More galactic whittling – Republic cruiser

I was always intrigued by the Radiant VII, the first starship we see on-screen in the Prequels.

I was reminded recently that MicroMachines included this craft—technically a Consular-class cruiser—as part of the Action Fleet line back in ’99, but they’re way out of my budget on eBay, so I opted to while away a few hours of quarantine in a galactic-folksy way and make my own!At four inches (ten cm) in length, this one is a little larger than my other whittlings so far, but that meant I could add in a few more details. And it still fits in a cargo pocket!

A couple folks have commented that my whittled creations remind them of the homemade wooden toys in RougeOne, which I’ll take as a compliment…the tactile, approachable nature of a rustically-carved wooden or sewn toy is a solid connection that immediately makes life in the Galaxy much closer and real.
I realize that while I love whittling these pieces, eventually they’re going to start cluttering up my space, and as I’m trying to simultaneously downsize and raise funds in preparation for an AT thru-hike next year, I’m considering offering these as bespoke in-universe pieces of folk art, catering to Batuu-bounders or costumers who might want a little memento to keep in a pocket and help ‘ground’ them in-character. What sorts of other vehicles, animals, droids, etc. would you like to see offered in the future? Leave me a suggestion below!

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