Finding and Building Free Paper Model Ships
You probably already know about model ship kits made from materials like wood, plastic and metal, but did you know there are also paper model ships that you can make? It’s true — paper is a popular material for many hobbyist ship model builders. You can even find free paper model ships, which allow you to try your hand at this craft before deciding whether or not it’s right for you. Paper may also be referred to as card, so when doing research you may want to look for not only paper models but card models as well.
There are many benefits to using paper as your model building material. First of all, it is inexpensive and readily available. Plus, the Internet allows you to design and print precise model parts and pieces in a variety of colors. Some serious card ship model enthusiasts use CAD or computer-aided design software programs to design their own models, while others use pre-designed model plans. There are certainly lots of them out there, and many of them can be downloaded absolutely free. Another benefit is that paper is the perfect material for both children and adults to use as it is safe, lightweight, affordable and abundant.
Before building a paper model, you will need a few supplies. The paper is of course, the most important aspect. You will want to use 90 lb card stock, as regular paper such as that used for your printer is going to be too light and flimsy. You will also need a clear waterproof lacquer spray with which to lightly coat your paper. Spray the paper lightly with an even coat and allow the lacquer to dry before assembling the pieces. You might also require glue. There are many different brands of paper glue available in craft stores, so read labels to see what you prefer. If you’re shopping for kids, make sure to choose a non-toxic glue such as Aleene’s Tacky Glue or a comparable product.
To find free paper model ships, all you need to do is a search engine query or two. If you cannot find a sufficient number of choices, try using the term free card model ships instead. You will likely be able to find quite a few plans that are offered at no cost. Many of the free plans may be quite simple. If you are searching for plans that are more ornate, try looking through some books on the subject or purchase some downloadable plans online. Paper Models International is one such site that offers plenty of selection and reasonably affordable prices.
