Fokker DR 1 1/33 - First Plane Ever

[PetworthPilot]

Cardstock model of the famous Fokker DR1. It's my first cardstock plane model so there's room for improvement. I'm still happy with the way it came out. Thanks to Rubenandres77 for creating the kit which is available on this web site.

[Rubenandres77]

Nice to see that little bird being built. And glad that it was your first model. It was intended to be very simple for beginners. Please do share what the experience was like for you.

Good idea to reinforce the wheels the way you did.

[Don Boose]

Good work!

I'm glad that you shared images of your first paper airplane model with us.

I see that you have experience with balsa flying models. Many building techniques for balsa and stick-and-tissue flying models are applicable to paper models and vice-versa.

Please share more of your models in the future.

Don

[PetworthPilot]

Originally Posted by Rubenandres77

Nice to see that little bird being built. And glad that it was your first model. It was intended to be very simple for beginners. Please do share what the experience was like for you.

Good idea to reinforce the wheels the way you did.

To build the wheels as the kit instructed would have been pretty difficult. I have plenty of 1/16th balsa sheet on hand. I have seen other modelers on YouTube throw in some balsa on their cardstock kits. I cut round circles out of balsa and glued the wheels from the kit to them. My balsa wheels are pretty close to being round. I will pick up a drawing compass so that I can make perfectly round circles.

I did cover up some of the white areas where cardstock was cut or folded with a marker from a craft store. Someone mentioned that there is still a fair amount showing. It dawned on me that I have nearly 30,000 bottles (or about $18.73 worth) of cheap craft paint that I can use to further touch up the plane.

I will build this kit again with wood struts and landing gear. I will do the wooden wheels again but they will actually be round. I will likely put ribs in the wings and glue the fuselage parts to 1/16 or 1/32 sheet balsa.

Thanks a ton Ruben for creating and sharing such a wonderful kit.

[PetworthPilot]

Originally Posted by Don Boose

Good work!

I'm glad that you shared images of your first paper airplane model with us.

I see that you have experience with balsa flying models. Many building techniques for balsa and stick-and-tissue flying models are applicable to paper models and vice-versa.

Please share more of your models in the future.

Don

Don, thanks for your kind words. I am preparing to create a YouTube channel where I share my experiences. I am just a regular guy but perhaps sharing my stories can inspire someone to pick up some cheap supplies and start their first card model. The road to flying RC planes for me was started by building a simple cardstock model offered by a computer printer company of a Hong Kong tram. I had the PDF file of the model printed out, some scissors, and some glue.

[JCK]

It´s never to late to start building card models! Nice work!

[Don Boose]

And do keep in mind the annual International Paper Modelers' Convention that will take place on 29 October in Sterling, Virginia, within striking distance of Falls Church.

International Paper Modelers Convention

Don

[PetworthPilot]

Originally Posted by Don Boose

And do keep in mind the annual International Paper Modelers' Convention that will take place on 29 October in Sterling, Virginia, within striking distance of Falls Church.

International Paper Modelers Convention

Don

Don, it's on my calendar and I am looking forward to it!

[PetworthPilot]

After a touch up with cheap craft paints the finished model. Thanks to Ruben Andres for sharing his wonderful kit with the world.

[Gene K]

Originally Posted by PetworthPilot

After a touch up with cheap craft paints the finished model.

Nice first kit!

In addition to the craft paints you already have, I suggest you invest in some soft pastel chalk to do touchups and to cover white edges.

Gene K