I'm making a 3-D Army ambulance M-997 HMMWV for my guard unit's family picnic this Saturday. We're a medical unit, and so I thought this would be a fun cake. I don't want to do a simple sheet cake b/c they asked me to make a cake b/c they know I make "neat" cakes. I've never done a 3-D cake though, so I'm nervous!

How do I make this cake? I was planning on 3 sheet cakes stacked and carved, but how do I make it appear as though it's sitting on wheels instead of the cake just sitting flat on the board? What would you suggest to use for wheels? I was thinking of just chocolate covered donuts, but I'm afraid they won't look very realistic at all, but maybe they'd be fine?

This is what an M-997 looks like: http://www.google.com/images?um=1&hl=en&tbs=isch:1&&sa=X&ei=VfRYTNmDD86mnQehnPDqCA&ved=0CCMQBSgA&q=m997+hmmwv&spell=1&biw=1440&bih=764

this diagram the best help:
http://www.tpub.com/content/misc_manuals_3/TM-55-2320-280-14/TM-55-2320-280-140011im.jpg

print it out to size needed
cut it out
put against cake to use as template for carving.

yes -- 3 layer idea is good (and if you need even more cake -- could be three 4" tiers!)

a link to help with raising it: (from templates gallery)



found at this link: http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-photo_1478285.html
easy peasy -- use method on left and just hide the support dowels behind the wheels, or if more talented than I, inside the wheels.

second -- a diagram that superimposes 3 layers (or 3 tiers of mongo big cake) on side view. Notice how conveniently you'll be able to put a cake board between middle and top layers/tiers to be able to do that little overhang. As for the part of the hood that sticks up above bottom layer/tier just slather on thicker icing.

just a big old box with LOTS of fiddly detail.

I have another question- you see how the back end of the 997 is raised higher than the base of the rest of the truck? How would you support that- or would you just not raise that part and let it all sit on the same base?

i'd let it sit on the same base and just use black fondant under that area.

old theatre maxim: paint black - make go away!

eyes will not notice the black area especially with all the larger light colored areas

Doug- I just wanted to share with you how this turned out! I ran out of time, but overall I was pleased for it being my first 3D cake. I couldn't have done it without your help, so thank you!

http://cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=gallery&file=displayimage&pid=1780452