Is it OK to

[Doonie]

I've been practising on small downloaded models in preparation for my first attempt at a "real" model, the Dona Diana.
Question, is it de rigeur to make some parts out of other materials to get a better looking model at the end. For example, I could easily design and 3d print tyres for the sides and laser cut some other parts out of other materials wherever they may go.

[Knife]

I would say their are no rules. This is your art work, use what you feel comfortable with. There's no ruling party, no contest judges, just you and your own expectations. Just have fun.

[rifleman]

its your model build it how you want to build it just go with how you feel

[Sakrison]

If you read a lot of build threads on this forum, you'll discover that a lot of modelers tinker with parts, recolor or reshape parts to make them more accurate, and use wood, plastic, and metal details to enhance a model. Paper ship models often use photo-etch parts.

In choosing how to build your models, the only rule is, there are no rules.
Welcome to the forum and welcome to the hobby.

[Isaac]

Why even ask?

It's your model, so do it the way you want.


There are vendors selling plastic resin wheels as well as vacuformed clear canopies for airplane models.


Isaac

[Butelczynski]

The only limit you have is your own imagination. That's how many of us got here.

I can't remember last time I build a model exactly as maker/designer intended. I aways tinker and try new methods and materials to build. Sometimes it works,sometimes it doesn't. That's a part of fun for me.

[Doonie]

Thank you very much for the replies. I'm an old hand at my particular crafts but new at this and want to step quietly. Your input is highly valued.

[dhanners]

I think all of us try to stick to paper as best we can. Figuring out how to make 3D objects out of 2D paper is part of the allure of the hobby.

That said, there are just some parts on some models that other materials are better for. We're striving for accuracy. Nobody is going to jump on your case for including non-paper parts.

[rkelterer]

yes - certainly - although my personal ambition is the complete implementation only with paper one shouldn't be more catholic than the pope if it doesn't work that way.


camouflage and deceive as a work colleague liked to say.

[Larry R.]

Many model kits require some bits of wire for small parts that would be difficult (though not impossib!e) to create in paper. Some modelers use packaging tape to create canopies or windows. Sometimes I use rubber O-rings for tires. As long as a modeler truthful about the use of non-paper materials, all of this is acceptable in my mind.