GUY TAKIGUCHI
Guy’s incredible 30-inch brass-clad NAUTILUS would be amazing even
if it wasn’t his first attempt.
Check it
out. This is Guy Takiguchi’s first try
at making a NAUTILUS replica, and it’s far from ordinary.
Here’s an in-process shot of the model under
construction. The plans were supplied by
Chris Chulamanis of EVA MODELS (see our LINKS page), as were the raker
teeth. Guy handcrafted the rest of the
sub from acrylic plastic, and then bonded brass plating to the plastic, giving
it a cover that is very authentic to the original Disney 11-footer. To the right of this picture you can see the
device Guy used to punch all those little simulated rivets into the brass
sheeting; a process very similar to what Disney used.
A look
inside the bow of the sub shows the Water Tight Compartment housing the
electronics.
Another
look inside: this time it’s the tailcone where we see the prop shaft, control
links, and such.
Here’s the
sub with the top half on, but not plated.
You can see the strips of plastic making up the hull.
Wheelhouse detail of the completed model. Guy’s not a professional model maker, but
that only makes this model that much more impressive, and it’s part of the
reason why I really like it. Truly a
superb job.
On a mantle, something
like this could hold your attention for a long time. The extensive detailing of the NAUTILUS is always interesting;
but to see it done it gleaming brass makes this model pure eye-candy.
The skiff
area. Look at all those embossed (not glued
on) rivet heads!
Mister
Squid tryin’ to hitch a ride.
The finished model with the top removed to show the interior
components. Absolutely gorgeous, and
functional too. If this is his first
effort, imagine what Guy Takiguchi might do with a little practice! ;-)
(Images
courtesy of Guy Takiguchi; plans courtesy of Chris Chulamanis)