'82-'84 Firebird Pack

[sjsquirrel]

Originally Posted by ProjectKITT

Sure

I try not to waste card stock on prototypes so I printed it on regular computer paper; that's why it looks a little flimsy. Thicker paper will take care of that. When I get this one done I might try having it printed on 80lb gloss cover instead of 110lb card stock. I'm curious to see how well that would work for papercraft...

Anyway, attached is what I've got together so far:

Interesting that you consider using cardstock on prototypes a waste. I kind of think that it's not a good test unless you make it in pretty much the same material you plan on using for the finished product. And card stock is fairly inexpensive really when you calculate the cost per sheet.

I'll be interested in hearing about your experience with gloss cover. I tried it once and it was a disaster. I found it didn't take glue well at all and cracked easily when folded too far, ruining the finish. Not to discourage you though - It was my one and only attempt, and I know others use it.

Cheers

Steve

[mchale]

Nice job so far on the proto type build

[ProjectKITT]

Thanks everyone!

There are a few reasons why I don't test them on cardstock, the main one being I haven't figured out how to compensate for the thickness of the paper anyway. How do you guys & girls do it?

That's also why I want to try a lighter paper, since this model is fairly small and 110lb might be too much. I'm hoping the gloss cover will be a little bit shinier and/or brighter than the standard 110# white index DigiCopy uses.

Steve, thanks for the heads up! I'll be extra careful trying that out. There was a thread about sealing laser-printed models where some people had a problem with the toner flaking. I've had that happen a very little bit on mine, but not enough switch to inkjet. Maybe I've just been lucky, but it seems like if you're very careful bending the paper, and keep a little pressure on both sides of it, it will be okay. If that doesn't work usually a marker will cover it. In my opinion, the glossy finish of a laser printer is well worth it, especially for shiny things like cars

[spencermitchellmusic]

That is looking really good so far projectkitt. Thanks for posting your progress. I am sooo very excited about this model and that is saying a lot as I am traditionally an airplane guy.

[Werner Smuts]

Nice project!

[ProjectKITT]

I got the front bumper together, but the headlight area was way too tricky! I'll have to rearrange the tabs and see if I can make it easier to assemble.

So far I've made two changes to the 3D model, and am planning on one more adjustment unless I find something else that needs to be corrected. Then finish the texture map and it will be beta building time for the factory Firebirds! :D

[spencermitchellmusic]

Looks awsome! Are you going to design the kitt bumper as well?

[ProjectKITT]

Yep, the KITT versions will have the correct bumper

[spencermitchellmusic]

Looking so forward to seeing this when you have finished. Keep up the great work!

[ProjectKITT]

Oops... Werner, I meant to say thank you a few posts back and totally spaced it!

I think the 3D model for the standard car is pretty much done. I'll work on finishing the textures and getting some PDO/PDF files ready to post (hopefully before next week) for anyone who wants to beta build one I'm planning to put 2 together.

After that make any changes it might need and then on to the Knight Rider versions!