This aircraft model was designed by Chauncy Green for Fiddlers Green. When I first saw it I was very impressed by the detail and by the quality of the color and shading used on this model. At the time I remember thinking that this model would look really nice if I could find the right kind of silver paper for the metal parts of this aircraft. A few weeks later I came across some silver paper and card at a local art supply store which I had not previously seen. Rather than the usual flat silver glare this stuff has a "frosted" finish. It looks much more like bare aluminum or steel than other papers I've tried to use. The paper is called Canford Frosted Silver and is supplied by Daley-Rowney. It comes in a heavy paper (70lb, 25 sheets for about $10.00) and a card stock (140lb, 10 sheets for about $5.00). I bought mine at the Artisan/Santa Fe store (usual disclaimers) which takes phone orders (800-331-6375). Shipping should be about $4.50 for one package.

This model comes in two sizes. The small size is about 1/44 scale and fits on a single sheet. The larger model is about 1/33 scale and takes up two sheets with the silver parts all on one sheet. The instructions take up and additional sheet for each model which can be printed on plain bond paper. I printed my model on two kinds of paper. I had Kinkos laser print the the fuselage and bare metal parts on the 70# silver paper stock (approx. 90-100 grams per square meter). I printed the the other parts on a heavier photo glossy stock (approx. 120 grams per square meter). For the smaller scale the whole model could be printed just on the silver paper. The printed sheets were then sprayed with a clear matte finish to avoid an overly glossy appearance.

I found the construction of this model to be quite straightforward as with most Fiddlers Green models. The fit was excellent throughout and the instructions quite easy to follow. I did use plain bond paper to reinforce the silver paper for the larger fuselage sections. The challenges in this model came from the the wire rigging, a few small parts and the need to keep the wings aligned perfectly on separate sides of the fuselage.

The silver paper worked out beautifully on this model. I was able to abuse it in many ways without permanent damage. At one point I had a large dent in the side of the rear cockpit from holding the model too tightly. I was able to use an eraser from the inside to massage out the dent. I was also able to add the rivet details which printed too lightly to be well seen with a soft lead pencil. I can envision many other models printed on this paper with outstanding results.

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This page was created by:
Saul H. Jacobs M.Ed.
Docent: Pima Air and Space Museum, Tucson, AZ.
Avionics Specialist, United States Air Force (Retired)
Microcomputer Technology, Pima Community College (Retired)
Tucson Arizona