Does anyone still do cardstock builds?

[Drerunsit]

Hello, everyone. After a VERY long time away from the hobby, it seems like everyone is now doing either foam or 3D builds. It's a lot more difficult to find videos or even articles for builds that use cardstock.

I just finished putting together the Imperial Royal Guard (paper stage) and will start the resin coating later tonight.

Really, what I'm wondering is if I should just abandon this method going forward. Is there a particular reason that people aren't doing paper anymore (other than the obvious convenience of 3D printed models)? I'm trying to make a bunch of helmets going forward and want to get a feel for the best way to continue on.

Thanks!

 

[Leinads]

That sure looks impressive, even at that stage!

 

[division 6]

I'd say carry-on.
What ever works is the best option.

While 3d printers are getting better and more affordable not everyone has or wants one.
It's also more creative than pushing a button and having a machine spit it out.

 

[Darth Lars]

I thought pepakura had largely been overtaken by foam builds. It could be easier to make curves in foam, and the item being semi-flexible could be a desirable trait for cosplay.

 

[Drerunsit]

I thought pepakura had largely been overtaken by foam builds. It could be easier to make curves in foam, and the item being semi-flexible could be a desirable trait for cosplay.

Yeah, this is my assumption. However, most of the foam builds I've seen (even the really good ones) have a cartoony or polygonal look (even if ever so slightly). If it's possible to have the final product look like one from Hasbro Black Series (as an example), then I wouldn't mind doing foam. I also can't find a good guide on how to take a pdo file made for paper and adjusting the pieces for foam.

 

[division 6]

Problem with foam is it brakes down after a few years.
Also rips and deforms.

 

[Drerunsit]

I didn't even know/consider that! So yeah, I think I'd really only be interested in 3D-printed or cardstock based. The latter is more satisfying, though labor intensive! Looking around Etsy, it looks like a printed helmet goes for around $100-$150. If you add the cost of materials to fill the print lines, prime, sand, paint, and add accessories/details, it's probably around $200 per helmet.

Unless I want to "invest" in a 3D printer, I'll likely stick with paper.

 

[Darth Lars]

I have been pondering the idea of using pepakura patterns but building out of plastic card: 2mm HiPS.
Would be much more time-consuming than building out of paper, but with some advantages:
* Through selective application of heat, possible to deform into more curved shapes without adding or removing material
* Easier to sand. Paper is difficult.

I once tried to make a V-for-vendetta Guy Fawkes mask in papiér maché, by moulding paper inside a plastic mask and then resculping the facial features. I had chosen 100% papier maché because it was supposed to have been papiér maché in the original comic book ... but it was a very difficult material to try to sculpt in.

 

[Drerunsit]

I have been pondering the idea of using pepakura patterns but building out of plastic card: 2mm HiPS.
Would be much more time-consuming than building out of paper, but with some advantages:
* Through selective application of heat, possible to deform into more curved shapes without adding or removing material
* Easier to sand. Paper is difficult.
Card
I once tried to make a V-for-vendetta Guy Fawkes mask in papiér maché, by moulding paper inside a plastic mask and then resculping the facial features. I had chosen 100% papier maché because it was supposed to have been papiér maché in the original comic book ... but it was a very difficult material to try to sculpt in.

Do you suppose the cutting/joining would be the same? Or would you have to operate similar to foam, where it's larger cuts? I'm not familiar with the flexibility of plastic card. I'm open to all options, as long as I can achieve a high-quality result.

 

[Darth Lars]

Do you suppose the cutting/joining would be the same?

Very far from it, and time-consuming. Plastic is best cut plastic by scoring a groove against a metal ruler and then snapping in two. Then the edge would have to be filed, at the angle that it will be glued to the mating piece.

 

[Mijob]

I'm a papermodel designer and I love to work with paper. Most people think at first its a plastic model. Check my postings and album.

 

[Drerunsit]

I'm a papermodel designer and I love to work with paper. Most people think at first its a plastic model. Check my postings and album.

So those TIE fighters/bombers are made with paper??

 

[Mijob]

So those TIE fighters/bombers are made with paper??

Yes indeed all my models are made from paper. If you look at zealotmodels you will find more people designing and building paper models.

And your helmet is looking awesome!

 

[Drerunsit]

Yes indeed all my models are made from paper. If you look at zealotmodels you will find more people designing and building paper models.

And your helmet is looking awesome!

That's impressive, man. Small details are insanely time-consuming with paper.

 

[Rhaven Blaack]

I am an avid paper/cardstock model builder (and beta test builder). Even though I focus more on BSG & BRTC25, I can (and do) appreciate a good Star Wars model (and yes, I friend with Mijob).
I have to say that you are off to a GREAT START with this project! I am looking forward to seeing how it turns out.

 

[Drerunsit]

I am an avid paper/cardstock model builder (and beta test builder). Even though I focus more on BSG & BRTC25, I can (and do) appreciate a good Star Wars model (and yes, I friend with Mijob).
I have to say that you are off to a GREAT START with this project! I am looking forward to seeing how it turns out.

Interestingly, BSG is my favorite scifi of all time. It's hard to compare to Star Wars, but as a standalone, nothing in SW compares (though Andor is damn close).

 

[Mijob]

Interestingly, BSG is my favorite scifi of all time. It's hard to compare to Star Wars, but as a standalone, nothing in SW compares (though Andor is damn close).

Talking about andor Im working on the Tie Avenger thats is showing up in the first episode of the second season.

 

[JPH]

Hello, everyone. After a VERY long time away from the hobby, it seems like everyone is now doing either foam or 3D builds. It's a lot more difficult to find videos or even articles for builds that use cardstock.

I just finished putting together the Imperial Royal Guard (paper stage) and will start the resin coating later tonight.

Really, what I'm wondering is if I should just abandon this method going forward. Is there a particular reason that people aren't doing paper anymore (other than the obvious convenience of 3D printed models)? I'm trying to make a bunch of helmets going forward and want to get a feel for the best way to continue on.

Thanks!

Use whatever medium you want.

Dont worry about what the "cool kids" are doing.

Your work looks GREAT! Don't be pressured. The journey and knowledge acquired is more important!