OK, time for an update! I decided to take a break from character animation and do the engines on the airship. As you can tell, it wasn't exactly a cakewalk! The picture I posted above was the ONLY close-up photo of the unique outrigger engines on the USS Akron/Macon I could find.

I obviously had to make concessions mainly because I wasn't exactly sure of WHAT detail existed in the photo, but IMO the final engine is "close enough for government work"! :-)

The engines were the most difficult part thus far; other than the UV mapping and texturing, it ought to be downhill from here! Here then are a couple of pictures. The first shows portside engines in succession. As always, comments and crits welcome (again, it isn't textured yet, and I haven't even played with the lighting, but suggestions are welcome)