Free Models From the Web - Spacecraft PAPER MODELING

In a previous article, I discussed how I discovered the wonderful world of paper (or card) models available for download. You simply download a graphic file, print it on your inkjet printer and assemble with glue. While this medium will never replace plastic models, there is a lot to say for a model format that offers you unlimited replacement parts, scale adjustability, and usually is, well, free.

Photo  by el cajon yacht club 

If you love space ships, as I do, there is a great variety of space models free for download. Whether you want a model based on a move, TV show or reality, you can probably find it. Currell Graphics features models of the (pre-spaceage) V-2 rocket from WWII and the SpaceShipOne. The Lower Hudson Valley Paper Model features some great models of NASA craft in their "Real Space" section, including several versions of the Space Shuttle, the upcoming Ares moon craft and even a 4 foot tall Saturn V Apollo rocket.

You'll find many card model available based on spaceships of movies and TV. An easy starter would be Erwin de Jong's saucer from "The Day the Earth Stood Still" at Cut & Paste Sci-Fi. A fairly new model on the web is a very detailed version of the Discovery from 2001: A Space Odyssey that is several feet long when finished. Battlestar Gallactia (both versions) are well covered, as are several other popular and less well-known shows. My last count was at least 40 downloadable models available depicting "Star Wars" craft, from a small and simple Tie Fighter to a very detailed At-At walker. The "Star Trek" franchise takes the ribbon for the most free model downloads on the web. I've documented about 100 and I'm sure there are many more around.

Constructing space models in paper is basically the same as building other card models. The trickiest part tends to be in matching the joints of cylindrical hull sections. I like to complete each section, dry it and fit the next section to the previous one. And while many card model files include bases, I almost always prefer to suspend them by nylon thread from the ceiling. You can poke holes along the hull during assembly and embed buttons inside with the thread tied to it. Doing this in 2 places along the length allows 2 contact points for the string for easy leveling. An easier method is to simply locate the center of gravity of the finished model and tie the thread around that section of the fuselage. Transparent thread will be basically invisible.

A couple of good places to start looking for free space-oriented card models are Free Paper Toys and The Lower Hudson Valley Paper Model Giftshop.

Wade Watson enjoys collecting movie-related models and props.  Article Directory: EzineArticles

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SPACECRAFT Models Made of Paper

Model building has been around along time. Ever since people first built ships to sail the oceans, someone wanted a model of it. Ship models from all over the world have been found by archaeologists. The Greeks, Egyptians and Phoenicians were some of the most prolific ship model builders. Most model boats in history were made of wood.

Papermodel Spacecraft - Photo by el cajon yacht club 

Today there are many types to build. Polystyrene is a very popular model material. While most are easy to glue together the main challenge is to paint them nicely. There is also resin and wood models to name a couple.

One building material for models often over looked is paper. Paper can make a very durable and detail model. To look at them, one would not think they were made of paper. There are some really great paper models available for free downloading. There are great models of ships, planes, tanks and spacecraft to download.

Building paper models is something any one with any level of skill can do. Some of them are easier to do than others. Some will have instructions included, some will not.You will start to know how they go together after you do a few.

You can find paper models of things not available any where else, like space probes. Space probes made of polystyrene are hard to find. Sure you can get a model of one if you want to spend $300 for a "museum quality" model. But do you really need a model of the Galileo space probe that bad?

With a some effort you will have the satisfaction of having created a great looking model for only a few pennies. Painting is not a problem, all you need is a color printer and all the details are done for you. While paper models are inexpensive they are still great looking and fun to build.

By Matt Decker For more information go to Spacecraft Models Made of Paper [http://paperspacecraft.000page.com/index.html]. Article Source: EzineArticles

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