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Seattle architect Gino Palileo turned a lifelong fondness for Washington State Ferries into a set of detailed 1:400-scale 3D prints. The four Olympic-Class models—Chimacum, Samish, Suquamish and Tokitae—are about 9.8 inches long, with decks, railings and seating.
From ferry rides to miniature ships
Palileo’s connection to the ferries began well before he started designing models. He grew up taking them on camping trips in the Philippines, recalling that in high school his family made “two or three trips every year.” After moving to Seattle in 2015, his first job was at an ice-cream shop near the waterfront ferry terminal. Watching the green-and-white vessels cross Elliott Bay deepened that interest.
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“I’m very fond of these ferries; they’re always fun to be on,” Palileo told GeekWire reporter Kurt Schlosser in a profile published Jan. 31, 2026. The project brings together that personal history and his architectural eye for built forms.
Four Olympic-Class ferries, built at 1:400 scale
The collection represents M/V Chimacum, M/V Samish, M/V Suquamish and M/V Tokitae. Each model is 1:400 scale and approximately 9.8 inches long, according to GeekWire. Despite their small size, the prints include ferry decks, railings, seating and other infrastructure.
Rank #2
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Palileo has considered adding tiny cars, trucks or people, but those details were not part of the models described in the profile. The vessel names carry a meaning beyond their distinctive sound: “They all have beautiful names that honor tribes, peoples, and locations indigenous to the Puget Sound area,” he said.
How Palileo designed and printed them
Palileo created the designs from scratch in Rhino 3D and printed them on a Prusa MK4S. He arranged the models so that adding color required only a few manual changes of 3D-printing filament. That approach makes the multicolor details possible without relying on a more complex automated color setup.
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Rank #3
- 3D puzzle with 132 pieces
- No glue required
- Museum quality
The profile does not specify print times, material quantities, costs or printer settings, so those details should not be assumed when planning a build. It also does not report production testing or compare print quality across different machines.
Where to find the Washington ferry model files
Palileo has made the design files available on his page in Prusa’s Printables marketplace. Search there for Gino Palileo’s ferry models to find the files and check the listing for its current download and print information: GeekWire’s profile of Palileo and the ferry project.
Rank #4
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- 【DETAILED INSTRUCTION】- Our 3D metal models are made of superior stainless steel and all metal parts would be easily clipped, no glue or solder need during assembly. Also the educational model Kit comes with very detailed instruction. Follow the steps shown in the instructions and you will build the metal art craft set correctly.
- 【DIY TOOL KITS REQUIRED】- Assembling tools are recommended, but not included. Parts can be easily cut off the sheets. Clipper and needle nose pliers are the recommended tool for bending and twisting the connecting tabs.
The profile establishes that the files are published on Printables, but does not state their price or provide the listing’s direct URL. Readers should consult the marketplace page for the files’ current terms and any printing instructions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What Palileo may design next
Palileo told GeekWire he may take on models of the Seattle Monorail or Link light rail. He has also considered the historic Kalakala ferry, which he described as more complicated than the modern vessels. These are possibilities, not completed models reported in the profile.
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- NO GLUE OR SOLDER NEEDED – Parts can be easily clipped from the metal sheets. Tweezers are the recommended tool for bending and twisting the connection tabs.
- PREMIUM SERIES USS CONSTITUTION - 2.25 Sheet Model with a challenging difficulty level. Once assembled, dimensions are 6.80 L x 1.70 W x 5.40 H inches. 1:528 Scale.
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Read Kurt Schlosser’s GeekWire profile for the full story behind the models.
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