It’s finally done. This is a project most of you probably had no idea I was working on and its way outside what i normally build.  It took almost 2 years for me to reach the finish line but I finally made it.  I wish I could bring it to a meeting to show it off but it’s already in a display case in my boss’ museum (it’s also far too fragile to transport).

This was a commission build for my boss. He provided the kit and asked that I build it to look like the cutaway engines we build in the shop, so I used the same paints we used and marked things the way we would.  Its designed to turn if you build it unpainted, but in its current state it does not.  Regardless, he seems very happy with it, despite how long I took.

This build required every skill I’ve developed while modeling.  Filling, Sanding, masking, airbrushing, brush painting, 3D printing, and scratch building. I used model cements, super glue, and even epoxy.  I used Alclad paints, Vallejo acrylics, industrial lacquer, rattle cans, and I even decanted some other rattle cans to use the paint in my airbrush.  I did a ton of research, both online and in person.

I put in way more effort than I probably should have but in the end I’m very pleased with it.  I consider this to be one of my best builds to date, but it’ll probably never see a show because of how large and fragile it is.

I liked the kit so much I ended up buying one for myself abouta year ago.  Unfortunately, after how much work this was I doubt I’ll ever build it.  I need to go back to my ant-scale planes for a while….

-Chad

P.S.  Here’s a couple examples of cutaways that we make:

Also, I probably won’t be at the meeting on Saturday. I’m swamped with other projects and family stuff. Things should slow down for me before the NEXT meeting.