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

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.

Thank you sir!

Thank you both.

micahrogers said:

A great start, how many copies do you print?

Click to expand...

This is a very good question. The answer is determined on how many different layers you want. To answer your question more specifically, I printed the template (on cardstock) four times (and printed the template on (on regular) printer paper once).

Here is the skin for the fuselage.


The skin id 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.

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.

Thank you sir!

Thank you both for the kind words and encouragement.

micahrogers said:

This is looking GREAT!!!
Do you get any accrued tolerance errors by layering the papers?

Click to expand...

Again, very good question. The simple answer is , no. Non thus far. However, I still have the engines, wings and canopy to finish.
With that being said, if one were to make this at a smaller scale (say half the size of the original scale), one might experience accrued tolerance errors.
Although, building this model at a much smaller scale (with the added greebling) would be an interesting challenge.

Thank you. I enjoy pushing the limits of greebling whilst still staying within the confines of paper.