Originally published in October 2012, it eventually became unavailable when the download link stopped working. I took the opportunity to reorganize the project, revise the template sheet and make the model available again as a much cleaner and better organized PDF file. The papercraft itself remains exactly the same, but it is now much more enjoyable to print and assemble.
The model represents a small set inspired by vintage Texaco gas stations, featuring two fuel pumps mounted on a base and a central post holding advertising signs on both sides. It is a simple accessory, but one that works very well with dioramas, garages, workshops, gas stations and vintage urban scenes.
The final scale is approximately between 1/24 and 1/30, depending on the paper format used for printing. To achieve a good balance between strength and ease of assembly, I recommend using paper weighing between 120 and 160 gsm. You can also have fun experimenting with the scale by reducing it. For example, you can set your printer to print two pages per sheet, allowing you to build two complete sets on a single sheet at approximately half the original scale.
A small detail that makes a big difference in the final result is the fuel pump hoses. On the assembled model shown in the photos, I used two short pieces of gray telephone wire approximately 3 mm in diameter. This gives the pumps a much more realistic appearance and allows the hoses to hang naturally beside them.
I should also point out that I was never concerned with making this set historically accurate. Most likely, the fuel pumps and the hanging Texaco sign belong to different periods in the company's history, but historical accuracy was never my goal. Back in 2012, I simply thought the two elements looked good together, and I still feel exactly the same way today.
Link: Vintage Texaco Gas Pumps Papercraft Set
