Benchy around the moon

For our favorite boat's anniversary, I decided to take it for a spin around the moon.

This mobile sculpture allows our friend to take lunar excursions at will. In a final message before its departure, I offered these words: “Happy 10th anniversary Benchy, may space be your new playground”

Original Benchy model: https://makerworld.com/en/models/1272656-original-3dbenchy-public-domain-cad-step-file#profileId-1336828

Assembly:

I should clarify that, lacking filament to reproduce the moon, I employed my painting skills to achieve this appearance. Besides lacking the correct color, this allowed me to economize on Benchy's purge. However, the print profile includes both a neutral and a painted version should you prefer not to paint.

Assembling the sculpture is quite simple and intuitive. It features numerous small interlocking components; if the fit is too loose, feel free to add a dab of glue

• First, assemble Benchy: Simply interlock the antenna, wings, and flame.
• Next, assemble the half-moon and the base (again, using interlocking parts)

• Assembling the central component is slightly more delicate; you will need both strength and finesse; the bearing must be seated firmly.

  

• Next, mount the Benchy support rod and the spring-retaining rod onto the central component.

  

• Using a soldering iron, insert the insert into the hole at the center of the top half-moon

• Position the spring

  

• Position the “Axis” piece within the bearing of the “mid” piece; thread the screw and tighten it into the top half-moon:

  Note: ensure your assembly matches the orientation in the image below

  

• Before fully tightening the screw, adjust the “Axis” piece to form an angle of approximately 120° with the spring stop
• Finally, simply clip the two half-moons together, position the plate on the base, and secure Benchy!

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