Is it cheating to use plastic parts?

[philo426]

Thanks.After this one is done I will go back to my plastic kits for a while.To make a kit that makes me feel like a bumbling fool is most disconcerting.

[enrico63]

Hello,
I always made a plastic model but, since I discovered the papermodel, I have something extra in the scratchbuild of models!!
At the beginning I sought to use only paper.....Now I use paper to 99%.
I use metal wires to produce pipes or cables or, for example, small nets to reproduce grids.
The paper is a great material for modeling

[airdave]

Unfortunately you made the worst kit choice for your first paper model.
The Hampden is a model for more experienced builders.

Maly Modelarz kits are mostly older handdrawn style,
and are not known to be very exact models.
Even experienced paper modellers will have a challenge on their hands with that kit.

If you are learning paper modelling, you are doomed to frustration with a model like that.

Best advice I have is, choose a simpler, less advanced model.
Find something that has a detailed build thread already here on the forums.
Try to follow along and build the kit using the build thread.
Approach it completely as a tutorial, learning experience.
If it turns out well, you'll be even more pleased with the adventure.
Don't be alarmed by any frustration or failure.
Every paper model has at least one area that is tricky or difficult to deal with.

[philo426]

Yeah I am a good modelr I will show you guys a pic of pat of my collection .

[cgutzmer]

Wing roots - damn they suck.... I HATE them! But yeah philo, make a couple of Romans (der kampfliegger) they are high quality kits that arent too complex. Learning the basics is important - oh, and color the edges If it makes you feel better - I put together my first kit with a stapler. I graduated to scotch tape on my second kit.... then I found my friends here and it got a whole lot better.

Heck make a scale cube or three, freebies all over the place!
Hope to see you around!
Chris

edit - to use plastic or not in your kits is an age old question. My personal viewpoint is that its your model and your enjoyment. Do it how YOU like. No one will fault you for it. I use string (rigging), paper clips (strengthen struts and for hinges) occasionally a dowel for something long and straight to make it more rigid. Of course canopies in either vac formed plastic or just a thin plastic cellophane. Just have a good time and enjoy what you are doing!

[nebeltex]

Originally Posted by philo426

Thanks.After this one is done I will go back to my plastic kits for a while.To make a kit that makes me feel like a bumbling fool is most disconcerting.

We were all bumbling fools at one time or another, especially when we started at one hobby or an interest. Paper models may not be for everyone, yet I believe any expert modeler can achieve great results, no matter the medium(s), no matter the scale. The more difficult the challenge (for build or design), the greater the personal rewards of success when you are satisfied, and your peers say "well done".

Just sayin'

[philo426]

Well I have learned a lot and what do to not to repeat the mistakes I made on the Hampden.

[Formerly Styrene]

There are pros & cons

I once modified a styrene 1/700 Skywave Fletcher class destroyer into the late war version my father in-law served on. I cut some pretty good sized holes in the deck and filled them with sprue melted with airplane glue and laquer thinner while adding the late war quad 40s.

It did work out nicely, but the point is that now with a cardstock model, especially one in digital format, I would probably solve the same problem in GIMP or Photoshop.

So it all depends on how you want to solve the problems and btw those tire and propeller tutorials mentioned above are definitely worth a peek.

Cheers

Formerly Styrene

aka David

[beckychestney]

Paper, plastic, wood, steel, uranium, whatever it takes to get the job done is right for me. Rule #1 is have fun not ulcers.

Oh, and the uranium? Yes, I have used it

In it's decayed form.

That's lead by the way.

[Jim Nunn]

It's a hobby! build it to your skill level and if props, spinners and wheels and are not in your skill level use whatever makes you happy with the result. I have competed in many model contests and have taken Gold's, firsts, seconds and thirds in the plastics categories. These models are not 100% paper some parts cannot be made with paper, so I use wire, wood, and occasionally plastic. My goal is to make the most convincing model possible. Example

Just have fun and learn from each build. At some point you will make wheels, props and spinners out of paper.

Jim Nunn