I seem to be suffering builder's block on the Helena, so am taking off on another tangent. After spending a couple of intensive weeks on the computer's graphics programs, I am ready to start butchering some more paper. Not just one, but two mystery ships to test Maurice. The only hint I'll give is that they are both American tin cans, separated by 20 years in design but contemporary in action. One is a fairly straightforward enlargement (with redraw only if discovered to be needed during the build) of a currently available commercial kit. The other is a major redraw of a long out-of-print, somewhat obscure kit. As the build progresses, it should provide contrasts on several levels....illustration of 20 years worth of design philosophy, different construction technique to just mention a couple. I've converted the kits to 1:250 scale so they can ultimately be displayed with the Helena.
I have experimented with a different type of paper.....this build, I am using matte photo paper for the parts pages instead of bristol cardstock. The paper takes glue well...perhaps too much so, since it tends to curl much more severely than did card stock. The appearance of the printing is much crisper than card. This may prove to be the only strong plus of photo paper vs card stock. The associated disadvantage is that the clay finish of the paper means that it is much touchier to a bit of misplaced glue (a huge downside if you are as sloppy as I am in construction technique), and the ink doesn't penetrate through the clay....so any attempt to clean up stray glue results in the ink flaking away. This build may come to a (temporary) screeching halt while I restart using cardstock. Time will tell. Here are the hull framework and deck parts so you can start guessing the subjects.
I have experimented with a different type of paper.....this build, I am using matte photo paper for the parts pages instead of bristol cardstock. The paper takes glue well...perhaps too much so, since it tends to curl much more severely than did card stock. The appearance of the printing is much crisper than card. This may prove to be the only strong plus of photo paper vs card stock. The associated disadvantage is that the clay finish of the paper means that it is much touchier to a bit of misplaced glue (a huge downside if you are as sloppy as I am in construction technique), and the ink doesn't penetrate through the clay....so any attempt to clean up stray glue results in the ink flaking away. This build may come to a (temporary) screeching halt while I restart using cardstock. Time will tell. Here are the hull framework and deck parts so you can start guessing the subjects.