Hi everyone,
I teach college students studying to be medical lab technicians, and would love to make a cake in the shape of a microscope. I have seen microscopes molded out of chocolate and also out of rice treats, but not an actual cake in that shape. Ive tried looking for cake pans/molds in that shape but no luck. I've even tried to find out if it is possible to have a custom pan made, but no luck there either. Can anyone help me?
Thanks in advance!

I think carving the basic body (semi-frozen) out of cake is your best bet. Just use a pound cake - even WASC works fine or the other doctored box mixes (adding pudding and eggs etc...to strengthen it) work well for carving too. All in recipes...

I would use gumpaste/fondant for all the smaller pieces (stage, objectives, knobs, nosepiece, maybe even arm). You could use gelatin sheets for anything clear (eyepieces) if you want it more realistic. Then maybe use a oreo cookie straw for the body tube. I used one for a cannon and it worked great. That is, if you like everything to be edible. I know I do! Sounds like a cool cake - please share photos after!

I appreciate the info. Im sure I can find a very basic microscope and carve it out. I like the idea of pound cake. It is nice and firm and should work. Will look at incorporating your other ideas too. I have more creativity than talent, though. LOL But its worth a shot and its the thought that counts