forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Under Construction => Paper and Card models => Topic started by: NinetythirdLiberator on September 25, 2017, 01:44:21 PM
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All,
I am going to attempt a large(r) WWI paper model in the Avro Spider. I've always been sort of intrigued by it and the "kit" download looks nicely rendered. You can see the over all parts I downloaded and had printed at a local copy store along with a close up of the picture instructions and a closer shot of the printed rudder so you can see the printing a bit better.
(http://imgur.com/9dpqVlp.jpg)
(http://imgur.com/IoApT6l.jpg)
(http://imgur.com/gu5ZrDZ.jpg)
Stay tuned... ;D
Dan
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What an interesting project
Richard
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This is another of your builds that I will be following closely Dan, looking forward to seeing the first steps.
Des.
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Thanks, Des and Richard!
Tonight, I cut out and started gluing the paper, which was printed on about 160 gram thick(er) paper, onto some thin balsa wood to give some of the structural components 1mm thickness. This is important for formers and wing spars etc. Traditionally, papercard modelers seem to use old cereal boxes but I'm trying a little experiment for some more rigidity.
(http://imgur.com/yvOcH0x.jpg)
Then I started cutting things out and even put in the instruments!
(http://imgur.com/2KHzao4.jpg)
(http://imgur.com/4wqk8b6.jpg)
I'll see if I can get most of the fuselage skeleton together in a couple of days. Stay tuned...
Dan
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I use 1mm greyboard. It comes in A4 sizes and is pretty cheap
Cereal boxes are too thin these days
Richard
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THANKS, Richard. I'll go looking for that. Twisting has been my issues in the past and your material would be dang near to perfect.
Dan
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I got all the fuselage skeleton done and started on the interior by folding and adding the seat and belts. I'll work on the rudder pedals and joy stick next along with some internal rigging.
(http://imgur.com/6TCskOL.jpg)
(http://imgur.com/LbP3LG4.jpg)
(http://imgur.com/8JY4e5x.jpg)
(http://imgur.com/V7gwkqA.jpg)
This has been a very precise and excellent fitting paper model so far. We'll see how the skins actually go on! :o
Dan
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Itty-Bitty Update...that took about 2 hours to complete!
I got the rudder bar and joy stick components all rolled and added. I made two turnbuckle-like parts and put them on the rudder bar. I'll put cables on them next and fish them under the seat. Not the best picture, but I hope you get the idea.
(http://imgur.com/wvZvdcq.jpg)
More soon,
Dan
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This is really nice stuff
Richard
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Thanks, Richard! It's a different way to model, that's for sure. And a cheap way to get a neat model too.
Tonight I put control lines on the rudder bar and put simple rigging between the fuselage bays.
(http://imgur.com/AMX3Tva.jpg)
(http://imgur.com/m3xsdZt.jpg)
Then I figured the fuselage sides may have had some stringers so I took some masking tape, doubled the thickness and painted it a wood-like color. This was then cut into strips and stuck on the the kit part. Because the kit fits so nicely, I was able to use the former location on the side pieces as a guide with no guessing...turned out rather neatly.
(http://imgur.com/739Qw4v.jpg)
(http://imgur.com/oJvt217.jpg)
And here you see the forward sides on. Makes the interior look pretty finished and nice. I will add a made up throttle quadrant but this will be about it since I have no idea what it would have looked like. So far, I'm basing it on the Avro 504.
(http://imgur.com/2zsPqpM.jpg)
(http://imgur.com/ps6jKaU.jpg)
All in all a good evening. Can't wait to start putting on the top and sides!
Cheers and thanks for looking,
Dan
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Wow Dan, this is looking really good so far, the balsa is really doing a great job and your fuselage bracing is excellent.
Des.
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I agree with what Des said. This one is coming together beautifully!
RAGIII
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Great detail Dan, looks fantastic.
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Thanks, Guys! Still an interesting adventure...
Tonight I put on the bottom and one side. Took me about 2 hours of tucking, pre-shaping, pulling and burnishing but it looks pretty nice! On these models, you add little tabs (all the triangular parts) in a strip and they help you make a glue surface. You can also carefully touch up the cut edges with paint or markers. I'm using dark markers and they seem to match pretty well.
Apparently, those who are really good at making papercard models can just butt join with no need for tabs.
I'd like to see that. :P
The kit continues to amaze, though. Still very precise. The other side will go on much quicker.
(http://imgur.com/qmKT394.jpg)
(http://imgur.com/bWEHtsH.jpg)
(http://imgur.com/9C5QT2L.jpg)
(http://imgur.com/Rt8EZty.jpg)
I am super pleased. Maybe I'll get the main part of the fuselage done tomorrow.
Thanks for the continued support for this rather interesting medium...
Dan
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Got even more done. The top turtle deck was pretty difficult but careful cuts to relieve stresses saved the day. It still needs to be burnished and touched up but the fuse is almost done!
(http://imgur.com/gLUflDt.jpg)
(http://imgur.com/yLooKyN.jpg)
Cheers,
Dan
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Really starting to look the part Dan, you are doing a fantastic job.
Des.
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The replace of balsa is very good interesting idea! Thank's for share!
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Thanks again, Guys...
I got the tails on (no struts yet) and finished the cockpit edging as well as the head rest. Tomorrow I hope to start the cowling (there are two variants in how to fold it) and maybe get some wings started as well.
(http://imgur.com/1Gvq5rI.jpg)
(http://imgur.com/xefiTsc.jpg)
(http://imgur.com/iLpH5su.jpg)
Really coming along now. I think the last really hard part will be folding the cowl to make it look nice and the upper wing cockpit cut outs which include a bunch of tiny slices where you need to fold things just so. We'll see how that goes!
Cheers,
Dan
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Very nice Dan, this is shaping up to be a really good looking model with the shading on the rudder being exceptional.
Des.
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Looking absolutely stunning! Fast and furious work! I am always amazed at these card models and just how detailed a talented modeler can make them!
RAGIII
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Thanks, Des and Rick. Folks who REALLY know how to work card stock are pretty amazing. The cowling will let us all know how inept I am!
Here are some shots of the rigged tails and struts attached.
(http://imgur.com/WSz7Mkk.jpg)
(http://imgur.com/wutTtDP.jpg)
(http://imgur.com/OGpG3dT.jpg)
I'll concentrate on the cowling now...we'll see how she goes! :o :-\ :-\
Cheers,
Dan
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All,
I'm a bit gunshy of the cowling, so I decided to start on the wings. Bottoms first!
First shot is of the internal structure which is simple but lends great strength and rigidity to the paper skins. No wavy trailing edges and at a pretty dang scale thickness too!
(http://imgur.com/wUHcNsC.jpg)
Here the innards are glued into the bottom wing skins...
(http://imgur.com/v4Ld7Hl.jpg)
And here they are done and just placed about where they will go.
(http://imgur.com/gJ3gama.jpg)
Pretty darn cool. I may start the top wings tomorrow.
Cheers,
Dan :D
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looks impressive so far...
can't wait to see how you handle the cowling.
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Thanks, Jeff...neither can I! :o ::) :P
I may end up getting it as nice as I can and then fill it from the inside with some epoxy and sand/prime away to finally paint it up in black. The challenge is to just use the paper cuts but I'm not sure if that will be too easy!
Dan
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All,
I worked on the top wings so now the main airframe is practically done. Again, the parts fit was near perfect and the center section with all the little cuts that I was dreading, turned out pretty nice (for me). My only mess ups were the top wing tips but I think that will come with more practice.
(http://imgur.com/6Euq2gj.jpg)
(http://imgur.com/a7I7Pkb.jpg)
(http://imgur.com/DtVMJ9q.jpg)
I can't believe how straight and strong these are. Now I'll start putting the wings on (after I add the wind screen!)...
Cheers,
Dan
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Great work on the wings Dan, they look to be quite rigid.
Des.
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The wings look to be solid and are very well done! Still amazes me that a beuty like this is from card stock!
RAGIII
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Really Dan you seem to have mastered the art of making card models as well as you make vacforms, which many of us steer well clear of, including me. This is a beautiful model - I am sure that you will make a very acceptable cowling too. It is interesting how we think that an item will be exceptionally difficult and we put it off for as long as possible, only to find that when it comes to it, it was not so difficult after all. Guess how I know?
Stephen.
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Thanks Des, Rick and Stephen...
So tonight I got the wings attached after a lot of careful alignment and a super expensive jig. ::)
First, the struts are all impregnated with some wire.
(http://imgur.com/Afe1EG7.jpg)
And here is the jig with the tiny cabanes inserted.
(http://imgur.com/kwE0xAY.jpg)
And here it is midway through attachment.
(http://imgur.com/gh0lO3N.jpg)
And finally with the bottom wings on and all struts added.
(http://imgur.com/N2eF5Et.jpg)
Some touch up and I did manage to swap a strut but that was all fixable. All in all, it's straight and will look cool on some landing gear.
Quite pleased at this point.
Cheers,
Dan
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All,
She is all ready, rigged and waiting for wheels, the engine, cowling and machine gun. I think it would have been a neat little mite to fly. I only can't figure out where a bit of rigging goes around the cabanes but I'll see if I find some more info. If not, she still looks the part.
(http://imgur.com/69NuQtr.jpg)
(http://imgur.com/pa4upJT.jpg)
(http://imgur.com/6Tv1tjW.jpg)
(http://imgur.com/cywStZ2.jpg.jpg)
And here's my helper. He is always very interested especially when thin wire and rigging is involved! ::)
(http://imgur.com/z89Vxjx.jpg)
Thanks for looking,
Dan
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Always stunning to see what is possible to do with paper, great.
Manni
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Really looks great as a biplane ! I am looking forward tot he engine and cowling assembly as I know you will nail it in spite of your earlier concerns!
RAGIII
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Always stunning to see what is possible to do with paper, great.
Manni
Totally agree, great work on this project.
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Thanks so much, everybody! Today, however, you will see I've met my match in terms of what I can do with paper! :-\
I started the engine by first making the crank case. Went together well but I didn't get the face plate quite right. It should be curved and mine is multifaceted. It will be ok, though. There are about 15 pieces to what you see here!
(http://imgur.com/sCdUF16.jpg)
Then I started on three of the cylinders. Very tedious. Each one has several structural pieces inside and little bits on top for the beginnings of rocker arms and exhaust fittings etc. All fit well, though. Just take your time!
But when I got to the actual rocker arms and even tinier pieces...I think I met my match. Check these out (and these are not the smallest parts you are supposed to use!).
(http://imgur.com/MZvdgUP.jpg)
There is nothing wrong the the design at all and there may be some people who could actually use all of this but it isn't me! My skill level needs some refining. :o :o ;)
So I did try and use parts of the paper to make the tops of one of the cylinders but it has several (I mean about 8 pieces!) that I left off. I then added some pulled sprue push rods. Looks pretty darn neat.
(http://imgur.com/kksAHc5.jpg)
I think now that I know I'm sort of inept at the tiniest of parts and lack the patience, I'll cheat and make the other cylinder additives out of plastic sprue and the like. For me anyway, it will look much more acceptable.
A great ride so far and a really lovely kit.
Cheers to all,
Dan
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That is looking very nice, I think you should persist with those cylinders
So, that engine cowl then...?
Richard
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I did, Richard! I think it turned out pretty nice except for one huge mistake...read on!
I got it all done and it looks quite nice. I even got all the rocker arms on there! I did add some plastic bits but it's still 95% paper. My exhausts are insulated copper wire that was the correct thickness and they look the part. Two issues, though...
1) I painted the exhausts copper and I know that's likely wrong, but I kind of like the contrast. It's so dark under the impending cowling that I figure it will liven things up. And...here is the big one...
2) I put the darn exhaust on the wrong side of each cylinder! I only noticed after I'd carefully made sure everything was lined up, cemented to the nose and looked spot on. It's not coming off! SO I will just not tell anyone but you guys. Maybe no one will notice! :'( ::) :P
Here is the sequence of events.
(http://imgur.com/C6QHY8f.jpg)
(http://imgur.com/OzWIaKg.jpg)
(http://imgur.com/hgnzqio.jpg)
On to the wheels next and then the dreaded cowling! Stay tuned...
Dan
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Your engine looks amazing!
RAGIII
PS: I didn't notice the wrong side bit 8)
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Considering the small size of some of the parts you have done an exceptional job on the engine, it looks really good sitting on the model. We all make mistakes in our builds so your intake manifolds being on the wrong side will hardly cause a ripple.
Des.
On a rotary engine the exhaust is expelled directly from the top of each cylinder into the air hence the mess these engines cause. The intake is through copper pipes which run from the crankcase to the top of each cylinder, they are usually copper but sometimes steel.
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To illustrate what Des has said, this is a Clerget 9B cylinder head:
(http://www.kozaero.com/uploads/2/4/2/1/2421031/7235473_orig.jpg)
from here: http://www.kozaero.com/clerget-9b.html
The exhaust valve is at the top of the picture and releases the waste gasses directly to atmosphere. The inlet valve is inside the alloy manifold that goes down to the crankcase, bringing the air/fuel mixture from the carburettor
Richard
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Dan,
Your conversion of one dimensional paper parts to a three dimensional engine is impressive and better then some I've done "3D to 3D". As we always remind one another, some errors are apparent only to the Builder! Very nice work in a difficult medium.
Cheers,
Lance
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pretty kite so far... eagerly anticipating the Dreaded Cowling... right now i'm like, "how's he gonna do that?" but really i'd be like that for most of what you've done already if you didn't post up photos of "how he did that."
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Thanks, Everyone! And I appreciate the explanations of the intake. This now makes sense to me.
Now I made the wheels/tires and added them to the spreader bar. Now it really looks cool and truly only needs the cowling.
(http://imgur.com/klX4mD9.jpg)
Here we go!
Cheers,
Dan
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Looks amazing.... :D
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I'm enjoying following your build Dan.
I also am amazed at what you have created from paper.
Especially your engine, absolutely remarkable!
Looking forward to the next instalment. :)
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In a word, Outstanding! A lovely model to be sure!
RAGIII
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Thanks, Everyone! And I appreciate the explanations of the intake. This now makes sense to me.
For me - I build models because they help me understand the thing I am modelling. This is probably why the model I build is only a fraction of the weight of the 'research material' I gather on each one
So, if you learned something about rotary engines, that's a good thing
Richard
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You are so right, Richard. This is part of the reason I like building from scratch or trying to detail things a bit. You actually figure out what that dial was for or where that cable went...you learn the details about the design and the people who used them. This is why I love models and the intersection of history so much.
Tonight, I finished the cowl...well, the initial fitting. I got some dapping tools which are these spherically machined rather robust hunks or metal with different diameters and I used multiple sizes to slowly roll the cowl petals into shape until they fit very close together even without glue. Then I very carefully applied glue with a brush and used tweezers to hold just a couple of petals together, let them dry and went on the the next set...etc. By the time I got all the way around, I got a pretty nice fit and it looks much better than I thought I could do! Here is a partial progression:
(http://imgur.com/4rd4ZJL.jpg)
(http://imgur.com/f65hT7I.jpg)
(http://imgur.com/Pmc0qWw.jpg)
I still need to do a bit of trimming and I still think I shall coat the inside with epoxy and sand/prime the piece so the seams will be hidden. However, even if I just left it as is with just a little paint touch up, it would look nice and be for the "purist" paper card modeler. I'm chuffed, I must say. :D :D
More soon and thanks for looking,
Dan
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That is looking quite promising
Richard
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Knowing that this was the one part of the project that you had the most doubts about I must say you have done an awesome job.
RAGIII
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wow.
i've been following this as a bit of a skeptic toward modeling in paper. i'm a lot less of a skeptic now.
really starts to look like a viable material for the non-purist, card-modeller-of-convenience.
i'm also thinking i'll maybe look into dropping some micro radio control gear into a paper kite and see if i can get it off the ground. if it's too heavy i could always use the card kit as a template and use Depron, but it'd be handy to just reprint a new kite every time i crash.
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Thanks so much Richard, Rick and Jeff! I think I'll have a final posting tonight in completed projects!
Jeff: I think this may be a bit heavy for micro RC but there is a plan for this guy in P-nut scale which is just a shade bigger and I bet it would fly great. Of course, your idea of just using this download and cutting from depron would work a treat. You should go for it and keep us in the loop! ;)
So here is the cowling progress. First, I filled the inside with epoxy and then this morning, lightly sanded the petals:
(http://imgur.com/Czup8Us.jpg)
Then I filled with Tamyia putty:
(http://imgur.com/F5vY9oH.jpg)
And kept sanding, priming, sanding, priming etc...
(http://imgur.com/12EZ4uw.jpg)
Until finally...
(http://imgur.com/dKYgMEC.jpg)
I then cut out the bottom for the engine and painted the inside and out with black. Go to the finished projects later tonight and I'll post the beast all done! Looks pretty neat-oh.
Thanks to you all for encouragement. I agree that paper models make me very skeptical...until you see what real artists...especially our Polish brethren...can do with it. Just amazing. In some ways, our WWI subjects are really nicely set up for paper as the curves (except for cowls and spinners) tend to be pretty minimal. I have a flying boat, a large Albatros recon aircraft and the only Albatros rotary machine and a Hanriot all in paper in the background. This little guy was such a joy to put together and really looks so neat, I may tackle one of those next.
The Spider will look great next to my WNW Snipe!
Cheers,
Dan
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A devious bit of modelling there - I love it!
Richard
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Your paper modelling journey has been great fun to follow, and educational too!
On many occasions I have thought, "how the heck is he going to get that to work" ;D
But you continue to succeed admirably!
I look forward to more paper planes from your workbench.
Very well done. :)