Hi;
This is an easy question isn't it? "Why did I do That" ? Thinking in terms of modeling, I would imagine we ask ourselves that a lot! For instance. In 1/200 and 1/250 size, Paper models have a lot of stuff you have to bend, curl and fold then glue to make an object.
These are things that may be seperate on this size model Ship or Plane may not be on some company'sPlastic models. For instance, Have you looked at the amount of little fiddlybits molded on the decks of Tanks in 1/35 and ships in 1/350? It's amazing!
Now let's go back to the larger ship models. 1/96 scale say. "Oh, that is a beautiful sailing ship model isn't it"? We've all said that I am sure. Now look carefully.That ship has got real Belaying Pins. What? Maritime coshes running around free? No, just rigging tools holding various lines in place.( Cosh) Maritime tool, usually a Belaying Pin used to knock out a recalcitrant sailor or to render one unconcious while being " Shanghaied".
It's really a working part of a ship! Now in smaller scale it's a piece of plastic that looks like a badly made comb. In paper, well, I'll let you imagine what that entails.
Can you imagine a winch Body, and control box made out of paper in 1/250 scale? They are less than 1/4 inch long( or wide ) overall for the drum. 3/16 for the control box which is that length and at least a 1/16 high..These items require careful assembly with as little glue as you can gets away with.
Now on a plastic ship model( 1/400,1/350,1/600 etc.) these parts are molded on the decks. Not so on wood or paper in those scales. Shovels, Picks and other gear seen on a Tank are usually molded on and some times molded separately. Try making a shovel in 1/48 in paper!
Now , to go back to the beginning question. "Why'd I do that"? " Why did you?". I have been using found items that fit the bill rather than spend a week making these little parts that sometimes are no bigger that a Car's starter in 1/25. Also I have found that no matter how small of an amount of Aleens or Elmers, or other brands, the glue renders that part a melted mess right after gluing.You have to reshape it, hope you got it right and let it dry to find out. Another week spent.
Now in Model cars,You wired the engine and then made a fan belt too? What did you use? and to be polite " Why'd you do that?"