Cardboard Tank

This Cardboard tank was a school project that had to be something that I made out of cardboard. It is strictly made from cardboard and hot glue.

There are no exact steps it is mostly dependent on the person or artist who is constructing this but here is my best interpretation of how to create it.

The first step is to find the model that you want to make. I chose the M1 Abrams tank because of its modern sleek design. Look for plans that have side, front, top, and back views.

Supplies

Things you will need

Cardboard

Hot glue gun

Razorblade or Exacto Knife

Tape

Access to a printer and paper

Sizors

Step 1: Step 1 Enlarge Image and Print

After you find your image you have to print it out. I printed my image at 200% normal size to get it to the desired size. make sure to line up all of the lines and tape the large piece of paper together. You can see the paper under the tank in this picture.

Step 2: Step 2 Cut Out Cardboard

Now because you are making this on your own not everything will be the same as mine but I took the paper and traced pieces of cardboard and cut out cardboard to match the size. I lined up a piece of cardboard and traced it over the paper, I then cut it out and glued the pieces together. It may take a few times to get the geometry correct of things like the turret but after a few times, you will be able to figure it out.

A tip is to focus on the big parts from the middle and work your way out. For example, I started with the core of the tank and worked from there.

My process was

Core

Tread covers

Treads

Turret

Cannon

Final small details

Step 3: Step 3 Adding Detail

After you get the base of the tank complete you can begin to add the details that really give it the look that you are looking for. Using tiny pieces of cardboard and cardboard with the corrugation showing allowed for some pretty cool details.