Cardmodels

Lips McGee · 06-03-2008

I am sure this has been visited before, but I figure I might re-hash some old discussion to see if we can find new methods/techniques.

I have a few minor questions about card modelling, as I am now starting to try a hand at it.

First, is there any way to smooth out curves, such as the forward portions of a fuselage, etc?

Second, in regard to canopies - is there a particular method to creating clear canopies?

Being a pilot, I am pretty much a fanatic about a nice cockpit, and I was hoping to be able to scratch-build cockpits for card kits, as such I need a nice clear canopy to complete the detail.

I want to know everything that you gusy know.

**GEEDUBBYA** · 06-03-2008

Howdy Mike,

So you have been bit by the cardmodel bug huh? Ok, as for clear canopies, those are pretty straight forward, you simply use clear overhead projection film that can be printed on by an ink jet printer. You print the "clear parts" (even the clear parts have a boarder around them so they will show up), and assemble the "glass" just as you would if it were paper.
As for rounding out the fuselage, yes it can be done and is done often depending on the individual part, you can "roll it" on the edge of a table, much like you would a dollar bill to straighten it (this leaves the bill curved and would do the same for a cardmodel part), wrap it around a cylindrical shape such as a pencil, rolling pin etc..
Cardmodels are alot more sophisticated now a days than they used to be with the introduction of the computer. Computers can make complex rounded surfaces and unfold them better than any human could in the past. This means that once the computer generated part is cut out, the folding and bending and rounding is alot easier today than it was in years past. There are even models of the earth done as a cardmodel.
And I have told you two ways to curve a surface, other cardmodelers could no doubt tell you more, the various techniques are more or less something that the individual picks up on his or her own thru their own crativity and imagination.
I realize I have typed alot and said very little, but I hope that something i have said makes sense to you.

Have a good day,

Greg

Lips McGee · 06-03-2008

Greg,

I greatly appreciate the reply. I've been experimenting with some of the models you recommended. Nice to see they have a T-45 out there

I'm really thinking about trying to make a multimedia build using a scratchbuilt cockpit and gear... I can modify the textures a bit on the surface of the aircraft as well.

Thanks again.

**GEEDUBBYA** · 07-03-2008

Howdy again Mike,

Glad i could be of some help, if you have anymore questionslet me know.
For the benefit of everyone else, especially the new members, I wanted to go ahead and post a few links here so as that you and others can see what can be made from paper printed at your home. These links mught be something some of our older members have seen, but to me...they never get old.

http://jleslie48.com/gallery_models_real.html This is a collection of FREE downloadable cardmodels of real spacecraft such as the space shuttle w/booster, Gemini titan missile, lunar landing modeules, launch towers and even a free 1:48th scale (yes 1:48TH SCALE ) Saturn V Apollo rocket and all its various stages. This is a huge model as seen below:

Card models - free models This site contains free downloadable airships (blimps) as well as two wwII german Victory weapons, the V-1 Buzz bomb and the V-2 missile....again all free.

Now we have a few members here who design cardmodels, niels has a website at Niels papermodels - Models to download His rockets can be made to fly like estes rockets and we also have Bo43 and his site found here: Free card model airplane sites .
NOTE: Bo43 has some outstanding cardmodel aircraft on his site, be sure to give him a visit.

Anyway, I wasnt trying to "Hi-jack" your thread Mike, but I did want to show what can be built as well as showcase some of our own members works in card models.
Now Niels and Bo arent the only cardmodel designers here and I apologize for not crediting them individually, but If you design card models, share your link with Mike and everyone here

Have a good day,

Greg

Johnny · 07-03-2008

For a lot of models there are canopies to be bought if you like.Same goes for wheels and frames.

What I do when I'm shaping a part is to just lay it on the thickest part of my palm and press a rounded object to it with a foward/backward motion.
Then the part will curve up, and stay that way.
This can also be done against the edge of the table as Greg described, but it's more easy to get marks on the part that way.

I can take some shots to describe some techniques of the different parts of cardmodelling if there are any interest.That could be cutting,shaping,cones etc etc

Lips McGee · 07-03-2008

Johnny, thanks for the info. I'd love to see any pictuers you could take - I don't want to impose.

Desert Rat Racer · 07-03-2008

Hi Mike take it from me, I'ma plastic & cardstock truck & car builder and I've just finished a 1/48th scale Hercules it was absolute fun to build as for curves and stuff just thake it nice and slow and U'll get there, that plane took me a wekk @ 8 hours a day in 38 degree heat but I got there might not be the nices thing U've seen but hey it was my first try at a large scale plane next time I'll try a bit better and maybe it will turn out better who knows only me I suppose.

Lips McGee · 07-03-2008

Thanks a lot for the input. I'm going to start building a pair of kits this weekend, hopefully I can get them done before Monday. I've been working my butt off at the squadron this week.

Is there a particular type/brand of card stock you guys recommend?

38 degree heat?!? Oh wait, you guys are in degrees C.

**GEEDUBBYA** · 07-03-2008

Howdy Mike,

On the cardstock question.....

I use cheap full size sheets of photo paper for inkjet printers. the gloss is great for shiny models and the paper can be bought is several thicknesses. And if you dont want shiny, buty the "matt" or satin finish paper.

Hope this helps,

Greg