help.
I saw some of those at the counter when last at my LHS .. remember thinking .. ".. wow .. wish I had the ability to do that!"
Now I have to put bugs together for the Grandkids for Christmas!!! :)
Thanks Bill.
Jerry
Jerry, Any thing to help Santa:)