Paper power!

Doc,

I'm currently scratchbuilding a 1/200 IJN Takao from a paper model...using that as templates for the plastic parts. Next one is FUSO.

I suggest looking at www.digitalnavy.com, as Roman's kits are easy to build and affordable. He also has several free models (complete) you can download and build before jumping into something big. Unlike most European paper models, Roman's stuff comes on a CD, so if you mess up a part, you simply re-print it.

Regards,

Jeff Herne
Modelwarships.com

Jeff,
I met Roman several years ago at the East Coast hobby show in Fort Washington, Pa. when I bought his CD's for Az. Takao, and the Czarist cruiser. Since then I've gotten the Fuso and Olympia. And Macchi C202 Folgore. His Yamato is only waterline or else I'd get it. Besides I have a couple of the plastic 1/200 Yamato's. One will become a Shinano. I have the UPC Shinano as a reference. The neat thing about DigNav's Yamato is that it looks as when completed (wing 8" turrets) Remember the Aroura Yamato? The port side is 1941 and stbd is 1945! (No ballance, Danielsan!)
Are you on Saul Jacob's paper kit list? http://www.cardmodelers.org Lots of info, etc. there. I bought paper kits from John Hathaway when I was in high school. Then the German kits were the best in the world. Today I feel that the Polish have them hands down. The 1/200 Shokaku and Zuikaku carriers even have hanger deck detail.
Have any pics of your plastic Takao yet? I'd like to hear about that one. Be seeing you, Doc

Hi Doc...

I'm not really a paper modeler...most of my ships are scratchbuilt, but when I saw Roman's Takao (a long time favorite ship subject) I bought it...at that point in time I actually planned on building it in paper, but figured I'd do the hull frames in plastic to give it more strength...that started me thinking my not build the whole thing from plastic?

So, I got an extra 1/350 Yamato for parts, fire control directors, AA guns, aircraft, etc., then scaled Roman's patterns down to 1/350th scale...

I have the hull framed and the deck on, but that's as far as I've gotten, other projects (money making) and the real job (promotion) have gotten in the way. Now with the holidays on top of us, nothing will get done until February...

As far as pics are concerned, I don't release any photos of my in-progress until the model is done. It drives my website partner crazy, since it takes me 6-8 months to complete a ship!!

Regards,

Jeff Herne
Modelwarships.com

Hey Doc, where you from???

J

What are the names of the polish model companies? I'd like to see a 1/200 IJN carrier...

Jeff and Ip.,
I was bored and razed in PittsburghPa. moved to Philthadelphia, then down the Joisey shure. My wife Lin and I just discovered that our house was built in 1805 (Ah! Trafalgar!)
Its a heavy timberframe. The last of that type built down Cape May co. was built in 1827.
And to think that I detested history in grade school. As to the names of Polish kit co's., click the link in my profile (fovourite web sites) That should take u to Saul's paper kit web site. Get on the list. Do a lot of clicking on Saul's site. You'll find out a lot. There are several Polish co's. I have Fly model and GPM 1/200 kits (among others) By 12-18 I'll have more pics here: http://www.fototime.com/inv/BB597CEE33FAE9D
Added more pics of Roman's (Digital Navy dot com) USS Az. BCNU, Doc

Cape May?? Very cool. We'll have to grab coffee next time I'm down there.

I'm up in Morris County, about 45 minutes west of NYC on Rt. 80.

Jeff

I agree,since moving here to Poland I have been amazed at the quality paper models I have seen at shows and in the shops. I think it is due to the fact that under the russians,the Polish modellers only had crap russian kits. So paper was the way to go.
You can get beautifully detailed sailing ships including Victory. There is a thriving after market business in turned aluminium barrels for ships such as 1/200 Bismark !! Wooden masts for the sailing ships. Plus wooden road wheels for your 1/16 Tiger tank.
Planes,trains cars,boats,you name it you can find it here in card. loads of magazines as well. For 3 dollars,a weekly mag gives you a full diorama. This month I saw one with 2 tanks,VW,and a desert scene with pillars and flags.