Paper Model Display at the 2004 Western Ship Model Conference and Exhibit

Can you tell me about paper models?

In Europe, paper modeling also has a long history. The earliest printed models date back to the 15th Century, and the invention of lithography in 1798 marked a technological milestone. The German company of J. F. Schreiber and Sons began publishing paper models in 1831 and it is still producing models today, including many ships.

Needless to say, the newest models from J. F. Schreiber reflect the vast technological advances made in just the last decade. The rise of computer-aided design programs and commercial digital printers has dramatically improved the quality of recent releases from many publishers, especially those in the former Eastern Bloc. Traditional hand-drafted and colored models, while still valued for their own artistic value and nostalgic reasons, are rapidly giving way to highly-precise and detailed masterworks.

At the same time, the traditional publishing houses are being challenged by a new means of commercial distribution. Individual designers are no longer beholden to the printing shop. Using their personal computers to design models at home, then releasing their creations on CD-ROM or as Internet downloads, these independent publishers enjoy a significant advantage. The cost of production is slashed, since it's the consumer who prints out the parts sheets on their own personal computer printer. Also, warehousing and distribution expenses are similarly reduced – it's less of a hassle mailing a CD-ROM than shipping a printed model, and even cheaper if the purchaser simply downloads the files from a web-based store.

Then there are Internet sites that generously offer their creations free to the online public. Some models are samples from commercial publishers, while others are publicity pieces for different companies. However, the vast majority of free paper models are by fellow enthusiasts. Due to personal computers and the Internet, the age-old hobby of paper modeling is undergoing the greatest period of spontaneous creativity and popularity than it has experienced in generations. This is truly the new golden age.

My first display of free Internet paper ship models premiered at the 2000 Western Ship Model Conference and Exhibit. There was a minor expansion for the 2002 show, but by 2004 the most noticeable development was the large number of excellent models by Japanese designers. This shouldn't be surprising coming from the Land of Origami, but it does create some additional challenges for non-Japanese web-surfers. There are Internet translation services (such as Babel Fish ), though the end result may still be somewhat incomprehensible. This also doesn't help if foreign words are presented as graphics instead of text. Thus, buttons and banners may still be in the original language.

The following are links to some models featured at the 2004 Western Ship Model Conference and Exhibit, April 30 – May 2, 2004 onboard the RMS Queen Mary in Long Beach, California. All links were active as of April 27, 2004.

Paper Models on Display

More Paper Models on Display

S.S. Oriana	This Japanese site has an elaborate 1:600 scale model of the former P&O liner S.S. Oriana. Instructions are in html format, so you might want to print out the web pages.
NYK Line	The NYK Line has excellent 1:800 scale models of modern commercial vessels: the cruise ship MV Asuka, the container ship NYK Castor, the liquid natural gas carrier LNG Flora, and the car carrier Leo Leader. While intended as children's models, they are surprisingly accurate in proportions and shape.
JMSDF	This site has a large model of the JMSDF Kongo, a modified Arleigh Burke class destroyer. There's also a model of the submarine JMSDF Oyashio, and the carrier IJN Akagi is in development. Note that neither model has internal framework, so you might want to reinforce the destroyer's decks and superstructure to avoid the "oil can" effect.
Christine Haynes	Designed by Miles Byrnes, these models of private luxury yachts by NQEA can be found at Christine Haynes' website.
nifty.com	After clicking the second oval on the left sidebar, you will find a Yamaha UF 21-CC outboard powerboat, a small sailboat and a canoe. The "PDF" buttons contain the model files, while http://homepage3.nifty.com/tmc-ps/art/exp201.htm has assembly instructions.
Stevemson Projects	Stevenson Projects kit boats, including their Weekender and Pocket Cruiser sailboats, are reproduced in paper.
Galleon	Home of a unique "Pop-Up Galleon".
Coolwater	A Coolwater II shantyboat and generic attack submarine can be found here.
Touch	A "Touch-3D" speedboat is a sample of what can be done with this modeling software.
Digital Navy	Torpedoboat V-108, an Admirable class minesweeper, the battleship HMS Dreadnought and the Ambrose lightship are excellent ship models.
Duyfken	There's a children's model of the Duyfken replica tall ship to be colored and assembled.
Japanese GG	Japan Coast Guard cutters and patrol boats can be downloaded here. While they lack instructions, these ships are very simple and can be easily built by children using the completed model photos as guides.
Paper Shipwright	Like Digital Navy, Paper Shipwright is a commercial publisher with many outstanding sample models. The monitors HMVS Cerberus, SMS Rhine and Mortar Boat #10 are available as free downloads.
Police	Another simple childrens model, this time a police patrol boat.
Isolda	The historic Swedish schooner Isolda in 1:160 scale can be found here.

Other Important Links

While it hasn't been updated recently, Steve Brown's Card Modeling FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) remains the single most comprehensive collection of paper modeling links and tips on the Internet.

Most of these models have flags from the Flags of the World website.

Iceberg Paper models is a commercial site, but has a very good Links area which is categorized and updated frequently.

The Paper Models mailing list at SmartGroups is a very active international community. Good for novices, but due to the large volume of messages you might want to subscribe to the "Digest" or "Web Only" options.

Provides reviews, links and information on subscribing to the Card Modelers Mailing list. Also the location of the Card Modelers Online e-zine.

Modeling Tips

Regular copier/inkjet paper is only 20-24 lbs., but 90 lb. cardstock is perfect for most models.

Most computer printer inks are not water-resistant. Seal the color with a clear lacquer or acrylic spray before assembly, or you are likely to have stained fingers and faded areas on your model.

Many paper modelers swear by UHU, which is a German brand of paper glue. Aleene's Tacky Glue is a thick white glue found in many craft stores. Either works fine, though Aleene's is less expensive and safe for young children.
{David T. Okamura}

Other sources of paper models (here and abroad) include:

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