I love making paper models. I've done several over the years and have about 1,000 models of all types ready to print out and build when I grow old. I'm only 67 now, so I have a few years to go yet.
The Japanese are really big into paper models and many companies like Canon, Yamaha etc., make free downloads to draw attention to themselves. There are also some fantastic commercial model kits, but these can be as much as $100.
Fortunately the Internet is swarming with free downloads, but many are not to commercial standards.
I have a special section specifically for paper models in the Trainz Resources Directory. Just look for Paper Models in the Menu. This is just the tip of a very large iceberg, but I'll eventually get most of the major sites listed.
I thought the models may be of use as textures or skins, but it's great to see some of you building them just for fun.
here's a couple of quick tips:
Go to a dollar shop or art store and purchase a cheap green cutting mat and a set of Exacto style knives with sharp tips. Don't use NT cutters (break off blades) or Stanley knives or scissors, they are useless. Also purchase a 30cm stainless steel ruler and use it as a cutting guide wherever possible. There's nothing worse that a freehand cut.
Follow simulatortrain's suggestion about using a black or matching coloured marker to discuise edges that show. Go easy here.
Use a good contact adhesive and tooth picks as applicators. place a very fine layer of glue on both surfaces to be joined. Wait a few seconds until the glue has tack dried and accurately place the parts together.
Use balsawood struts inside the model to stop long sections (car sides) from bending or sagging.
Finally, have models with lots of colour printed on a laser copier at your local copy shop. Get them to use 200gsm card like System Board. Printing dense areas on your home printer could prove more costly that the $2 copy charge.
Good luck to all.
The Japanese are really big into paper models and many companies like Canon, Yamaha etc., make free downloads to draw attention to themselves. There are also some fantastic commercial model kits, but these can be as much as $100.
Fortunately the Internet is swarming with free downloads, but many are not to commercial standards.
I have a special section specifically for paper models in the Trainz Resources Directory. Just look for Paper Models in the Menu. This is just the tip of a very large iceberg, but I'll eventually get most of the major sites listed.
I thought the models may be of use as textures or skins, but it's great to see some of you building them just for fun.
here's a couple of quick tips:
Go to a dollar shop or art store and purchase a cheap green cutting mat and a set of Exacto style knives with sharp tips. Don't use NT cutters (break off blades) or Stanley knives or scissors, they are useless. Also purchase a 30cm stainless steel ruler and use it as a cutting guide wherever possible. There's nothing worse that a freehand cut.
Follow simulatortrain's suggestion about using a black or matching coloured marker to discuise edges that show. Go easy here.
Use a good contact adhesive and tooth picks as applicators. place a very fine layer of glue on both surfaces to be joined. Wait a few seconds until the glue has tack dried and accurately place the parts together.
Use balsawood struts inside the model to stop long sections (car sides) from bending or sagging.
Finally, have models with lots of colour printed on a laser copier at your local copy shop. Get them to use 200gsm card like System Board. Printing dense areas on your home printer could prove more costly that the $2 copy charge.
Good luck to all.
