Introduction: Paper Saturn V Rocket Model, Almost Free, Over 7 Feet Tall.

By

I've been a paper modeler for over 20 years, and its high time I introduced this craft to a larger community. This is an old craft, dating back to almost the beginning of the printing press itself. In the 21st century though, we can distribute the models through PDF files, you print them at home, and assemble with little more than elmers glue,

Step 1: Equipment, Supplies.

So what you need:

cardstock paper (like 55lb coverstock from staples or such)

color printer

breakaway razor blade (much easier to use than scissors, available from the dollar store)

cutting board ( Ihave a self healing one, but a piece of wood also works, just don't use the kitchen tabl4e top. )

white elmers glue ( the most common glue there is, nothing fancy at all. )

unfolded paper clip ( to apply the glue. NEVER apply the glue directly from the bottle, and less glue the better. we are talking dots of glue, saliva-lick thick as I refer to it as.) One 4 oz bottle should be enough glue to build a dozen of these models. )

sharpie markers (to color the backsides of parts, and the edges (more on that later.)

cardboard. corrugated (amazon box cardboard,) and cereal boxes are great if you need to thicken up some parts, or need formers.

regular computer paper. if the parts are really small, sometimes you want to pick on regular (20lb) computer paper

pdf files of the model (available for free at http://papermodelingman.com )

Step 2: Building the Model

The website gives much more detail, photographs, and diagrams, (don't forget the FAQ's, ) I won't repeat them here. but the idea is that you print the parts, and cut them out. You'll then as required fold or roll the parts (real simple things, nothing as complicated as origami.) The real trick to make them look good is to color the edges of the model. Yes, I'm talking about the THICKNESS of the paper. If the part is black use a black sharpie, if its red, use a red sharpie, The edges will stick out if you don't. Imagine if you had a black suit made an the tailor used white string to sew it up. It would stick out. the edges of the model do the same thing. Make sure they match somewhat to the printed part. Actually really doesn't matter what color you use. so long as its not white.

Step 3: Just Keep Putting Parts Together.

Not much more to say, be creative. Add bits and pieces from around the house for detail. for vents I've use sections of tie straps, on sailing ships, little chain pieces from dollar store jewelry, toothpicks, even uncooked spaghetti for pipes. Copper wound guitar strings looks exactly like scaled down hemp rope.

On this model one of the stages has spheres that were helium canisters. I found some push pins that I could color in with a silver sharpie that looked great.

Step 4: Display Your Models.

they have a wow factor to them.

when you get to explain you made it out of paper they get the "holy cow! that's amazing" wow factor.