Principles of Paper Models by David M. Lukens

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Principles of Paper Models: Construction, Design, Thoughts by David M. Lukens is available only as a pdf.  I have Version 0.56, 2019-04-03, copyright  2019.   It is 162 pages long, with many color illustrations.   The book (and some model plans) can be downloaded for free from Lukens' website at http://insanityunlimited.com/modelplans/.     A voluntary contribution can be made via paypal or credit card - there are links for that, too, at his website.

 

This is a primer on card modeling.   It isn't aimed at ship modelers specifically, but there is a section on boat hulls.  The whole book  is beautifully illustrated with many clear, color photos and drawings.

 

The first paragraph of the introduction gives a good idea of his goal with the book:

 

 

        If you are reading this, then you likely have an interest in model building of some manner or

        another. I will be approaching this set of topics from the standpoint of paper models

        (also known as card models). I hope this book ends up meeting your needs as a technical guide and

        one that propels you through many years of an enjoyable hobby. You never know, you may find

        a way to turn this hobby into a side business or career. That last part I am still trying to figure

        out and is a little bit more difficult. Overall, I want to present information to you and I hope it

        opens up new possibilities that you will enjoy and generates more ideas.

 

And here's the Table of Contents (abbreviated to the top two levels, only):

 

    Table of Contents
    Forward
    Introduction
    History
    Basics of Building
        Choosing Your First Model
        Tools
        Paper
        Printing
        Cutting
        Scoring
        Folding
        Rolling
        Glue
        Markings
    Advanced Building Techniques
        Environmental Concerns
        Tools
        Sealing
        Scoring the Backside
        Slicing and Cutting
        Blade thickness
        Blade edges
        Blade angle
        Why edges matter
        Edge Coloring
        Laminating
        Building Square Structures
        Panel Layering
        Boat Hulls
        Glue Tabs vs. Strips
        Railings and Ladders
        Wirework
        Paper Moulding
        Filler
        Converting Scales
        Adding Durability
        Weathering
        Non-Paper Materials
    Design
        Toolset
        Presentation
        Glue Tabs
        Fitting to Page
        Design Concerns of Paper
        Using Non-Paper Materials
        Glue Joints
        Printed Detail
        Printed Detail and 3D Detail
        Project Definition and Scope
        Research
        Internal Structures
        Design Tricks
        Instructions
        Test Builds
        Publishing
        My Workflow
        Licensing
    Glossary

 

This book gets a strong endorsement in Hoving's recent Dutch 17th Century Ship Models in Paper, but it took some effort to discover how to actually get hold of it.   Once I did, and saw its high quality, I wanted to post something at MSW to make it easier for others to find.

 

 

There's not much more that I can say other than it seems like a great resource, especially for someone like me who has never made a card model.  Lukens writes clearly and the text has been well edited.   The photos and drawings are profuse and of excellent quality.

 

Bob