Tanker-Builder
This is to let you know I couldn't reply to your post for some reason. There was no reply box in the post.
Sorry for your difficulty in replying, TB. I occasionally have that same problem when working from my phone...but usually only when I need to edit one of my own posts. 
Tanker-Builder
I use the card model for a pattern when I really want a challenge. I use a fine ball burnishing tool and copy the model onto plastic using Carbon paper and going from there to .030 for the bottom and .020 for the frames. I use .010 for everything else. That way I don't mess up on the size.
Funny, I've built maybe a dozen full-tilt paper model ships over the years...but the only ones I've been tempted to use to scratcbuild in plastic, I was 'saved' by plastic manufacturers. The first was SMS Konig, which ICM released, and the other was the Schleswig-Holstein, which Trumpeter was good enough to release just recently.
Cheers