Photos by the author

Alpha (?) Version Download

Well it's not really much different from the Beta, but, for what it's worth, here it finally is! The main improvement here is that the seam reinforcement part B1 has been 'scalloped' or zig-zagged to follow the main tower seam. You should find that this allows for much less distortion along the seam, especially if using solvent-based adhesive. Parts B5 and B6 have been improved, they are now even more structurally important and they print out as 3-d holographic foil-backed glossy-paper items sure to earn gasps of admiration when you show the model off. There are a few other minor parts tidy-ups and a scale has been added to allow easier scale checking and resizing. As yet I haven't come up with a .pdf version, though several people have asked for one. I'll give it a try soon anyway, but in my experience people have more trouble with .pdf files than with simple .jpg images. (It's the kind of thing more computer-savvy users often refuse to believe, but honestly, many people have never heard of Adobe Acrobat and have no idea what a .pdf is.)

Enough of that, where are the files? Well, they're not here! This is the final article in this series, but, I've uploaded the files to my own server so I can continue to update the model with any suggestions and improvements that seem worthwhile. So, for now the version is V1.0, but this will change from time to time.

The URL is: http://www.q-net.net.au/~nipngnwm/papermodels

The files currently online are:
1) Page 1 - model parts, .jpg 781 Kb
2) Page 2 - model parts, .jpg 773 Kb
3) Elevation Drawing - annotated, to be used in conjunction with instructions, .jpg 64Kb
4) Instructions - text file, 7Kb

Check back in future for .pdf versions and updates.

Techo notes; the parts files are output in 3000x2090 pixel size at 1200DPI. This seems to allow for fairly clear detail but I'm open to suggestions on better formats/resolutions etc. If you build the model please contact me at nipngnwm@q-net.net.au with any comments, criticisms, suggestions or general feedback, I'd love to hear from you. Please use a distinctive subject line to avoid my spam filter, such as "Point Moore paper model", or "You are a Viking love god, be mine forever!" - er no actually, the filter will get that for sure!

A note on scale; some correspondents have queried 1/96. Well...it's just a nice old Imperial scale (1/2 of 1/48 scale too) and I happen to like it. 1/100 may be more metric, but it's also got less character, or something. :) Here are some conversion ratios for anyone who'd care for a different scale:

x 0.666 = 1/144
x 0.960 = 1/100
x 1.333 = 1/72
x 1.103 = 1/87 ("HO" scale)

What's next? I've definitely got the bug now to do more designing. As recounted last month, right now I'm doing the groundwork for a model of the Basilica of Constantine in Trier - Part 2 of the article following this will appear next month. I'd also like to tackle the Royal Albert Provisioning Yards in Sydney and there are many other nice lighthouses that are worth a model, eg the Black Lighthouse at Queenscliff in Melbourne. Some Greek and Egyptian temple ruins would be nice, maybe La Madeleine in Paris also. And that's just architecture...there's planes, tanks, ships and everything else to tackle too. So many subjects! So little lifespan!

To sum up, what did I learn from this project? More than I expected, I think. I'm a pretty good scratchbuilder and sculptor in the "hardware" modelling field (I do sci fi, ships, aircraft and the odd bit of R/C dabbling), but this was my first attempt at designing a paper model. The textures on this model are simple, but still required a fair bit of work. A seriously artwork-intensive model (eg one that includes brickwork) will be a whole other level of challenge! Also, parts fit problems are incredibly difficult to avoid and resolving them involves far more trial and error and far less mathematics than it should.

In short, the model probably has some rough edges still and I wouldn't claim it's a professional level job, but, it shows you can do at least a basic job yourself without having to have formal training, particular artistic talent or expensive equipment. If you've ever fancied giving it a shot yourself but thought it might be beyond your skills, don't hold back, just give it a go, it's definitely fun!

Finally, I'd just like to thank the following people for help, advice or support with this project:

Piet Wieringa - feedback, encouragement and spurring me by finishing a version of the model before I'd even printed my first test! (And some nice lighthouse postcards - thanks, Piet!)
David Hathaway - feedback and (undeserved) compliments (build his ships, they're great!)
Mike Stamper - feedback and (undeserved) compliments
Ricardo Leite - feedback and (undeserved) compliments
Saul Jacobs - feedback, encouragement, patience, hosting of files and a great webzine!