[KensRedZed]

Gordon.

Here's another suggestion to balsa. The shape of the body lends itself to being thermoformed. Since you are already a carving expert. Make one carving out of hardwood. Seal the pores. Then make hundreds of copies until the cows come home.

You can make your own thermoforming machine at home with a shop-vac. Don't forget to tell your wife that you'll need the kitchen-oven for about an hour. Youtube how to make one. It's easier than you think for a person mechanically inclined.

Start selling the bodies to your friends.