Michael Danz
Santa Rosa, California
Michael modified an early edition of the Ikon Collectables 31" (1/69 scale) version of Capt. Nemo’s Nautilus from Walt Disney’s “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” with a customized electronics package offering adjustable/selectable lighting. A three-speed motor from an R/C model powers the propeller. Dimmer and speed controls are hidden in the upper dorsal area of the deck, powered by a 12-volt AC/DC adapter that plugs into the bottom hatch. He painted the stand to resemble corroded metal, and added copper piping to a cherry-stained wood base. The squid was not from the kit: It’s a custom-painted vinyl toy from Safari Ltd. Michael says, “The kit sat around for about 13 years before I got really interested and competent enough to build it right!”