The SAGEM CU-161 Sperwer (Dutch for sparrowhawk) was a small UAV used by the RCAF in Afghanistan. Nicknamed the "flying ski-doo" based upon the resemblance of the sound of the engine to a snowmobile, they entered service with the RCAF in 2003, and were retired in 2009, after flying over 1,300 missions. As the CU-161 was the first Canadian Forces UAV to be used in combat, I wanted to add one to the collection.
Knowing that no plastic or resin kit existed of the type, I was excited to find one listed on Shapeways. Excitement was dulled upon receipt of the item. The general shape and size looked good, but the print was poor and not up to the standard of previous pieces I'd ordered by Shapeways. Ragged edges, and rough surfaces overwhelmed the part. (Maybe I chose the wrong type of material to have the item printed in?) I had no idea how to proceed.