Choosing Your First Paper Models

To complete your first model, you mainly need patience and care. Patience helps you keep going while cutting out every part. Care helps you glue them accurately and keep the finished model clean.

With each model you complete, you gain experience that will help you tackle more ambitious projects.

Every type of paper model has its appeal. Popular subjects include aircraft, vehicles, ships and 3D character models.

Aircraft include many kinds of aeroplanes. The main challenge is forming a smooth fuselage from separate sections. Their advantage is that assembly often takes less time.

Vehicles include civilian and military machinery, such as tanks and armoured personnel carriers. Their boxy shapes can look approachable, but tank tracks are often difficult to assemble.

Ships include boats, submarines and aircraft carriers. Small scales, many details and long build times make these projects less suitable if you want a quick result.

3D models may depict people, fictional characters, accessories or weapons. They are usually designed with specialised computer software. Many small parts, complex assembly and the need to colour exposed edges make them better suited to experienced builders.

Beginners should pay attention to a few practical details.

Colours. Check the model's colours and your inkjet printer's cartridges. A low cartridge can produce colours quite different from those shown on screen.

Instructions. Assembly instructions are helpful for models of medium difficulty and above. Even instructions in another language can show where parts belong if they include illustrations. Some 3D models use the model file itself in place of separate instructions: opening it shows how the parts connect.

Difficulty. Increase the challenge gradually instead of starting with the hardest design. You can use the difficulty ratings on our site to guide your choice.

Choosing with these points in mind will help you judge the work involved. Over time, you can move on to any subject you like, whether a tank, an aeroplane or a ship.

Do you remember your first paper model? What was it?