Another newbie

[AlanH]

I've been doing a number of paper models from kits in which the pieces are already printed on a heavier card stock. So, simply score, cut out and assemble.

I thought I'd tackle a more difficult model this time around and purchased a GPM model of the Bismark. Several of the models I bought in the past had multiple translations of the instructions, but this kit is all in Polish. I've been reading some of the threads on how to translate this material, but my big question has to do with kit itself.

It seems that the interior hull frame/ribs are printed on a lighter stock than the actual color plates of the model (actually, the same paper thickness as the instructions). Are you supposed to mount those interior hull plates to a heavier stock first? I don't see how the model could be assembled otherwise. Is there a recommendation as to what kind of paper stock should be used. . .and what adhesive? As I said before, the previous kits I purchased contained all the material necessary to complete the model.

I apologize for the silly question, but I thought I'd ask the experts!

[rickstef]

the former sheets, the hull parts are cut out, and glued to chip board, laminated manila folders or anything like that.

Most us prefer to use 3m Super 77 spray adhesive

and others will chime in too

[redhorse]

I don't have the Bismark, but my guess would be 1 to 2 mm card. Some people use balsa although I've never tried that. Look to see if there are asterisks by the parts, if there are there might be a chart in the instructions that tells the thickness by number of asterisks on each part.

[dansls1]

In addition to what Jim (Redhorse) said, keep in mind to consider the thickness of the paper the former patterns are printed on AND the glue in your thicknesses. Oftentimes they are included. One of the handy tools for doing paper models is a nice set of calipers. And a handy hint to see what thickness they are intending for a framer to be laminated to is to measure the slot in one of the pieces it will lock to, since that's ultimately supposed to accomodate it

[Darwin]

Alan, no silly questions....just the occasional silly answer. There are lots of different materials that can be used for the framework, and several different options for adhesives. I usually use Aileen's tacky glue and soft drink 12-pack cartons myself, but I do have a selection of spray cements sitting handy, and a couple of stacks of pressboard in various thicknesses. For smaller models, I've had fair luck using glue sticks for the adhesive, but that does tend to delaminate over time. When using the spray adhesive, make sure it is for permanently bonding, not tacking. The trick with Aileen's is to use it sparingly, and squeegie it onto the cardstock using a scrap piece of cardboard for the squeegie. It helps to clamp the lamination between a couple of heavy books until the glue dries.