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Hi Charlie;
This is intended as a brief tutorial to familiarize you with the basics of card modeling, with a minimum of fuss and a better chance of enjoying a really rewarding hobby. As it is with any medium in model building, there is a set of skills needed to get a satisfying result. Generally speaking do not make HMS Victory your first model. Start with a schooner. Learn the basics. Try not to make extra work for yourself. Do not over build. Do not spend money when you don't have to.
A good way to start is to get on the internet, go to GOOGLE and type in free card models. There are tons of free models out there, of every subject under the sun, planes, rockets, ships, cars, tanks, famous architecture, and even animals. Some are easy, but still fairly good, others awful and some way over complicated. Hunt around for something that appeals to you, download it in your computer and save it. That way you can simply print out another page if you mess one up. There are some good models for download on this web site. Don't be in a rush, slow and careful will get you there. Build a couple of easy ones before you tangle with Bismark.
As for thickness, unless you intend to stand on your model, you really do not need anything thicker than a good card stock readily found in a store which sells stationery supplies. It can be laminated if you need to. Some parts, such as gun barrels, masts, and spars, should be made of ordinary printer paper. You will be surprised at how strong these can be when properly rolled.
Most decent kits come supplied with diagrams and illustrations which make the sequence understandable. More importantly the parts are numbered. If you follow the numerical sequence you will eventually get there. After you get a few of the easier models under your belt, you will develop the skill required to build with minimal instructions. Hope this is useful for you.
Regards, rjccjr
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