Detailing and greebling out (and adding "decals" to) the "Simple" Colonial Viper

[Rhaven Blaack]

Awhile ago, I was having a conversation with someone about paper/cardstock models (and the "pros and cons" of the hobby as a whole). As the conversation progressed, the person asked me it it was possible to add (regular) decals to a paper model, without changing and/or treating the template (i.e. if one comes across a model that is missing markings or the builder wishes to add additional markings to the (existed) model)? I responded that it is indeed possible. The technique to do so is rather simple.
1) Download (or scan) the decals that you want (need) for the project in question.
2) Resize the decals to the scale needed for the project.
3) Print the decals on either printer paper or tracing paper (it is preferred to print the decals on high quality tracing paper).
4) Cut out the decals and glue them in place.
5) Use a clear coat spray paint to "seal" the model (if desired).

After having this conversation, I decided to build the "Simple" Colonial Viper (that I had repainted), greeble it out (and add the recessed panel lines) and add decals (similar to the ones that one would find on the REVELL/MONGRAM and REVELL models).

Here are the parts sheets. I have printed this model out several time, in order turn the printed texture into physical texture (which is the easiest for of greebling).


I start with the engine mounting block. I have laminated the end caps and center former to 2mm thick.


The end caps and center former are glued in place.


The engine mounting block is assembled.










I applied the greebling by layering the printed texture, and turning it all into physical texture.
Here is the back of the engine mounting block.


I angled the component for the "conduits" to attach to.


I applied the greebling by layering the printed texture, and turning it all into physical texture.




Please stay tuned in to your local Colonial Broadcast Network for further updates and they happen.

 

[Dirkpitt289]

Impressive

 

[Rhaven Blaack]

Here is the skin for the fuselage.


The skin is formed.


I removed the area for the recessed panels.


The recessed panels are assembled.


The recessed panels are applied in place.




Here is the inner cone piece.


The inner cone piece is assembled.


The inner cone is attached in place.




I have started to apply the panels (that were printed on regular printer paper.)


I raised the two smaller panels that are on the rear (main) panel.


I continued to apply the panels (that were printed on regular printer paper.).


The other side is now complete.


The top section is complete.


Please stay tuned in to your local Colonial Broadcast Network for further updates and they happen.

 

[Rhaven Blaack]

Impressive

Thank you sir!

 

[Rhaven Blaack]

This is the box that connects the fuselage and engine mounting block together.


I assemble the box (but do not close it up yet).


I attached the box to the fuselage.


I closed the box.


I attached the engine mounting block to the box.






Please stay tuned in to your local Colonial Broadcast Network for further updates and they happen.

 

[Rhaven Blaack]

I have (FINALLY) finished the engines.
Here are the (main) parts for the engines.


Starting with the intake assembly.


The fan-blade assembly is assembled.


I attached the inner wall of the intake.


Here is the part for the intake cone.


The intake cone is assembled.


I attached the intake cone to the inner wall.


Here are the parts for the main body of the engine and the "recessed" area.


The main body of the engine is assembled.


The inner part of the exhaust is assembled.


The exhaust component is attached in place.


The intake assembly is attached in place.




The engine is fully assembled.
Now to add detailed greebling.


Here are the greebling for the recessed area.


The greebling is attached in place.


Here are the parts for the exhaust ribs.


The exhaust ribs are attached in place (yes, I cut each rib and attached it in place.).



All three engines are fully assembled (and greebled out).


Please stay tuned in to your local Colonial Broadcast Network for further updates and they happen.

 

[Rhaven Blaack]

Now to attach the engines to the engine block.

Starting with the (top) engine one.


Engine one is attached in place.


Here is engine two.




Here is engine three.






Please stay tuned in to your local Colonial Broadcast Network for further updates and they happen.

 

[Rhaven Blaack]

Here is the canopy.


The canopy is assembled and attached. I used "regular printer paper" to raise the "framework" on the canopy.




Please stay tuned in to your local Colonial Broadcast Network for further updates and they happen.

 

[Rhaven Blaack]

Moving on to the tail and wings.
Here are the parts for the tail, wings and pulsar laser cannons.


The tail is assembled and greebled out.




The tail is attached in place.




The wing is assembled.


The pulsar laser cannon is assembled.


The pulsar laser cannon is attached to the wing.


Both wings are assembled.


The wings are attached.






Please stay tuned in to your local Colonial Broadcast Network for further updates and they happen.

 

[Rhaven Blaack]

I played around with different insignias to create the "decals" and printed them on (high quality) "tracing" paper.
The top three are (of course) BSG related. The bottom two are US. ARMY insignias (The "star shaped" one is US. ARMY MILITARY POLICE. The other one is 7th INFANTRY DIVISION).


I chose the "MILITARY POLICE" insignia.


I used PVA glue to apply the "decals".






Please stay tuned in to your local Colonial Broadcast Network for further updates and they happen.

 

[Rhaven Blaack]

I decided to create a stand for this model. I thought that the "bird" crest from the Viper Pilot's helmet would make for a good "base" for the stand. YES, I know that it is a bit "rough" (around the edges). However, this is a "proof of concept" stand. I have sent the original template and photos to a friend (that is a designer) for review and revision (if he wishes to move forward to the concept, and create a more "professional" looking stand).

Here are the parts for the stand. The support parts (that the plane sits on) are laminated to 1mm thick. The "bird" base parts are laminated to 2mm thick. The "orange" (detail) parts are laminated to 1mm thick.


The support parts for the stand are assembled.


The support is fully assembled.


The base is assembled.




I applied the "orange" (detailed) parts.




I attached the support to the base.
The display stand is complete.








The Viper sits perfectly on it.






Thank you for watching the thread and your kind words and encouragement throughout the build.

 

[Kenny Conklin]

That stand is awesome. You guys amaze me with the paper.

 

[Rhaven Blaack]

That stand is awesome. You guys amaze me with the paper.

Thank you sir. Paper/cardstock model building is a fun hobby. It is also considerably less expensive than that of other mediums. Not only that, but if you make a mistake or with to make more of the same model, you just print out more templates. Not only that, but greebling is very easy, as well. Just print out more of the same template and layer the components to either raise or recess the type of greebling effect that you are wanting to achieve.
With that being said, there is no (set-in-stone) rule that you have to use only paper/cardstock for greebling. You can use whatever material you wish.