Precision Aerospace Replicas & Craftcloud

Dave Gianakos, from Precision Aerospace Replicas, shares a bit about how Craftcloud® played a part in his venture of aviation and space models.

Could you tell us a little about Precision Aerospace Replicas?

I started this small company about 10 years ago after I retired as a 747-400 captain and instructor for Delta Air Lines in 2015. I chose the name because that was my goal in delivering precision-built, quality products or services to my customers in aerospace models. I have been busy through the years and continue to pursue new projects to do. I should add that I have been working closely with the Smithsonian’s NASM in Washington, DC, on various projects over the past 30 years, along with several other museums, too.

How does 3D printing come into play to bring your project to life?

I have been a model builder for over 60 years. Besides plastic models, mostly aircraft and spacecraft/rockets, I have done many projects “scratch building”, or designing and making the parts of the prospective models myself. When I was 9 years old, I scratchbuilt a 1/6 scale Mercury spacecraft for my GI Joe out of two lampshades from the local thrift store. My grandmother made a very accurate space suit for the GI Joe that even had working zippers like the real thing!

I did not become involved with 3D printing until just a few years ago. With some assistance from friends, I got up to speed with a Prusa Mini printer, and continue to do printed projects today. It is now a very active and important part of my work.

Which services did Craftcloud provide?

I came across Craftcloud just a few months ago online. I was interested in having a professional company make an enlarged copy of a scale 150 gallon rectangular drop tank that I could jettison inflight for demonstration purposes from my detailed P-47D Thunderbolt radio control aircraft. A friend of mine helped me make the STL file for this and I contacted Craftcloud to see if they could print it for me in 1/8 scale. My Prusa Mini printer was too small to accomplish this, so I reached out to Craftcloud for help in printing it.

Are there any benefits working with Craftcloud?

Yes, Craftcloud was very helpful in teaching me the various ways I could have this printed. Since the model would take it aloft and then drop it in a field as it passed by the spectators, I needed something that would be very lightweight, yet able to withstand being dropped from 100 feet in the air. I worked closely with Craftcloud to print up a test piece that I could fly and see if it would survive the drop okay. Turns out, it is extremely strong, and I have two perfect drop tests with it now. My initial emails were very productive in getting started with planning to have my project completed.