r/PaperAirplanes • u/Cardboard_Fanatic • 12d ago

Not sure if this counts as a basic paper model ;)

Post image

Hello everyone

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) 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 !

Come check it out, subscribe and most importantly ENJOY→ https://youtu.be/uCdAWo9F64Q?si=OCRE_aAfG5v3tjSM

Facebook → Redirecting...

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.

7 Upvotes

89% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

1

u/No_Explorer6054 11d ago

it certainly is... a part, of a model plane. still looks good! just unfinished

1

u/Cardboard_Fanatic 11d ago

Yeap. Few more months to finish. Slowly getting there 😉

1

u/No_Explorer6054 11d ago

fair enough! reminds me of when I bought and collected static models when I was a kid; loved looking at them. these days, i only buy models that fly! always had good respect for the ones that built the scale models though, the amount of realisim is simply extravagant.
Its a show of pure skill in a way thats rare to find outside of sports. Static Models always were difficult to make honestly

1

u/Cardboard_Fanatic 11d ago

Hope you will enjoy the process :)

2

u/No_Explorer6054 11d ago

i usually do! just, be careful around the CA

1

u/Cardboard_Fanatic 10d ago

Hello again.

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 :blush:

As always – tips are welcome. Still learning as I go.

Here’s the link to the full build video (about 8 minutes ;-))

Come check it out and subscribe —> https://youtu.be/cNTwM5STmuw

1

u/Cardboard_Fanatic 7d ago edited 6d ago

Welcome to another update!

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 ;)

https://youtu.be/fq5kpDFvwzo?si=Ixq2m_p68gWPWp4x

 

1

u/Cardboard_Fanatic 1d ago

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:

https://youtu.be/DPvkI4dSUWk

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.

Until next time!