Author Topic: First Paper Card model (Read 3343 times)

smperry · « **on:** July 19, 2020, 04:24:42 PM »

This is my first paper card model. I did not do a build log on it as I was much too busy making every possible newbie mistake to deal with the camera as well. There are some small details left which may or may not get done.

Despite how it looks, I learned an awful lot about the basics of card modeling and let me tell you, there is a lot more to it than it would first seem. Assuming the kit designer got it right and measured correctly, and most do, there is a lot to cutting precisely and then preparing the part all prior to any bending, folding and rolling. One of those things is to seal the ink jet images of the parts with clear lacquer or Krylon clear. Any water on the printed parts dissolves the ink and that includes white glue getting where it shouldn't it will dissolve the ink if it is not immediately removed.

All the tricks and techniques of cutting and preparing parts is all for naught if you use the wrong thickness paper. You can't roll a tiny tube if the paper is as thick or thicker than the part is wide. Same with larger parts made from paper that is too thin and flimsy. Many of the tiny parts for details are printed in black or gray. When you print the parts sheet on thin paper for the small parts, save expensive color ink and print the detail parts in B&W. When you count color ink, specialty paper, (most European designed models need to be printed on A4 paper), and new blades, these models are not as cheap as they first seem. They aren't as bad as WnW on E Bay prices, but they do go through ink, paper and blades.

Card models are definitely as addictive as any other kind of model. There is something very relaxing about taking an inordinate amount of time and effort to precisely cut out and prepare a part. I get quite the rush when a sub assembly of several parts fits together perfectly. Kudos to the designer for getting it right, but also kudos to me for cutting it right. Very satisfying. And when you totally mess up a part, you can always print another.

I have a long way to go to get anywhere close to some of the masterpieces in card we have seen here, the learning curve is steep, but it is also fun. I am looking forward to putting lessons learned to use on my next card model.

sp

smperry · « **Reply #1 on:** July 19, 2020, 04:27:03 PM »

I'm up way late and completely forgot my manners.

I want to thank Dan for his help and encouragement as I built my first card model. Much appreciated and I would never have finished without his help.
sp

Alexis · « **Reply #2 on:** July 19, 2020, 11:03:22 PM »

I like it SP , it's pretty cool

Terri

rhallinger · « **Reply #3 on:** July 19, 2020, 11:52:59 PM »

Very cool sp! Who would hsve thought of a flight simulator?! You description really captures the essence of paper modeling, at least for me. It really is basic, elemental modeling, but with its own set of techniques and everyday tools. It really does make you think tuings through and use your imagination. Great fun!

Very nice job on your first, and may many more follow!

Best regards,

Bob

RAGIII · « **Reply #4 on:** July 20, 2020, 12:03:46 AM »

Well Done SP! You are far braver than I am to try this medium

I am looking forward to future endeavors!
RAGIII

smperry · « **Reply #5 on:** July 20, 2020, 01:08:58 AM »

I wish I had been around back at the end of the war. I could have bought up a bunch of these Link Trainers for a song at surplus and turned them into coin operated rides. Sure would have beat those funky horses that were outside all the 5 and dime stores when I was a kid. They were pretty nifty pre-digital flight sims.
When I was 5 or 6, I saw a picture of one and was fascinated. I took a cardboard box, roughly square, cut away one side and made stubby wings and tailfeathers, taped on the flying surfaces, held the box over my rear end and proceeded to launch off the front steps. As soon as I was airborne, I pulled up the nose by leaning back and retracted the landing gear, my legs. Dang thing made the Space Shuttle look like a sailplane, terrible glide ratio, busted my young butt real good. Tried a different design based on Otto Lilenthal's glider, big piece of cardboard with a hole cut in the middle. Seemed to work better until Mom caught me. I suppose I'm lucky, there was a big banana plant in the back yard with huge wing like leaves. only I couldn't find a way to get up on the roof of the house. Needless to say that several decades later when I finally soloed, it was a proud moment for me.

There seem to be three things needed for paper modeling. Skill cutting paper with a blade, which only comes with practice, the correct materials and the correct tools. I found myself short a few critical tools and will be putting together a proper paper model tool kit and sourcing different size and thickness paper and cardboard. These kits are too much fun to attempt with less than proper tools and supplies. A good cutting mat reserved exclusively for paper models is a necessity, a mouse pad, again reserved for paper modeling and a good high intensity light that can be positioned to eliminate shadows along the edge of the ruler when cutting. So maybe I can finish the styrene on the bench as I collect the needed tools.

Bob, Terri and Rick, thanks for your kind comments, now that the newbie mistakes have all been made and are proudly on display, I hope my next effort will end up looking more model like.
sp

Gene K · « **Reply #6 on:** July 20, 2020, 02:44:48 AM »

Quote from: smperry on July 20, 2020, 01:08:58 AM

Needless to say that several decades later when I finally soloed, it was a proud moment for me.

Congrats. What are you flying now?

Nice job on the paper model!! When world postal operations get somewhat back to normal, you may consider getting pre-printed paper models like this one: https://tinyurl.com/y5hqv78z

The paper is the correct thickness, the inks are vibrant and waterproof, the prices are great (for example, the Camel cost around $6.50 USD) ... and if wanted, you can get add-on laser cut cardboard to avoid the CHORE of cutting thick cardboard! Also, other accessories such as wheels and guns are usually available. Scale is "usually" 1:33.

Then later on you can buy a Silhouette cutter and have the machine cut the cardboard parts. These cutters can "almost" cut out the rest of the parts, but precision isn't quite there -- yet. But then, cutting is definitely part of the fun!!

And since we are talking WWI, Kartonowa Kolekcja, the company/man that does the Camel above also did two of my all time paper model favorites, the Sopwith Pup and Nieuport 11, as well as the Fokker D.VII and Fokker E.V. These models are all are getting hard to find, but Google does a good job finding paper model shops in, for example, the mecca of paper modeling - Poland.

Gene K

NinetythirdLiberator · « **Reply #7 on:** July 20, 2020, 02:47:34 AM »

SP,

I say bravo.

That little model isn't as easy as you'd think. The surfaces are not as shapeless as you'd first expect and there are lots of tiny pieces on a very small model! 1/48th? Is it from John Dell? The figure just reminded me of some of his models including those guys. I have several of his B-24s an B-17s and they come with ground crew and likenesses of the fellows who actually flew them.

Can't wait to see what you try next. Keep us in the paper loop.

Dan

NinetythirdLiberator · « **Reply #8 on:** July 20, 2020, 02:50:52 AM »

Holy Hannah, Gene...what a nice Camel!

I have some from the manufacturer you stated and they do look nice. Good point about the full-on kits and prices too.

Plus, now that SP has all the "stuff", the next model will be more price effective.

Geez...post more of your models, Gene!

Now, back to your program. (Sorry SP)

Dan

smperry · « **Reply #9 on:** July 20, 2020, 03:26:49 AM »

No problem Dan.
Gene, thanks fr\or posting the name of the company. I will definitely check them out. Your Camel looks great. Please do post pics of your other models.

sp

smperry · « **Reply #10 on:** July 20, 2020, 05:15:30 AM »

Forgot to answer. The model is 1/24 scale.
sp

Gene K · « **Reply #11 on:** July 20, 2020, 07:56:13 AM »

Quote from: smperry on July 20, 2020, 03:26:49 AM

Your Camel looks great.

I wish! That picture is from the website I linked. I mainly collect and build paper models to use as a basis for making larger Radio Control models.

If you haven't been to papermodelers.com, I suggest you check it out -- endless builds, tutorials, tips, etc to keep you away from the workbench of your new found hobby.

Gene K

smperry · « **Reply #12 on:** July 20, 2020, 09:33:40 AM »

I checked it out and tried to register, but something went wrong and that process didn't work. I tried contacting the admin, but no response. Tried again just now. Hopefully they will respond and assist.
sp

GazzaS · « **Reply #13 on:** July 20, 2020, 01:35:20 PM »

Congrats on completing that! Well done!

RichieW · « **Reply #14 on:** July 21, 2020, 05:35:22 AM »

:Well done SP! Paper modelling is really fascinating, I'm definitely interested!