Lost Icons: Reviving Historical Aircraft for Alaska Air Group
In our previous post, we shared the story of “The Alaska Project” – a massive architectural installation we took on for Alaska Air Group’s brand new training facility in Renton, Washington.
While the majority of the models were designed and constructed using official CAD (Computer-Aided Design) files and artwork provided via Alaska or the Pacmin Studios archives, three of the 1/20 scale models needed to be designed and crafted from the ground up:
- Inter Islands Airways Bellanca CH-300 Pacemaker
- Fly Alaska Convair 880
- Alaska Star Airlines Lockheed Martin L-18 Lodestar
Building the Foundation
The challenge began with constructing accurate CAD to serve as our jumping off point. Our engineering team scoured the Internet for anything we could find from old blueprints, drawings, or amateur designs that were available. Once rough designs had been created, our team drilled down to the specifics by referencing aircraft photographs.
Bellanca CH-300 Pacemaker:
In addition to historical photos, our team was able to work off of photographs of a fully restored Bellanca CH-300 Pacemaker provided by the Alaska team.
Final CAD:
Convair 880:
Final CAD:
Lockheed Martin L-18 Lodestar:
Final CAD:
Graphic Design
Once CAD files were complete, our graphics team went to work recreating the paint schemes and livery designs for each model. Left without official artwork to reference, our team translated any color photos they could find into accurate renderings.
Bellanca CH-300 Pacemaker:
Final Rendering:
Convair 880:
Final Rendering:
Lockheed Martin L-18 Lodestar:
Final Rendering:
Production
With CAD and graphics finalized, we moved into production. Each aircraft required custom 3D-printed or molded components, which were carefully finished and painted by hand. Our model shop team then applied color-matched graphics before sealing each piece with protective clear coat layers.
Bellanca CH-300 Pacemaker:
Convair 880:
Lockheed Martin L-18 Lodestar:
Installation
Once production was complete, the models were packed and shipped to the new training facility in Renton, Washington. Pacmin Studios team members met the models to ensure they arrived safely and advise on the installation process.
Through our collaboration with Alaska Air Group and the dedication of our team, these three aircraft live once again as models on display to all who pass through their new Global Training Facility.
By Max Ouweleen
Marketing Coordinator at Pacmin Studios and The Model Shop
About Pacmin Studios
Pacmin Studios has been serving the aviation and transportation industries with creative physical and digital models and exhibits since 1946.
Known for producing high quality custom aircraft models, Pacmin Studios has evolved to provide a suite of additional services, including graphic design, CAD, CGI rendering and animation, livery design, and other transportation marketing solutions.
