Recently we completed a six month project for the American Helicopter Museum & Education Center here in West Chester, PA. This was the second time in two years that the AHMEC approached us with such a project and we gladly accepted. For this project, the AHMEC was updating its Boeing Model 360 for a new upcoming exhibit. This particular aircraft is a one-of-a-kind technology demonstrator which was streamlined to reduce drag in order to increase speed. Fully retractable landing gear also helped with overall increase in speed. Typically, Boeing aircrafts require stencils for all external surfaces, however since this model was strictly for display, our computer cut premium vinyl decals worked perfectly.
Our Art Department here at Nu Art Graphics was tasked with rendering the final design based solely on old photographs and drawings supplied by Boeing to the museum. When completed, the measurement of the “Boeing 360” decal was almost 1.5 feet high by more than 16 feet wide, so this was no small project! Using computer cut pre-spaced lettering, the premium vinyl was designed and produced right here at our facility in West Chester, PA. Once everything was cut to perfection, the decals were delivered to the museum by Dan and John, two of our art department pros, who then applied the decals by hand. A scissor-lift was brought in to get our guys at the right height for application – that area was approximately 20+ feet off the ground so it’s a good thing that no one was afraid of heights! The area where the decals were to be applied was first cleaned, then using precise measurements the decals were placed for application. Once everything was positioned correctly, the process of actually applying the decals by hand was under way. From start to finish this part of the project took approximately 7 hours. The end result was a great looking Boeing Model 360 aircraft that the American Helicopter Museum & Education Center will have on display for many, many years to come.
If you haven’t visited the AHMEC yet, be sure to put this on your list. It’s a hidden gem right here in Chester County and a place that the whole family can enjoy! Also, if you do stop by the museum check out the V-22 which was our first project at the AHMEC. Let us know what you think of our hard work!
