This architectural model of the U.S. Capitol Building includes lighting and a 72″ digital TV background for video, video player, and rheostat controls for lighting (diorama). The model was built by Richard Escarcega and commissioned by Charles Pedrotta, who donated the impressive piece to the Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum. Mr. Pedrotta requested that the model include a patriotic music video depicting different skylines behind the Capitol (day and night), along with various symbols like the American flag.
Richard is a technical illustrator, designer, artist, and a bit of an engineer. He has designed, rendered, and created logistical blueprints and components for a space shuttle. He also designed instrument control panels for Teledyne Brown Engineering. As a freelancer, Richard has worked for nationally recognized publications and contributed to feature stories involving celebrities.
Not a model builder by profession, Mr. Escarcega had designed and built a few small scale model homes back in the 70s. Richard was inspired early on by an exhibit that depicted the future, “Progress City” as it was first envisioned in the 60s by Disney as part of the “Carousel of Progress” exhibit.
Richard assembled, airbrushed, and weathered the model to look authentic in miniature. Charles saw the finished model and decided that Richard was the perfect man for a project he had in mind. Charles ultimately commissioned Richard to make him a miniature replicate of the U.S. Capitol Building. The finished model must be seen in person to truly appreciate all of the tiny authentic details, which includes miniature people roaming the steps and lending a sense of scale.
After high school, Charles signed up to become an Air Force pilot. His B-24 Bomber was shot down over Germany after 17 successful missions. He was taken as a POW through the end of the war. After returning home, Charlse formed his own construction company that he operated for 45 years before retiring in Carlsbad, CA.
