[THE DC]

Similarly, Joe’s interest in shuttles and rockets reflected a detailed process for the shaping of the tube and the hull shape formation. He suggested that toothpicks were useful tools, as well as steal rods or probes, as formers for the light paper being rolled into shape.

Since the scale of his builds is so small, Joe’s builds are actual, "real" paper models; where most of us work in card-stock models! He has to roll extremely thin paper into shape, to permit the achievement of the effective final results. Too thick a paper choice, he explained, and the fold doesn’t appear smooth and clear, nor hold such a sculpted finish.

In accomplishing detailed, small but consistent folds, he used examples of some rockets that he completed. Using a template provided in the kit, he completed a series of folds in the outer skin to accomplish the desired realistic look at such a small scale (see pic 1).

Starting out, on a hard surface, he uses the metal probe from his toolbox, to begin to shape the paper toward the form of the template, by rolling the paper under the rounded surface (see pic 2). Once the paper loosely takes a rounded form, a tighter rounded fold is accomplished around the tool (see pic 3). The fold is then tightened around the probe to intensify the retention of the shape, using the fingers (see pic 4). Note how the template is referenced to make sure that the fold-shape is conforming to the intended outcome (see pic 5). The process continues in the next Thread chapter…



Picture 1: A mini sized rocket folded…

Picture 2: Demonstrating rolling technique…

Picture 3: Demonstrating rolling technique 0…

Picture 4: Demonstrating rolling technique 1…

Picture 5: Demonstrating rolling technique 2…