u/Airwolfhelicopter

Unrelated but original video source: https://youtube.com/shorts/bkG7M5OL54Y

A massive scientific research/search-and-rescue seaplane named after an alien species of mermaid, the AL-53 (or 73) Hydraxus was one of the last creations I made in KSP before taking a 2-3 year hiatus.

This seaplane contains the following features:

High-mounted wing for stability

Deployable wingtip pontoons

6 engines for high subsonic speeds

2 taxi/water engines with a protective grated intake (closed during flight)

Medical/research bay (presumed, not actually modeled)

Quad vertical stabilizers inspired by the E-2 Hawkeye

Passenger cabin for up to 16 researchers, survivors, or recovered crew members from a splashed-down capsule

Deployable RHIB in a side-loading cargo bay (carries 6 plus one operator)

Concorde-style cockpit for looks (sits too low in water and on land to lower nose, so remains as is)

The Hydraxus is named after the alien mermaid species known as the Hydraxial, native to a solar system 88.5 light years from Earth. How a Hydraxus got to Kerbin is unknown.

Went to Sam’s Club to get a slice of pizza before I see Top Gun and saw these TVs glitching out nonstop.

I don't even remember what video this frame is from, but he looks so disappointed lol

The Gquuuuuux is a really cool Gunpla figure with some really interesting details that sets it apart from other Gunpla kits I’ve built. Like some of my favorites, he’s pretty colorful and is a really sturdy kit, able to stand on his own.

What I did not like, however, was the build process. If you don’t like painting small details, especially with a brush like I did, this kit might not be your best choice. Furthermore, I didn’t like that it was difficult to accurately place some of the decals as the reference points are a little difficult to get right. And then there’s the red line decals that you wrap around a part of the leg. It was hard enough doing it once, but I lost a few decals doing the other, and then just gave up and painted the lines instead.

And don’t even get me started on the decals on the domed surfaces, I especially hated those.

However, I do like him, and if there’s room, I’ll allow him on the shelf.

Tw: hidden wasp nest

HG Lfrith demonstrates this to show the couch’s comfort. A TV remote may or may not be lodged underneath the seat cushions.

And I brush paint since I don’t have an air brush, so it’s even worse.

Location: Travis AFB, Wings over Solano 2026 air show

Credit to original artist, who is unknown bc I can’t get Google Lens to work right.