This is a fun model to print that will be at home in any office or study. It is meant to hang by two points from the top, but I will probably make some sort of stand for it in the future.

I didn’t get time to get quite everything I wanted in to this one so it might get a future update to motorize the propeller and a proper stand, and perhaps I will make a version that is more of a toy and less of a model – this version is fairly delicate and is more meant to be displayed than played with.

Printing:

There are a lot of small details in this model – I recommend 0.16 or 0.12 mm layer height, but if you have to 0.2mm will work.

The only part that needs support is the middle section of the balloon. Support it from buildplate only around the perimeter and block the supports for the middle pegs.

My print profile is set up to optimally orient everything and with the few color pieces already done.

I used the Textured PEI prints for everything but the fins and blades, but whatever buildplate you choose should work.

You will need to print the following parts:

• Main balloon
  • Balloon parts (all 3)
  • 2x small hoops
  • 2x large hoops
  • Fin ring
  • 6x longitudinal
  • 4x connecting pins
  • 2x fins
• Other components
  • Boat
  • Prop mount
  • Prop clip
  • Blade hub
  • 5x blades
  • 2x rope

Assembly:

All parts are meant to snap together.

To assemble the balloon:

1. Start with the front end of the balloon and snap the small hoop over the front, lining up the notches in top and bottom of the hoop and the balloon piece. Fit the larger hoop into place, lining its notches up as well. Note that there is a correct orientation for each hoop that matches the curvature of the balloon. If you can't get it to fit, try flipping it around.
2. Insert 2 body pins into the balloon piece
3. Do the same for the rear balloon piece
4. Both parts should look like this:
5. 
6. Assemble both pieces together with the central balloon piece. Make sure that the brackets on the middle two hoops are aligned to each other (if they aren't flip front or back 180°).
7. Hook the front piece of each of longitudinals onto the outer surface and snap into place on the hoops.
8. 
9. Slide the rear hoop piece over the tails of each of the longitudinals, making sure that the notches where the fins attach are pointing out. This will be a snug fit to ensure the whole thing stays together.
10. Insert the fins into their slots at the back.

To assemble the rest:

1. Carefully insert the blades into each of the slots on the blade hub/propeller.
2. Connect it with the prop pin into the hub/motor that gets connected at the rear of the boat.
3. 
4. Insert the ropes into the side of the boat and bend over the tails to form affix
5. 
6. Similarly, insert the other end of the rope part into the balloon brackets and bend over to form a semi-permanent connection
7. Clip the blade/propeller assembly onto the back of the boat.