I've been asked to make a version of this style of cake for an eagle scout.  The topper pictured below seems to be used in the majority of cakes like this. There is only one manufacturer so aren't lighter versions.  The customer has ordered ordered it but I haven't seen it however, it says it's like 3 lbs shipping weight.  That seems really really heavy for a cake topper.  Has anyone ever done a cake like this or done one using this particular statue? Did you put supports in top tier or put cardboard under statue on supports? Suggestions?

It's heavy because it is not a "cake topper." It is a sculpture that one would put on a book shelf or desk that was used as a topper. I remember the first time I saw this cake and fell in love with it. But it did not take me long to realize that is very heavy. the brass plate on the base is a dead give away. You will definitely need dowels and a board the same size as the base of the sculpture.