Porko Rosso’s Savoia S.21

1/25 scale model of the Savoia S.21 seaplane from Studio Ghibli’s Porco Rosso. This was my first  Rhino 8-intensive project and the first major project of my second year. The build began with the  creation of full-scale technical drawings, which were imported into Rhino and used as the  foundation for the CAD model. The entire aircraft, excluding the cockpit interior and tail fin, was  designed digitally from scratch. 

The upper wing and floats were FDM printed, while the engine was resin printed to capture finer  detail. The tail fin was laser cut from MDF and hand-shaped, and the fuselage was CNC machined  from high-density Chemi-wood in two sections. The cockpit interior was scratch built using styrene  and detailed by hand. 

A major focus of the project was achieving a flawless, high-gloss finish. The model underwent  extensive filling, sanding, priming, and repainting to create a smooth, reflective surface free from  imperfections. Engine rivets were individually applied by hand using punched brass details, while  the Italian tricolour markings were hand painted.

Custom water-slide transfers were produced for  Porco Rosso’s personal insignia, and the rigging was completed using fishing line. The finished  model showcases both traditional model-making techniques and digital fabrication methods, with  particular emphasis on surface finishing and presentation.