Small Scale Military Headquarters

I don't know if anyone else out there (except Ski) has been trying paper models but i'm getting quite into them these days. I'm about two thirds of the way through my first build, which is a 1/18 scale KV-2 (scaled up from 1/25) and so far i'm pretty pleased with the way it looks....much better than i would have thought. I've also just learned that the kit i chose is considered to be of low quality but in spite of that fact the model i am making looks quite good. And of course the chances of ever seeing an XD KV2 are zero.

Anyway, i've joined a card modelling forum and some of the work by the members there is incredible. Here's a German 2cm flak in 1/25 scale and a kettenkrad to the same scale:

http://www.cardmodels.net/gallery/browseimages.php?c=26

Of course either of these could be scaled to 1/18 pretty easily.

The variety of subjects available in paper model kits is astonishing and since most can be re-sized to 1/18 it really creates some juicy opportunities. Some people build out of paper, others use the paper models as templates for building in plastic but whichever the case the results can be very good.

Alright Andrew, Let's see some pictures of your work! Inquiring minds want to know!

After I got back from TDY, I haven't finished another ship. Sad. I started a 1:400 USS Helena, but I have yet to finish it. I am starting to get back in the mood though, hehehe.....

As Andrew mentions, card modeling is one hell of a lot of fun and CHEAP!! Here are pictures of some of the ships I did while deployed:

http://community.webshots.com/photo/127 ... 0971mkOWOh

http://community.webshots.com/photo/127 ... 6352uYvfKt#

-Ski

I'm still in the process of unpacking, but I did run across some of my paper models.

I just set up my second work table last night, and my Joe room is still a total disaster, but I'm getting there.

Right now, I'm working on a secret custom, but I'll pick the paper models back up after that...

I bought a 1:18 scale PZKW III kit and a 1:32 scale Waco Glider kit, mostlyt outof curiosity. The tank set looks pretty scary just thumbing through the pages of "parts". The glider looks a bit simpler so when I get the chance I will try that. I have a book that has a photo of German panzer crewmen assembling paper models of Russian tanks. They looked pretty detailed for being recognition training models. I have foam rubber ones that are 1:24th scale that the US Army made for learning Soviet armor in the 60s and 70`s, but they are pretty bland compared to the paper models.

TJ

if you build strictly in paper a tank model can be a nightmare of fiddly little bits and pieces. I just did the hull, turret etc in paper and have added the majority of details from bits and pieces from the spares box....much simpler that way.

You can match the color with paint fairlly easily and then weather etc to blend the painted plastic pieces and the paper hull/turret colours together.

I was delighted to discover that you can use Krazy Glue to assemble paper models (the thick kind intended for use on leather, wood etc) and also Testors dullcote works too, if you apply it in light, dust on layers.

if you build strictly in paper a tank model can be a nightmare of fiddly little bits and pieces

I hear that!!!

I have a paper model of a Hummer Ambulance. The exhaust underneath the vehicle has to be assembled! I mean, the parts aren't much more than a couple of millimeters wide!

Ok,
You guys have peaked my interest....
I'm thinking of trying this paper thing out.
Is this a good starter boat?
http://www.digitalnavy.com/html/ambrose.html
It's a free download. I figure if I print it on printer paper it would be stiff enough to work.
OPINIONS PLEASE
Thanks

You'll need a heavier paper than standard printer paper.

I've got some card stock that I use. Unfortunately, I don't remember where I got it.

Here's another site with some free ships...

http://www.papershipwright.freeserve.co.uk/

Here's a set of links for ship models:
http://home.att.net/~ShipModelFAQ/smf-qPaperModels.html

tons of free paper models on the net; planes, ships, tanks etc etc..

I've never built a free one or even seen it so i can't speak to quality....i suspect you get what you pay for. Modern paper models that you buy are astonishing in quality. I've got a Merkava kit and a Leopold railway gun kit and the detail, colour quality, weathering etc has to be seen to be believed. I'm saving them for when i'm more experienced.

Here is a site you must go to before you start. It will answer all your basic beginner questions:

http://www.cardfaq.org/faq/

And you may want to check out this forum, tons of good people, info, galleries etc etc:


www.cardmodels.net

And as said above, you need to use a heavier stock of paper....card stock is like greeting card weight paper. I enlarge photocopy my kit and then laminate it to bristol board. This works fine for tanks but i think it will be too heavy for when i do an airplane, because it's too thick to curve well, so i'll probably laminate three pieces of paper together, which i think will be the perfect weight.

Good Luck (you're gonna need it)....lol, just kidding. You'll probably find it's easier than you think....i did.

You can use cardstock in just about any printer these days. Just go to Staples and grab a ream of the stuff. It works perfectly for card models.....

-Ski

When I was about 10, I built a paper airplane that resembled a Shorts S-360, the British twin-engined aircraft used by many small cargo companies all over the world. I loved the way the model turned out and have liked this hobby ever since, although I haven't bult anything in years.

But now that it's mentioned here, and after looking at some of the pictures you posted on the websites you guys posted, It's like being inlove all over again!

I'm thinking of the possibilities here: buildings, boats, tanks and very diificult or unlikely candidates for the plastic model producers. Hummmm.

The only paper models I`ve had were of a F1 car about 1/15 scale.

Also have a WC 52 from France though didn`t build that Traded it to a fellow Brit a couple years back.

Though looking at the links I did notice there was a 1/20 Harrier,if BBI or XD don`t bring one out at 1/18th,I may have a back up i suppose. Maybe using the PTE F-18 or some other 3 3/4 scaled (underscaled) aircraft as base to build upon? Though would rather see a XD or BBI one come out in 2006

Ja
Steel Bonnet

Here's a built up paper model of a K5 Leopold railway gun in 1/25 scale. I have the kit and plan to enlarge it to 1/18 and build it (some day). It's a beautiful model with subtle weathering and zillions of parts.

http://www.e-papermodels.com/newsdesk_i ... desk_id=20