I’m starting a build log of my second model (the first was the Ki-61 Hien). This time I decided to document the whole process somewhere, and along the way, “advertise” our wonderful hobby a bit. I’m simultaneously filming the entire build as video (YouTube).
The adventure will be quite interesting, because not only am I still learning “cardboard” (card modeling) — and here’s a heartfelt request for tips, not just criticism — but I’m also still learning how to take decent photos of what I glue together, not to mention filming. So there will be blurry shots, weird sounds, and gluing mistakes – there’s no avoiding it !
I’m starting the build with the cockpit, or rather its frame. There won’t be photos from this stage, since they’re of tragic quality (I promise to improve in the future) – but I’ll show what I’ve got."
Looks pretty good so far. Do you know what scale it is? There are a few members here who do the cardstock models, I’m sure they will chime in with some tips and tricks.
A small build update. With a bit of free time on my hands, I got started on the pilot seat.
This was probably the most time-consuming part so far – lots of small wire pieces, hole-punching and bending to get a realistic, three-dimensional effect. It wasn’t without its stumbles: somewhere along the way I ended up with a weird “step” where two elements met, the paper started delaminating on one of the bends, and the polymer glue I wanted to try turned out too sticky and stretched like crazy !– so I went back to my trusty Butapren and BCG.
To finish it off, some retouching for realism, and I used Eduard photo-etched seatbelts, since they simply look much better.
I’m really happy with the result
As always – tips are welcome. Still learning as I go.
Here’s the link to the full build video (about 8 minutes ;-))
I must admit I missed this post the first time around, glad you started a new intro thread that sent me looking.
Just watched your video, I’m totally blown away by this, I had no idea. You are literally making every piece, coloring it and then glueing it together.
Some thoughts/ideas:
You might want to try a PE bending tool for some of your small bending. It is designed for exactly what you are doing with a ruler, but really precise as it is meant for metal.
1/33rd scale? Why did they do that I wonder? I mean I guess it is close enough to 1/32nd but it seems silly that they have created an entire new standard. Are they all that scale?
It seems like you would go through a ton of knife blades, I’ve mostly switched to the snap off kind that have the same blade angle as the standard #11 and they work great and are much less expensive and easy.
I subscribed to your channel as I look forward to seeing this new artform.
Thank you for supporting my work on the YT channel Muuuuuch appreciated !
I will definately have a look into this PE bending tool. Is it not the one I’m using in my second video where I work on the pilot seat?
Why 1/33 scale? I have no idea to be honest, 90% of the paper aircraft models are designed and printed in this scale. Maybe it has something to do with the size of the parts. For example 1/48 would be almost impossible to build in my view.
You are correct about the blades. I have a good pile of brand new ones waiting for their turn Working on a paper model uses a looooot of those.
Exactly! Some of these guys are amazing! We had a 1/32 scale, maybe it was 1/33, I’m not sure, but the guy built a P-39D and it was simply an amazing display of modeling skill.
This time I have more to show. I’ve finished all the cockpit interior components (except the side walls) and put everything together. It’s a very labor-intensive and time-consuming stage of the build. I used photo-etched parts, of course, especially for the instrument panel, where I took inspiration from another build log.
I also experimented with extra detailing to gain some practice and learn something new. That’s where the BGA balls imitating rivets on the floor come from. First I pierced holes with a needle, then glued the balls into them with CA glue, and finally pressed them lightly into the holes so they would sit properly. The lever knobs I made from PVA glue (Wikol).
I’m not entirely happy with a few of the parts. The weakest are the rudder pedals, because I wasn’t able to roll some of the pieces tightly enough. Next time I’ll take it slower and be more careful.
Even so, the assembled cockpit looks good.
As usual, you’re welcome to watch the whole process on YouTube. I’d be glad if you drop by and subscribe to the channel
I continue to be amazed by these paper models. Before you started posting your builds here, I honestly had no idea this level of detail was even possible with paper.
Looking at all the detail you’re getting into that cockpit really drives it home. This has been a whole new side of modeling for me to discover. Very impressive work!
Thats fantastic news for me then, because Im posting build progress and record videos to share this hobby with wider audience Glad you have fun watching this airplane taking shape.
Well, you’ve certainly succeeded in introducing at least one of us to paper modeling.
You might consider bringing that medium into one of the group builds here on FSM sometime. There are Japanese and Battle of Britain GBs going, the Midway GB is open for signups, and my Unarmed & Unafraid GB officially starts in January. I think it would be really fun to have a paper model represented alongside all the plastic kits.
You’d certainly be welcome in Unarmed & Unafraid if you’ve got an aircraft that fits the criteria. It would be great to have something completely different in the mix.
Welcome back to another update on my modeling progress!
I’ve finally reached the point where I wrap up the cockpit.
As usual, I also invite you to watch the video of this stage on my YouTube channel:
Thank you all for your visits and subscriptions so far.
I didn’t run into any major problems while building the side walls. The sheer number of tiny parts and almost unlimited possibilities for detailing the interior really appealed to me, so I’ll definitely carry on with this approach in my future models.
In the photo you can see just how many cockpit parts the publisher included. Everything is prepared for painting with Mr. Hobby matt varnish. Levers and other details will be added later.
I glued everything into place and added imitation cables and metal wires using tin wire, rubber tubing and black waxed thread.
The finished side walls fitted like a glove.
And here’s the final result with the skin glued on. Of course, it wasn’t without test-fitting and adjusting a hundred times, but as the old modeling wisdom goes: “measure a hundred times, glue once.”
To my eye everything came out symmetrical, although the longer I look at it, the more I suspect there may be a microscopic misalignment.
The gap at the front of the cockpit is unfortunately the result of my “Modeler’s childhood illness,” a.k.a. lack of experience. I left it as it is in order to keep the correct curvature of that part. I hope it can be evened out in later stages of the build and that it won’t seriously affect the fit of the remaining fuselage parts.
Hello!
I haven’t seen this thread until now - pity, it’s cool!
Looking how you use words like Butapren and Wikol I’d risk a guess that you are from Poland - world master in paper models!
Anyway - good luck with your build and have a nice day!
Paweł
It`s a 1/33 scale.
Muuuuuch appreciated !
Working on a paper model uses a looooot of those.
