• Win a Free Custom Engraved Brass Coin!!!
    As a way to introduce our brass coins to the community, we will raffle off a free coin during the month of August. Follow link ABOVE for instructions for entering.
  • SUBSCRIBE TO SHIPS IN SCALE TODAY!

    The beloved Ships in Scale Magazine is back and charting a new course for 2026!
    Discover new skills, new techniques, and new inspirations in every issue.

    NOTE THAT OUR NEXT ISSUE WILL BE MARCH/APRIL 2026

Ever considered to scratch-build from card?

I’m afraid to work with paper because it’s susceptible to moisture and the weaker structure could get easily crumpled.
There are scratch built ship models in my collection that are over 10 years old and I never saw any sign of crumpling. What do you intend to do with them? Store them in the bath room?
What I do see in some of the kits I built (mainly planes and vehicles) is discoloring and damage by insects (silverfish). Peculiar enough they don't seem to like my ships, for which I thank them.
 
There are scratch built ship models in my collection that are over 10 years old and I never saw any sign of crumpling. What do you intend to do with them? Store them in the bath room?
Well....... maybe. It will give me something to look at while doing my business. . . :D

As for crumpling, YOU don't have CATS. I also have some silverfish in the basement level bathroom, and you thought teredo worms were a problem.
 
I’m afraid to work with paper because it’s susceptible to moisture and the weaker structure could get easily crumpled.
I did the HMS Alert, and when all was said and done the hull was as strong as a wooden hull. The spars and mast are wood. It has been in the basement for two years with no degradation, though I did paint the surface with a flat poly on the bottom and a semigloss on the superstructure, but you have no need to worry.
I have to rerig it due to a former family cat
 
Last edited:
I did the HMS Alert, and when all was said and done the hull was as strong as a wooden hull. The spars and mast are wood. It has been in the basement for two years with no degradation, though I did paint the surface with a flat poly on the bottom and a semi gloss on the superstructure, but you have no need to worry
Nice. It's good to know. Paper seems so flimsy to me.
 
It's not just paper Kurt, it is also card. You know how rigid a cardboard box can be.
The fact that everything is glued to everything makes the whole structure surprisingly sturdy. You should give it a try.
I know a very nice book that excessively details the whole proces, called 'Dutch 17th century ship models in paper' written by a very well know author. :-))
 
Back
Top