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USS Olympia 1:200 cardstock scratch

ALiermann

ALiermann

Joined
Dec 28, 2025
Messages
10
Points
48

Hi all,

50 years ago my grandfather gifted me the old Revell kit of USS Olympia. This model now is long gone. Now a modeler I always had the wish to possess the Olympia again. Sure I could have bought and assemble the old kit again, but I'm into card modelling. There's no manufacturer with USS Olympia. Well, let's scratch.
The model took about 10 months to complete and it shows USS Olympia about 1903 with it's telegraph room abaft.
Looking forward to your comments.
Regards, Alex

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The cruelty of the ultra close up and macro lens!

But in this case it does nought but show the builder’s skill and craft. The detail, the handrails, the boats.

And for myself, the paint finish adds to the ambience. What are the dimensions?

You say ‘card’ - not a material I’m accustomed to, but this must be from the scalpel of a master.


How was it done? Do tell a little more.

Jim
 
It’s just as admirable, even having had a look ‘inside’

I’m intrigued about the evenness of the paint finish, or rather, its texture, which seems consistent in its roughness. Is it deliberate or the result of the card material coming into contact with paint - a little like water raises the grain of sanded wood.

J
 
Well, I always use acrylic paint for my models but not at that size before. Acrylic looks very good on a wooden ship but in this case I'm not very content with the hull. But I decided to keep it.
 
Absolutely staggered by the beauty of this model made from card stock. I would assume it is fairly heavy card - 65# (176 gsm)? I have never seen someone assemble then paint card - it is a totally new wrinkle.

I have a self-serving question. I am teaching a group of students whom I want to introduce to modeling in card. Given that they are students I have to have something that is quick, sticks, and non-toxic. The opinions on glue are all over the place. The one constant is something the Europeans call sticky-glue - we might have it in the States, but under a different label. Regardless, I am interested in your opinion regarding glues that work and those that do not.

Again, an amazing job. Thank you for posting such great pictures.
 
Thank you, mates :)
@mtsandvigen about glue I recommend "Kittifix" or another waterbased glue for superstructure and solvent adhesive for the hull and large areas e.g. if you want to double the deck with wooden textures. Be aware that cardstock is a medium with a tendency to deform when getting in contact with too much waterbased substances. To place the glue in small amounts I use toothpicks. Just look at the attached picture to see what is possible.20180910_212804.jpg
 
I've always wanted to build an Olympia model ship, the Great White Fleet and the Spanish American war have always been of interest, and I think the detail on your ship is fantastic. Great job, Scratch building it makes it amazing!
 
mtsandvigen said:
Absolutely staggered by the beauty of this model made from card stock. I would assume it is fairly heavy card - 65# (176 gsm)? I have never seen someone assemble then paint card - it is a totally new wrinkle.

I have a self-serving question. I am teaching a group of students whom I want to introduce to modeling in card. Given that they are students I have to have something that is quick, sticks, and non-toxic. The opinions on glue are all over the place. The one constant is something the Europeans call sticky-glue - we might have it in the States, but under a different label. Regardless, I am interested in your opinion regarding glues that work and those that do not.

Again, an amazing job. Thank you for posting such great pictures.
Click to expand...
This is truly an amazing model. Adding some insight here, sticky glues include Uhu found at office stores like Office Depot and Scotch tacky glue and Aileene’s tacky glue online. However, I think papermodelers.com has all kinds of tips and recommendations for paper glues.

Hope this helps.
 
 
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