The Walk-Thru of the 2023 International Paper Modeler's Convention (IPMC); the 25th

[THE DC]

Don’s skill exceeds only expertise in ground and air vehicles. He displayed a tiny, yet meticulously detailed, Japanese building of historic grace (see pic 1). The building could fit in his pocket, despite the smoothness of the build and the care of the added care (see pic 2).

Back to vehicles, Don was displaying a prop to a plane that he is building (see pic 3). The detail and care, of the piece alone, suggests how high a quality artist that he is. When part of the completed kit, the care of the small part alone might be lost.

As far as completed kits, the tiny M-3 tank (see pic 4) suggests the care and thought that he puts into the exhibited final piece. The completed display suggests a museum quality exhibit; capable of aesthetic enjoyment, as well as educational inspiration.


Picture 1: A tiny Canon creative Japanese building

Picture 2: Tiny detailed building

Picture 3: The prop of a craft he's working on

Picture 4: A tiny M-3 Tank

Picture 5: Another view of the M-3...

[THE DC]

Back to some aircraft, Don provides a series of types of several eras that are worth examining in the detail that befits his work.

One nice exhibit was of an NJ-1 on a base that was made to look like a period aircraft carrier deck (see pic 1). Similarly, was his exhibit of his Spitfire, named Darling Lil, for his spitfire of a wife (see previous entry…and pic 2). For the theme of the convention, “A is for” he chose an airplane; a Korean War era F-86 Sabre, on another deck/base (see pic 3)…

Finally, the collection of WWI armor should not be overlooked; a passion that he delved in for some time (see pic 4)…



Picture 1: Between Wars aircraft on aircraft carrier deck base

Picture 2: Darling Lil; the Spitfire...

Picture 3: A is for Airplane...an F-86 Sabre

Picture 4: Don Boose WWI armor

[THE DC]

Don’s favorite build was of a WWI biplane; the Breguet 14A2, photo-reconnaissance aircraft (see pic 1). He explained that cutting out the scarf (the fairing) for the machine gun was particularly challenging; and particularly satisfying in conclusion (see pic 2). He shared that the kit was a good one to work upon; describing it as well designed. When asked how long it took, he admitted not being sure. He said that he started a build log, then forgot to keep up with the log. He estimated about 10 hours in total, though (see pic 3).


Picture 1: Favorite model build...see machine guns...

Picture 2: Close up of machine gun...

Picture 3: Size comparison of his build with a dime...

Picture 4: Nice detail, in build and depiction

[THE DC]

I'll let you savor the builds of this entry, and post soon Don's detailed build tips and tool suggestions...

[Don Boose]

Thanks for the generous and laudatory write up, Don. I presume the "Bob" in posts #41 and 42 is actually "Don, the famous typographical error."

And to give credit where credit is due, two of the models depicted were built by true master modelers. The Fiddlers Green GeeBee R-1 in Image 2 of Post #39 was built by and given to me by John Glessner, formerly DrLaser in this Forum, rocket scientist (really) and master of rollation. The Fiddlers Green Douglas D-588-1 Skystreak in Image 2 of Post #39 and Image 5 of Post #40 was built by Don Weeks (rockpaperscissors in this Forum, and yet another "Don"), who built it during a Paper Modelers at Army Heritage Days event once upon a time when he and I were table buddies and he magnanimously gave it to me as a memento.

Don, too

[THE DC]

Sorry about the typo!

I'd blame auto correct (as that has been a REAL wresting match this Thread), but I suspect weariness and trying to force the pics thru the system distracted me.

I do appreciate the very thorough and detailed interview...



I don't think that there's a way to edit, this late in the process?

[Texman]

Originally Posted by THE DC

I don't think that there's a way to edit, this late in the process?

I don't know, maybe I know a guy...

[THE DC]

When you find that guy, will you thank him for me?

[THE DC]

Don is very generous with his build tips. Not only did he demonstrate for you, through this article, but I have seen him do the same for many visitors to the IPMC.

Don employs a set of tools that each facilitate specific folding or shaping effects (see pic 1). At the IPMC , Don shared a kit, coming together, beside his tools (see pic 2). This permits some explanation on how to use these tools. (see pic 3).

But first, here’s a look at the wide variety of tools used (see pic 4).

Next section, Don shares tips on how to roll a paper part into a convincing curve (see pic 5). He starts by using a rounded tool, a cylinder the size of a pencil, to roll over a piece of cardstock on a softer, sponge-like block, to avoid crimping or damaging the paper, as it is shaped…


Picture 1: Tools and set up...

Picture 2: A drying kit...an aircraft from Murphey's Models...

Picture 3: Another part of the build -in process-...

Picture 4: Don's prolific tool kit

Picture 5: Rolling the paper...

[THE DC]

He suggested having rounded tools, like the round ends of the wooden tool or a thin metal probe, like a metal pencil or needle, along a solid foam block (as pictured in the last entry), then the curve may be tightened from the started shape, with the same tool, to rub curvature into the unprinted side of the part (pic 1). The steel tool, with a smooth, cylindrical body (see pic 2), then provides the desired shape; not merely a roll, but the shape of the engine cowl that this model requires. The foam block provides a sound foundation to start off, to avoid damaging the shaped part, enough give to keep the paper from crimping, but once started, the palm of a hand can mold the paper into the desired form.

To demonstrate further, Don took a piece of scrap and showed the process again (see pic 3). He demonstrated that the process might be attempted with the palm of your hand alone (see pic 4). This rounding facilitates curved wing edges by rounding the edge with a curved, ball edge. The tools used may be noted here (see pic 5). Some of these tools were dentist's tools...






Picture 1: Don demonstrates curving a part into a cylindrical shape...

Picture 2: Using the tool to make a smooth curve...

Picture 3: Don's solid metal rod provides a clean roll of paper...

Picture 4: Rolling paper...

Picture 5: The tools used; making it smooth...