About Us
Time Machine Designs
I'm Richard Blows, founder of Time Machine Designs (TMD) — thanks for your interest in our work.
I started TMD with a simple question: what if you could fly over history? Not a reconstruction on a museum screen, but a fully immersive landscape you could explore from the air, as it may have looked and built from the archaeological and historical record.
We formed in 2023 following the success of the Arrows Across America freeware addon for Microsoft Flight Simulator. The interest from the flight simulation community suggested an opportunity to create a completely new class of scenery addon, focused on reconstructing historic sites and landscapes. Hence, "Time Machine Designs"!
We have two objectives:
To develop third party content that can be downloaded and enjoyed by flight sim enthusiasts as a form of "virtual heritage tourism"
To explore the potential of the simulator as a tool for heritage engagement, education and research, using a "simulation as a service" model
Our approach is based on using the best research available to understand and then accurately reconstruct each site. Where possible we work with experts in the field to ensure that our design decisions stand up to scrutiny.
Our approach to product development is also unique. Over two years TMD worked with Boomsatsuma, a UK-based education provider specialising in game art, game design and creative technology. By working with students and post-graduates who had the right combination of capability, commitment and curiosity, we created freelance employment opportunities on our projects — giving them an edge when entering the very competitive UK creative industries job market.
TMD formed following the success of Arrows Across America. First major release, Hadrian's Wall 180, developed with advice from experts at Tyne & Wear Museums and Newcastle University.
Awarded Marketplace Partner status by Microsoft — formal recognition as a Microsoft Flight Simulator developer.
Hadrian's Wall 180 accepted as a Local Time Machine by Time Machine Europe — a network of digital projects reconstructing Europe's history.
Launched our "simulation as a service" offering to researchers, museums and heritage organisations. Find out more on our Heritage Partnerships page.
We are proud to be a corporate supporter of We Hear You Cancer Counselling — a local charity providing invaluable support to people affected by cancer.
Richard Blows
Founder & Creative Director, Time Machine Designs