Reims Cathedral, L'Instant Durable, 1:250 Scale

**Tim Crowe** · #1 06-20-2015, 11:50 AM

Gents

Starting my big build for the year a bit later than usual. Used to visit the town of Reims on business at the local aircraft factory. My parents got me a copy when they visited late last year.

Always been impressed by card models of buildings. But never really had much luck. This model comes as a hefty book, with lots of historical information as well as the model.

First part is to laminate the base to something. Choose 5mm foam board, very light and hopefully will stay straight. Have left a sacrificial edge, which will be trimmed off later. Having thoughts of making a wood frame for this model, too.

Next bit is to cut access holes through the base. The instructions though sparse are clear enough. The sections are separated alphabetically and then numerically. A1 to A2, and so on. Blue tabs get folded backwards and yellow forwards. Seems quite simple really.

Section A, is all now complete. Have notice some builders reinforce these tall sections with thick card. Probably makes sense, can't do with the extra work, though

Tim

**Kevin WS** · #2 06-20-2015, 11:55 AM

Good luck!

Keep the great build photos coming Tim!

**Tomdaviesclay** · #3 06-21-2015, 06:14 AM

Tim, you are building one of my favorite cathedral models.When i have to take a model of a cathedral for a display, i always take Reims. In real life, it is also my favorite of Gothic cathedrals. Have you seen it in person? It is magnificent. Good luck. I look forward to seeing your finished model.

**didibuch** · #4 06-21-2015, 11:59 AM

Hi Tim,

good luck with the cathedral. I only saw her one time from far away out of a bus, so she is on top of my 'want to visit'-list.

Regards
Dieter

**sander1942** · #5 06-21-2015, 05:13 PM

Looks good. I'll be following along closely.

**romanmodels** · #6 06-22-2015, 02:46 PM

making a good start Tim

**pjabraham** · #7 06-22-2015, 04:14 PM

Nice start, Tim. I really like these L'Instant Durable models. Reims and Chartres appear to be "better" models than Notre Dame in terms of the draughtsmanship and printing quality. Looking forward to this build.

Phil

**Mike Stamper** · #8 07-07-2015, 02:55 PM

It's looking good Tim, I'm a bit surprised that you are making a cathedral.

You say you don't want the extra work of adding thicker card, but I find it makes life a lot easier as you progress - I even add balsa wood at the top - adding roofs etc. are much easier when the walls aren't moving around ;-)

I use card from used courier envelopes and "Spray Mount" I have to be careful because it's almost impossible to move the card once it's stuck.

Cheers

Mike

**elliott** · #9 07-07-2015, 09:42 PM

Off to a good start there Tim. Looking forward to a great build thread. Keep up with the great pics too please.

**Tim Crowe** · #10 07-08-2015, 12:20 PM

Thank you for all your kind words gents

The interest and comments are appreciated. Flown over the Cathedral many times, visiting Reims Aviation. But, alas never made time for the inside.

I can see why builders add thick card to these models. It would really help.

Things are all a little wobbly at this stage.

One tiny criticism would be that the back of the transept roof ends, don't reflect the front mouldings.

I've added the roof windows at this point,

Glued one long edge on each of the roof panels. After a while glued the rest down.

As you can see from the above photo the centre section should be flat. And not at a slight angle.

Tim