A Replica Submarine with a Personal Touch

The project began with the goal of 3D modeling an exact replica of the submarine my father served on when I was younger. We meticulously modeled and printed it in high-detail resin to ensure accuracy. While we were initially pleased with the model, something about it felt incomplete. We didn’t want this important piece of my family’s history to just sit on a desk collecting dust; it needed to do more than that. It needed to represent my father’s entire service to his country.

From Submarine Model to Illuminated Shadow Box

Realizing that the simple model didn’t fully capture the depth of my father’s sacrifice and dedication, we went back to the drawing board. That’s when the idea of creating a shadow box came to life. A shadow box would not only showcase the submarine but also protect it from dust, curious little fingers (thanks to the grandkids!), and anything else that might cause wear over time.

To take it a step further, we wanted the shadow box to have a sense of reverence and presence. We sourced a high-quality shadow box, painted the background Navy blue and added LED lights around the inside, powered by a battery switch conveniently located on the outside of the frame. The soft lighting helps highlight the submarine and other mementos without overpowering the display.

Thoughtful Design Elements to Enhance the Tribute

One of the challenges we encountered was managing the harsh origin points of the LED lights, so we designed a custom frame with anchor accents in each corner. The frame was printed using ASA material on our FDM 3D printer, which not only added a beautiful nautical touch but also helped diffuse the light more evenly across the display.

But we didn’t stop there. To make the tribute more personal, we added several custom elements. We 3D modeled and printed name plaques with the submarine’s name and hull number, my dad’s name and rank, his service dates, and the quote from the sub: “Vi Per Concordiam,” which translates to “Strength through Unity.” Each plaque was carefully dry-brushed to give it a metallic, weathered look, adding a layer of authenticity and historical significance.

We also included a small framed picture of my dad in his uniform and a replica of the patch he wore during his service. These touches transformed the project from a simple model into a multi-dimensional tribute that truly reflects my father’s time in the Navy.

A Legacy in Light

This Military Service LED Shadow Box is not just a display—it’s a way for my family to honor my dad’s service, bravery, and dedication. The LED lights bring the piece to life, ensuring it’s always visible and appreciated, while the enclosed frame protects the delicate details inside. Every time we look at it, we’re reminded not only of the submarine but also of the stories, sacrifices, and memories that shaped our family.

For us, this project was a labor of love and creativity. It pushed us to blend both engineering and artistry to create a fitting tribute for someone who means so much to me. Whether it's for your own family or for someone who has served, these custom military shadow boxes are a meaningful way to preserve and honor memories that deserve to be illuminated—literally and figuratively.