  We describe the construction of string theory models with semirealistic
spectrum in a sector of (anti) D3-branes located at an orbifold singularity at
the bottom of a highly warped throat geometry, which is a generalisation of the
Klebanov-Strassler deformed conifold. These models realise the Randall-Sundrum
proposal to naturally generate the Planck/electroweak hierarchy in a concrete
string theory embedding, and yielding interesting chiral open string spectra.
We describe examples with Standard Model gauge group (or left-right symmetric
extensions) and three families of SM fermions, with correct quantum numbers
including hypercharge. The dilaton and complex structure moduli of the geometry
are stabilised by the 3-form fluxes required to build the throat. We describe
diverse issues concerning the stabilisation of geometric Kahler moduli, like
blow-up modes of the orbifold singularities, via D term potentials and gauge
theory non-perturbative effects, like gaugino condensation. This local
geometry, once embedded in a full compactification, could give rise to models
with all moduli stabilised, and with the potential to lead to de Sitter vacua.
Issues of gauge unification, proton stability, supersymmetry breaking and
Yukawa couplings are also discussed.
