Making My Own Paper Airplane Model

AI Thread Summary
A user shared their experience of creating a paper airplane model that resembles the aircraft they fly, using medium cardstock and adding details like antennas and string for authenticity. The model, approximately 9.5 inches in wingspan, was printed, cut, and glued together, showcasing impressive craftsmanship. Other participants expressed admiration for the model's design and discussed the potential for larger versions if a bigger printer is available. The conversation shifted to tips for making paper models, including the importance of using glossy cardstock for a better finish and the need for precision cutting tools. Users also shared links to various paper model resources and discussed the challenges of assembly, such as the risk of ink running when using certain glues. Overall, the thread highlighted the creativity involved in paper modeling and the enjoyment derived from crafting detailed replicas.
Cyrus
Messages
3,237
Reaction score
17
I got bored, and I found this cool sheet that you can print out and make your own paper airplane. It happens to look almost exactly like the airplane I fly, so I made it. Pretty neat!
(I printed it on medium card stock paper I had laying around). I added a few extras like the antennas and string like on the real aircraft. YES, I WAS THAT BORED TODAY.

http://www.montgomeryaviation.aero/images/C172%20_160HPbig.jpg


http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/2756/cassnamodelbu2.jpg​
[/URL]

(Big sheet found here: http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Runway/8605/Cassna_Model.jpg )

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/9630/pict0064jt5.jpg

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/8718/pict0063lm8.jpg

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/9476/pict0065py7.jpg

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/5497/pict0067bd2.jpg​
[/URL]
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
Wow! When I read the thread title, that is NOT what I had in mind as a paper airplane! Pretty amazing looking.
 
That's a seriously cool paper airplane. And what a great job of building it given the size. It's sitting on a spool of thread, right?
 
Does it work?
 
No its just paper. Its about 9.5" in wingspan. I just printed out that paper I linked above in my printer, cut it out, and glued it together. If you have a big printer you could make a big one that would look pretty cool.
 
707pic01.jpg


Wow, that's cool!

http://www.currell.net/models/gall_concorde.htm

All paper.


http://cp.c-ij.com/english/3D-papercraft/toy/download/virgin-atlantic-airways_e_a4.pdf

And all you need is a printer, paper, and free time!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thats a pretty sexy looking paper airplane Cyrus.
 
Wow. Some of the http://cp.c-ij.com/english/3D-papercraft/" they have there are pretty cool too!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Yeah, but does it fly?
 
  • #10
The very first picture does :-p
 
  • #11
Ha ha, Pan-Am? Either the model was made a long time ago, or they made it a Pan-Am jet to avoid trademark, copyright, etc.
 
  • #12
...? (You should look at the other pictures binzing)
 
  • #13
I am totally going to build one. Great work Cyrus!
 
  • #14
I like this one: ACE

Alas, mine is years old and has been stuffed into boxes by ignorant coworkers during office moves. The solar arrays are drooping badly and the sensor platform is slowly separating from the bus. I'm going to have to make a new one if I ever get a round tuit.

Remember! If you've never used scissors before, you should make this under adult supervision!

You can make some other paper models, as well:
HESSI
http://www.basebandtech.com/free_sat.html
http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/kids/papermodels.cfm

Best is http://swift.sonoma.edu/education/swmodguide5.pdf . Remember to sing along with the song when you're done.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #15
I started making a paper airbus, but its not working out well so Ill have to start over. I think the trick is to use glossy card paper. The one I have is matte. When the elmers glue gets on your fingers it starts to become sticky and pick up dirt. It transfers this tacky glue to the white parts unintentionally and ruins the finish. So I am going to find a different glue and paper this time around.

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/2678/pict0072ms9.jpg

The nice thing is, all I have to do is reprint things. This airplane has 20 pages of instructions and 20 pages of things to cut out.


I have a few plastic models I glued together and painted a few years ago. These are plastic glued together and painted with spray paint, brush, water decals and aluminum foil (all the silver bits are not paint, but thin cigarette foil brushed on).

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/2835/pict0073cz6.jpg

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/9481/pict0074mc0.jpg

http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/6203/pict0075nr2.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #16
Cyrus said:
http://cp.c-ij.com/english/3D-papercraft/toy/download/virgin-atlantic-airways_e_a4.pdf

Where are the assembly instructions for this one?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #17
Same website.

http://cp.c-ij.com/english/3D-papercraft/toy/virgin-atlantic-airways_e.html

Beware, its a LOT of cutting. You are going to want a pair of scissors you use to cut your finger nails because its small. Big scissors won't work on all pieces. Also, let the ink on the paper dry before u glue things. I have found that the glue dissolves the ink in the paper and makes it run.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #18
This is one I have printed off just haven't cut a single thing yet http://www.currell.net/models/n1.htm" .

For Cyrus if you want a gloss finish I'd keep the mat paper then when you are finished airbrush the entire model with a 50/50 diluted gloss acrylic finish. It will give you the gloss finish you want and it will also help protect the finished model.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Back
Top