1:250 HMV Paper model 'Bussard'

[AJLintern]

Well having been inspired by the threads on here I've decided to give one of these paper model ships a go I went for the HMV 'Bussard' as it seemed like a good model for a beginner and should build into quite a nice little ship.
Some of the tiny pieces look a bit daunting though...! But I look forward to the challenge I also thought showing my progress on here might encourage me to actually finish it rather than getting distracted and leaving it to gather dust like most of my half started model projects!

Anyway - here we go...



So far I've just cut out the base and longitudinal section:



Next up will be all the bulkheads. Enjoying it so far...!

[AJLintern]

Well I was considering it - depends how I get on with the initial stages. If I cock it up and it looks a bit pants then I might save the laser cut stuff for when I've improved my technique!

[AJLintern]

I should have thought of that before starting to cut bits out...!

[AJLintern]

I could have, except I've stuck those bits together now!

Bulkheads:



Central section glued to base:



Bulkheads installed:






I think that's enough for tonight! If I get time tomorrow I'll start step 2, which is adding the deck and some cabin structures...

[AJLintern]

Yep PVA - was wondering whether it was the best glue to use or if there was a better alternative. I guess for very small parts with a tiny bonding surface super glue might be better.

[AJLintern]

I just made sure I applied the PVA sparingly so as to avoid it soaking in too much. Once it has bonded in position I can always add a little here and there for additional strengthening if necessary.

[AJLintern]

Yes I will try that I might get a syringe so I can more accurately apply it too.

[AJLintern]

Am I correct in thinking that the random extra life rings, hatches etc are to be cut out and stuck over those on the adjacent parts to give a double thickness...?

[AJLintern]

Ok cool - I'll do that

Just cutting out some deck house bits:

[AJLintern]

Yes I'm double checking the fit at every stage before gluing anything. All the cutting and scoring takes a long time when working at the accuracy necessary for it to go together properly, so it pays to plan things out carefully.

Had my first really fiddly bit to deal with today, and it wasn't even shown in the manual - a locker which is attached to one of the deck house walls:



I bought this cheap little illuminated magnifier which is proving very useful for the small bits:



Trial fitted the deck onto the hull structure and it seems to fit pretty well:




All the parts for this section are ready to be glued on now, but I think I'll leave that for another day!

[AJLintern]

I can see that could be a problem - I hope I did it accurately enough, but at least on this model the hull side go up past the tabs and another strip forms the inner surface, so this would hide any gaps hopefully.

[AJLintern]

shortar53 said:

Let me guess, absolutely no fixing "tabs", all edge-to-edge joins?

I've taken to using a little tissue paper soaked in PVA on the inside of the joins to make them a little stronger

Yes all edge joins, but seemed to attach ok. Good tip using tissue for strengthening joints