| In a previous article, I discussed how I discovered | | | | (both versions) are well covered, as are several |
| the wonderful world of paper (or card) models | | | | other popular and less well-known shows. My last |
| available for download. You simply download a graphic | | | | count was at least 40 downloadable models available |
| file, print it on your inkjet printer and assemble with | | | | depicting "Star Wars" craft, from a small and simple |
| glue. While this medium will never replace plastic | | | | Tie Fighter to a very detailed At-At walker. The |
| models, there is a lot to say for a model format that | | | | "Star Trek" franchise takes the ribbon for the most |
| offers you unlimited replacement parts, scale | | | | free model downloads on the web. I've documented |
| adjustability, and usually is, well, free. | | | | about 100 and I'm sure there are many more around. |
| If you love space ships, as I do, there is a great | | | | Constructing space models in paper is basically the |
| variety of space models free for download. Whether | | | | same as building other card models. The trickiest part |
| you want a model based on a move, TV show or | | | | tends to be in matching the joints of cylindrical hull |
| reality, you can probably find it. Currell Graphics | | | | sections. I like to complete each section, dry it and fit |
| features models of the (pre-spaceage) V-2 rocket | | | | the next section to the previous one. And while |
| from WWII and the SpaceShipOne. The Lower | | | | many card model files include bases, I almost always |
| Hudson Valley Paper Model features some great | | | | prefer to suspend them by nylon thread from the |
| models of NASA craft in their "Real Space" section, | | | | ceiling. You can poke holes along the hull during |
| including several versions of the Space Shuttle, the | | | | assembly and embed buttons inside with the thread |
| upcoming Ares moon craft and even a 4 foot tall | | | | tied to it. Doing this in 2 places along the length allows |
| Saturn V Apollo rocket. | | | | 2 contact points for the string for easy leveling. An |
| You'll find many card model available based on | | | | easier method is to simply locate the center of |
| spaceships of movies and TV. An easy starter would | | | | gravity of the finished model and tie the thread |
| be Erwin de Jong's saucer from "The Day the Earth | | | | around that section of the fuselage. Transparent |
| Stood Still" at Cut & Paste Sci-Fi. A fairly new | | | | thread will be basically invisible. |
| model on the web is a very detailed version of the | | | | A couple of good places to start looking for free |
| Discovery from 2001: A Space Odyssey that is | | | | space-oriented card models are Free Paper Toys and |
| several feet long when finished. Battlestar Gallactia | | | | The Lower Hudson Valley Paper Model Giftshop. |