Welcome to my “3D Modeling & Printing” Page. In this webpage I will try to provide you some idea as to what I am learning about the world of 3D Modeling & Printing, how it can be applied to my Balsa RC Model Builds, and as my wife said - “make toys for our grandchildren.”

  For many of the projects the descriptive information and images taken during my printing/assembly are contained in a separate “3D Print/Assembly Description” which you can access through a link provided at the bottom of the project section. If anyone has suggestions, recommendations, or questions about this new webpage or any of my 3D projects, please feel free to contact me @: 3D Modeling & Printing Input.

OA-1K Skyraider II 3D Modeling Efforts

 In all my 37+ years of building Balsa RC Models, I had never entertained the idea of using 3D Modeling & Printing to build some of the parts for my RC scratch builds. Well, all that changed when I decided to scratch build the OA-1K Skyraider II.

 Given that my OA-1K scratch build would require a wide selection of ordnance and a targeting pod hanging below it's wing, this presented a new problem as to just how I would build those. So, I started looking for some ordnance models to purchase, which rapidly introduced me to all the stuff available using 3D Modeling & Printing. The more I searched the web for related information the more I realized that I needed to learn how to build 3D models and generate the files I would need for 3D printing.

 To do this I first needed to learn how to use a 3D CAD program that would produce the “STL” (stereolithography) file required for 3D printing. So, I was off again learning yet another new computer program and jumping feet first into the world of 3D modeling.

 As you can see from the images below, I have spent many hours learning how to build 3D models and learning how to use a very nice Creality Ender-3 V3 3D printer to produce the various 3D printed parts I needed for my OA-1K Skyraider II scratch build. To learn more about what all I have learned, and produced, please take a few minutes to page down through my "OA-1K Skyraider II 3D Modeling Efforts" document.

OA-1K Skyraider II 3D Modeling Efforts.

OA-1K Skyraider II Build Description.

See All Images Taken During my OA-1K Skyraider II Scratch Build.

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First 3D Models off My Ender-3 V3 Printer

 Setting up the Creality Ender-3 V3 printer was straight forward, simple, and clearly explained in their instructions. The Ender-3 V3 comes in highly pre-assembled modules. Even a first-time 3D printer user like me can put it together within 10 minutes. What is really nice is the one touch auto-calibration feature. I would recommend putting some thread lock on the machine screws that connect the gantry to the base.

 To try out my new printer I searched the web to find a couple models I could make for my grandchildren August and Everly, and their father (my youngest son) Ryan. For Gus I found Minecraft Steve by LinkMertens on Thingiverse, for Everly I found a Cute Unicorn by Hannah Bauer on Printables, and for Ryan I found a Musical 12 Hole Ocarina-flute on Thingiverse.

 I took each of the 3D model STL files, ran them thru Creality Print 6.2, and the three images below show you the first 3D models off my new 3D printer. Gus and Everly are now looking forward to finding other models I can print for them, and Ryan needs to learn how to play the Ocarina. The Ocarina (otherwise known as a potato flute) is a wind musical instrument; it is a type of vessel flute. Variations exist, but a typical Ocarina is an enclosed space with four to twelve finger holes and a mouthpiece that projects from the body.

Secret Butterfly Box

 While I was busy printing out all the parts needed for the Dark Techno Isopodius Transport/Tank, Carolyn next found a very nice 3D model for our granddaughter Everly. As shown in the images below, for our second project we will work together to build a Secret Butterfly Box. This was designed by 3DPRINTINGWORLD and found on the web @: Thangs.com.

 Source of Images: Thangs.com.

 This is a remix of the Korean Secret Box. Its a secret puzzle box. There is a secret way of opening it... First you must find the hidden key... Then you must find the key hole...

 According to the designer, once we have all the parts printed, we can view the Assembly Video containing the assembly instructions. Besides the printed parts we will need one piece of 1.75mm filament 5 inches long, a standard pen spring, and some super glue. There also is a How to Open Demonstration Video.

 I started this project 3D printing the spring with Clear Creality Hype-PETG, and then the key with Giantarm Silk Metallic Silver PLA 3D printer filament, a 0.4mm printer nozzle, and my custom Creality Print 6.2 slicer settings for Silk PLA. Once those were finished I then printed the key tray using Creality White Hyper-PLA. All of the remaining 13 parts for the Secret Butterfly Box were printed with Pink ELEGOO PLA+ 3D printer filament using a 0.4mm nozzle.

 The left image below is a screen shot from Creality Print of the print status for the box middle section. As you can see in the upper left of the image, this was taken at 1 hour 25 minutes into the print, with 1 hour 19 minutes remaining, or 46% complete. The right image shows the results of all the 3D printing. Now to review the Assembly Video and put this project together.

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Majestic Pegasus Statue

 During a recent web search I found a very nice 3D model for my granddaughter Everly. She loves horses, so when I stumbled on the Majestic Pegasus Statue on Makerworld.com, I just had to make this a new 3D project. The free model is from the “Triple G Workshop” and had many very nice comments, ratings, and images from other 3D modelers.

 This project was printed from a single STL file (23.7 meg) on my Ender-3 V3 printer using some Panchroma Gradient “Translucent Rainbow” PLA filament I had received for a Christmas gift from my oldest son and daughter-in-law. I set up the model in Creality Print at a 200% scale with a profile of Organic Tree supports on the build plate only, a 0.2mm layer height, with 3 walls and a 16% sparse infill density, using a 0.4mm nozzle. As you can see in the Creality Print screen capture image below (Click on the image to enlarge), this resulted in a print time of 7 hours 49 minutes, using 68 meters of filament at a total weight of 203.5 grams.

 After carefully removing all the tree supports, as shown in the next two images my resulting 3D model turned out pretty nice. I think Everly will be very happy.

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Haunted Skull Key Holder

 This project is a gift for my daughter-in-law. She loves Halloween and has all kinds of decorations she puts out each year, so I figured I'd make her something she could add to her collection. I found the nice wall mounted Haunted Skull Key Holder in the left image below @ Cults3D. This is from EternaForm3D, and I believe it is a remix.

 I setup the single STL file in Creality Print 6.2 using a 0.4mm nozzle, 0.2mm layer height and eSun PLA+ Bone White filament. The only modification I made was to slice off some of the backside to remove the protruding skull so the final piece would hang flat against the wall. Even at a 200mm/s print speed, the single piece part you see in the right image took 8 hours and 21 minutes to print. I think it turned out pretty nice, and I know she will love it. Now all I need to do is paint the stone background with some flat black acrylic paint.

 Source of Left Image: Cults3D Haunted Skull Key Holder Webpage.

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Beetle “Ring Holder” Boxes

 Carolyn found a couple more items that she wanted me to print out for Christmas gifts. The first one is a ring holder modeled as a Beetle. The STL files can be download for free from Cults3D, and comes in three parts that easily fit together! At 100‰ scale it fits a small ring. I 3D printed this model using my Creality Print 6.3 0.1mm Silk-PLA profile settings with a 0.4mm nozzle and ELEGOO Dual Color Blue Green Silk PLA filament. You can order this shiny 3D printer filament on Amazon or the Elegoo website. Total time required to 3D print all three parts shown in left image below was 6h 32m due to the thin 0.1mm layer height and slow print speed (50mm/s) needed to obtain a nice shiny finish using Silk-PLA. The final results after assembly are shown in the middle and right images below.

 The other item is also a ring holder, but this time the model is a Scarab Beetle Box styled after the “Egyptian Revival” of the 19th and early 20th centuries rather than Ancient Egypt. To the ancient Egyptians, the scarab beetle was symbolic of the sun (Ra) moving across the sky every day (the beetle rolling a ball of dung was seen to represent this). This model has a stylized beetle with a winged Ra between his two front feet. The STL files and assembly instructions can be download for free from Thingiverse. There also is a Remix available at Scarab Beetle Box Remix, that adds holes for mounting four neodymium magnets (4x2mm) to a couple parts.

 This model comes in 12 parts that easily fit together, and at 100‰ scale it fits a ring. The Scarab Beetle Box is a small model with a secret compartment which is accessed by pulling back a “secret drawer” and opening up the beetle's wing case. The box is locked by closing the wing case and pushing the drawer back into place. For this model I again 3D printed using my 0.1mm Silk-PLA profile settings with a 0.4mm nozzle. For most of the model parts I used GIANTARM Gold Silk PLA filament, and for the small jewels and wings I used ELEGOO Dual Color Blue Green Silk PLA filament. Total time required to 3D print all 12 parts shown in left image below was 11h 46m, again due to the thin 0.1mm layer height and slow print speed (50mm/s) needed to obtain a nice shiny finish using Silk-PLA. Some much for having a 3D printer capable of 600mm/s print speeds! The final results after assembly are shown in the middle and right images below.

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SpaceX Starship 1:200 Scale Model

 When I told my youngest son Ryan about my new 3D printer, he asked me if I could print him a 3D model of the SpaceX Starship for his work desk. After doing some web searches, I finally decided on a 3D model from Kmobrain - AstroDesign3D, which is located on the Printables website.

 The SpaceX Ship “Starship S24” and Booster “SuperHeavy B7” model is a highly detailed 1:200 scale reproduction of the rocket currently under development for SpaceX's space transportation missions. The model consists of several pieces printed separately, which are easy to print and assemble. The finished model dimensions are approximately 25cm high and 9cm wide for the Starship S24, and 35cm high and 8cm wide for the Booster B7. There also is an updated version of the Starship which is based on Ship S33, and the Starship Hot-Staging Ring.

 Source of Images: Printables.

 I downloaded all the STL files for both the original Starship/Booster and and the updated version 2. These are very nicely done models. I had no problems using them in Creality Print and only had to make minor size adjustments to the couplers to get the all parts to fit together properly. I printed all the black parts using Creality Hyper-PLA with a 0.4mm printer nozzle. To get a nice silver metal color, I printed all the metal parts using Giantarm Silk Metallic Silver PLA 3D printer filament using the same printer nozzle.

 All the parts in the image below took 30+ hours to print, ranging from under a minute for the smallest parts to just under 4 hours for the large parts like the Starship and Booster tanks. This does not include the time to set-up the models in Creality Print. I will update this section once my son completes the assembly of his SpaceX Starship model.

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Flying Dragon Book Nook

 While talking to our mail-lady I happened to mention that I had gotten a 3D printer. When delivering my order of filaments, she asked if I would be willing to print out something for her. I told her that if she could provide me with an image of what she wanted, or a link to the image, I would see if I could find an STL file to print out her 3D model. Well, when delivering our mail several days later she showed me an image of a “Flying Dragon Book Nook” that was listed for sale on Etsy. After doing some web searches for similar items, I finally found a nice 3D model on Cults3d.com.

 Source of Images: Cults3d.com.

 Below you can see an image of my 3D printed “Flying Dragon Book Nook” trying to burn the books on my daughters-in-law's bookcase. It turned out pretty nice I think, and she really liked it.

Flying Dragon Book Nook 3D Print/Assembly Description.

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Miss Vintage WW1 Pilot Bust & Spandau Machine Guns

 As I had indicated in My Miss Vintage Build Description, the selection of the pilots bust was still an open item for that build. I also had not planned to put any machine guns on the model due to their high prices to purchase, but now that I have my 3D printer, both of these items can be addressed.

 For the pilot bust in the left image below, I found a WWI style pilot made by workshopbob using the body of Manfred WW1 Model Pilot Burst. This was found on Thingivers.com, and for the Spandau MG08 machine guns in the right image I found a 3D model by Wersy on Cults3d.com.

 Source of Images: Thingivers.com, and Cults3d.com.

 I imported the STL file I download for the pilot bust into Creality Print and adjusted the settings to scale the model for my Miss Vintage cockpit. The image below on the left is the print preview for the pilot bust. Note the print time of just over 49 minutes. The results of the printing using White Creality Hyper-PLA is shown in the image on the right. Now all I need to do is get my paints and fine brushes out to finish the bust.

 Next I imported the STL file for the Spandau Machine Gun into Creality Print and for a properly fit on my Miss Vintage I adjusted the settings to scale the model down to 60 percent. The image below on the left is the print set-up for a single gun. Note the print time of approximately 23 minutes. The results of the printing using Black Creality Hyper-PLA is shown in the image on the right.

 The final image below shows the painted pilot bust and two Spandau machine guns mounted on my Miss Vintage. Not bad for an old man.

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3DAeroventures X-100 Infinity Wing V2

  Well, it finally happened. Given that I had my new 3D printer up and running, it was only a matter of time before I would venture into an attempt at building a 3D printed RC airplane model. And to beat all, it was yet another electric powered RC model, which as you know from my other builds is out of the normal for me.

  I started my web search for something that was an unusual design, not a large RC airplane model (15 - 40 size), something I would not attempt using balsa and plywood, and was not something with a hundred pieces to print out. Using these requirements I found a very nice website that had just what I was looking for, and that being the X-100 INFINITY WING V2, a 3D printable model designed by Eric Haddad which you can find on 3DAeroventures.

 Images Source: X-100 INFINITY WING V2 Webpage.

  Below you can see my completed X-100 Infinity Wing ready for first flight.

  This updated posting is as of 26 February 2026, and for those who have not been following my regular webpage updates, you can read my Latest Version of my X-100 Infinity Wing Print & Builds Description to see everything I have been through up to this point.

3D Printing the X-100 Infinity Wing Upgrade Version

  First thing I did was to download the the X-100 INFINITY WING landing gear and rudder upgrade STL files. This free upgrade kit is compatible with the X-100 Infinity Wing V2 STL files set. It carries the Infinity Wing design to a whole new level with a new fuselage design complete with landing gear and rudder capability.

  Next, I took the “first flight crash pile” of my first X-100 you see in the left image below and salvaged everything that could be used in the rebuild of my second X-100, which are shown in the right image.

  Then I set out to 3D print the upgrade fuselage by setting up each of the various STL files in Creality Print. Using Black Creality Hype-PETG filament, I printed all the parts listed using the Black filament in Table 2 contained in my "X-100 Infinity Wing Print & Builds Description." Resulting print times and part weights are also listed in Table 2.

  With that complete, I next 3D printed the rest of the upgrade fuselage parts using White Creality Hype-PETG filament as listed in Table 2. Again, all print times and part weights are listed in Table 2.

  With the Upgraded fuselage parts printing complete, my next step was the Front Wing. After swapping out the filament on my Ender-3 V3 printer, I then 3D printed all of the Front Wing parts in Red Creality CR-PETG filament at a 60 mm/s print speed, 0.2mm layer height, with single walls and a 5% Gyroid sparse infill pattern, using a 0.4mm nozzle. Again, all print times and part weights are listed in Table 2. Results of my efforts are shown shown in the next image below.

Stay Tuned for more to come!

X-100 Infinity Wing Print & Builds Description.

See All Images Taken During the X-100 Infinity Wing Print/Builds.

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Kyles Designs RC RQ-4 Global Hawk

 The RQ-4 Global Hawk is a high-altitude, long-endurance, remotely piloted aircraft with an integrated sensor suite that provides global all-weather, day or night intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capability. Global Hawk's mission is to provide a broad spectrum of ISR collection capability to support joint combatant forces in worldwide peacetime, contingency and wartime operations. The Global Hawk provides persistent near-real-time coverage using imagery intelligence (IMINT), signals intelligence (SIGINT) and moving target indicator (MTI) sensors.

 This RQ-4 Global Hawk 3D printed RC model was designed by Kyle Germanton with help from his co-designers Thomas Heuer and Chris Parent. You can see more of their 3D models on Kyles Designs RC, SODYs3D, and on Cults 3D. This model was also featured in my September 2025 BOTM Edition.

 Images Source: Cults3d.com.

 I picked the RQ-4 3D model for a couple reasons. First, I wanted a 3D printed model that would be simple to build and easy to fly. Second, I worked on the USAF Global Hawk program for six years as a flight test manager and the Air Vehicle IPT program manager.

 This updated posting is as of 21 January 2026, and for those who have not been following my regular webpage updates, you can read my RQ-4 Global Hawk Print/Build Description to see everything I have been through up to this point. A complete listing of all the materials, tools, and hardware needed to 3D print and build the RQ-4 are also listed in my build description.

 Next, I started the assembly of the RQ-4 fuselage. I first completed an electrical checkout of the two ruddervator servos, and then using a hot glue gun I installed them into each side of Fus5. I mounted the 50mm Ducted Fan in the front of Fus5 using a bead of hot glue around the backside of the fan shroud. The assembly video doesn't actually show where to place/attach the Electric Speed Controller (ESC), so I decided to mount it as close to the CG as I could using Velcro strips on the middle shelf in Fus3. To do this I had to add 20cm 14AWG ESC to Motor Extension Cables w/3.5mm bullet connectors to the ESC motor leads. Servo extension cables were also needed in order to reach the AR620 receiver, which is mounted near the top front edge of Fus3.

 Builders Note — To identify what extension cable is attached to a particular control surface servo, I place different color small cable ties around the ends of the extension cables that plug into the AR620 receiver (i.e. Channel 1 Throttle – Black; Channel 2 Right flaperon – Orange; Channel 3 Right ruddervator – Blue; Channel 4 Left ruddervator – Purple; and Channel 6 Left flaperon – Yellow).

 I completed the assembly of the fuselage per the build video, installed the ruddervator control linkages, put a Velcro strip in the bottom of the LiPo bay, established the required location of the LiPo for a correct CG, and set up my NX8 transmitter for proper control surface deflections and throw directions. Total full-up “ready to fly” weight with a 2,600mah 4S LiPo battery installed comes in at 1,247g.

 The final three images below show you my finished RQ-4 Global Hawk. Now all I need to do is execute a first flight that does not end up similar to my X-100 Infinity Wing first flight.

RQ-4 Global Hawk Print/Build Description

See All Images Taken During my RQ-4 Global Hawk Print/Build.

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Steam Turbine Puzzle Box

 I wanted to make a Christmas present for my oldest son Kent using my new 3D printer. I found a very interesting, nicely designed, great looking, and very complex to solve Steam Turbine Puzzle Box, designed by Ralph Hanson of flarPuzzles, which you can build using the STL files that are for sale on the Etsy flarPuzzles webpage. With the purchase you can download the 44 STL files and a detailed instruction manual.

 Overall, 3D printing was straight forward as long as you follow all the print setup recommendations in the instruction manual. All required hardware items were available on Amazon, as were the various PLA filaments I used. The puzzle box design engineering and 3D modeling is excellent, and everything fits together and functions like a champ! I highly recommend this puzzle. I guess I need to provide a couple images of my final product. Below you can see all of the sides of my 3D printed Steam Turbine Puzzle Box. Have fun making one yourself.

Steam Turbine Puzzle Box 3D Print/Assembly Description.

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Steam Machine Puzzle Box

 Having finished the Steam Turbine Puzzle Box for my oldest son Kent, I decided to make the Steam Machine Puzzle Box as a Christmas gift for my youngest son Ryan. This puzzle box is a follow-on design from the Steam Turbine Puzzle, and again it is very interesting, nicely designed, great looking, and very complex to solve. Designed by Ralph Hanson of flarPuzzles, all the required STL files and a detailed instruction manual are for sale on the Etsy flarPuzzles webpage.

 Overall, as with the Steam Turbine Puzzle Box, 3D printing was straight forward as long as you follow all the print setup recommendations in the instruction manual. Again, all required hardware items were available on Amazon, as were the various PLA filaments I used. The puzzle box design engineering and 3D modeling is excellent, and everything fits together and functions like a champ! I highly recommend this puzzle. Note — The Mr. Puzzle video is nice, but toward the end of his solution he used an incorrect method of getting the Credit Card, and jumped over several steps the model designer intended to be used. I put a “Correct” detailed “Steam Machine Puzzle Box Solution Guide” at the end of my Steam Machine Puzzle Box 3D Print/Assembly Description. Below you can see all of the sides of my 3D printed Steam Machine Puzzle Box. Have fun making one yourself.

Steam Machine Puzzle Box 3D Print/Assembly Description.

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"The Heist" Puzzle Box

 When I gave my youngest son Ryan his “Steam Machine” Puzzle Box as a Christmas gift, my Grandson August (Gus) went crazy solving the puzzle and really enjoys using it to store his treasures. So, I decided to see what I could find in the way of a puzzle box for him to call his very own. What I found was “THE HEIST.” A perfect project to show off your 3d printer and fire up your puzzle solving skills! Breaking into THE HEIST is not easy, and releasing the center diamond will take some SERIOUS SKILLS!!!! The Heist Puzzle Box is an original design by Leisure Luke. It's a 23 piece puzzle box that is SUPER EASY TO PRINT and requires no supports. Print it in PLA, and the parts without squiggly springs can be PETG or PLA. Very little plastic filament is needed for this project. All the required STL files can be downloaded for free from the Cults3D website or the Thingiverse Website.

 Source of Images: Screen captures from the YouTube Videos listed below.

 Also available to aid you in the printing and assembly are the following videos: The Leisure Luke YouTube Video Channel, a Original Hilarious YouTube Homemade Commercial, an Assembly Instructional Video, and THE HEIST SOLVED Video.

 Below you see my 3D printed — “The Heist” Puzzle Box. I know my Grandson August is going to love it, and I hope you have fun making one for yourself.

The Heist Puzzle Box 3D Print/Assembly Description.

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Dark Techno Isopodius Transport/Tank

 As was stated in the 3D Modeling & Printing Webpage Introduction, one of the drivers behind my getting a 3D printer was to “make toys for our grandchildren.” My wife Carolyn set off to find some 3D models that we could work on together to build some gifts for the 2025 Christmas. The plan was that she finds the 3D models, I print them out, she does the detailed painting, and then I assembly the finished models. Simple right? Well, we will see.

 Using this strategy, Carolyn first found an interesting 3D model for our Grandson August (Gus). As shown in the images below, for our first project we would work together to build the Dark Techno Isopodius Transport/Tank. This was found on cgtrader.com.

 Source of Images: cgtrader.com.

 After many hours of 3D printing, all 36 parts for the Dark Techno Isopodius Transport/Tank were complete. I elected to use the long barrel cannon turret which goes on the top of the middle section cover, and the missile launcher for the top of the second forward section. Click on the next image below (to open the spotlight box) so you can see the fine detail obtained on all the parts by using a fine (0.15mm) layer thickness with a standard 0.4mm nozzle and some Creality Gray Hyper-PLA in my Ender-3 V3. Now it's over to Carolyn for the detailed painting.

Dark Techno Isopodius Transport/Tank 3D Print/Assembly Description.

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Dark Techno Odonatopter Gunship

 Having completed the 3D printing of the Dark Techno Isopodius Transport/Tank for our Grandson August (Gus), I thought I would see if I could add something to his collection. So I went back to cgtrader.com to see what other models they might have in the same Dark Techno collection. As shown in the images below, I found an interesting model of a Gunship that was also modeled by “The Makers Cult.” All 3D files needed to print and build this model can be purchased from the cgtrader.com Dark Techno Odonatopter Gunship webpage.

 Source of Images: cgtrader.com.

 After many hours of 3D printing, I had all Gunship 3D parts printed. Everything went together well with the assembly being fairly straight forward. The only issue I ran into was figuring out which of the jet engine pods was forward and rear. The final assembled Dark Techno Odonatopter Gunship is shown in the images below. Another model added to Gus's collection.

Dark Techno Odonatopter Gunship 3D Print/Assembly Description.

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