Paper model of ‘LS 1000 Locomotive’
Paper model of ‘LS 1000 Locomotive’

Paper Power

Most people have used paper as a flat surface; as a canvas to bring ideas to life. However, Atamjeet Singh Bawa delicately moulds and glues pieces to carefully create scale paper models of airplanes and other automotives that fascinate. Here, he sheds light on this unexplored area of design to take it beyond a hobby.
Paper Model of 'RPG Launcher'
Paper Model of 'RPG Launcher'
PAPER MODEL OF ‘YAMAHA DRAGSTAR CLASSIC 11’
PAPER MODEL OF ‘YAMAHA DRAGSTAR CLASSIC 11’

Magic happens when you make the most of what you have.

The biggest challenge for most talented people is the availability of opportunity and resources to fuel their passion. There are many out there who have great ideas, however not everyone is able to manifest them into reality. But it’s important for everyone to know that whatever you need is always available. For someone who is curious about planes and wants to build models, it might not be possible to invest in Balsa wood. In that case, the cheapest material available to fulfil such talent is paper which also allows one the luxury to make mistakes.

Paper model of ‘LS 1000 Locomotive’
Paper model of ‘LS 1000 Locomotive’
Paper Model of ' Discovery Space Shuttle'
Paper Model of ' Discovery Space Shuttle'

Once you’ve designed what your heart desires, the next critical step is publicity. The internet is another cheap medium that serves as an ideal stage to receive feedback and appreciation. It’s the best way to fine tune your passion and develop your skills as the medium gives you the ability to learn from the experienced as well.

Paper Model of 'Air Asia Airplane'
Paper Model of 'Air Asia Airplane'
Paper Model of 'F-4F Corsair'
Paper Model of 'F-4F Corsair'

Fresh has got the flesh.

Paper modelling is an unexplored area and has the potential to benefit many industries and marketing strategies. For instance, it can find great use in movies where model motorcycles and airplanes can be used as cheaper alternatives for stunts. Similarly, brands and clients can use paper models to portray characteristics like light weight, customised features, hand-made and environment friendly appeal.

Paper Model of 'Kongo - Japanese Battleship'
Paper Model of 'Kongo - Japanese Battleship'
Paper Model of 'Kongo - Japanese Battleship'
Paper Model of 'Kongo - Japanese Battleship'

Taming something as delicate as paper is key.

Paper is one of the most delicate materials we come across or use everyday. Making something as complicated as a machine with paper requires a certain skill that comes with practice. It demands patience of a sniper and craftsmanship of a watchmaker. Paper has many limitations; it can’t be stretched and neither can parts be separated once they are glued together. Moist and dirty hands add to the equation of complexity while working with paper. And the ideal way to preserve such hard work is in custom made acrylic boxes with sachets of silica gel to keep them safe from moisture.

Paper Model of 'Komatsu HD785 Dump Truck'
Paper Model of 'Komatsu HD785 Dump Truck'

Scale paper modelling is not “art” as we know it.

It is in fact pure engineering where one needs to learn complex 3D software such as 3D Max, Rhinoceros, AutoCad etc. to design a paper model. It’s a complicated and long process where the designs are broken into many individual 2D printable parts and are then manually cut and joined using glue to make the model. This process can take up from a few weeks to a few months.

Paper Model of 'Iron Man Mask'
Paper Model of 'Iron Man Mask'

Do as your heart says.

Following your heart, your hobby or your passion. “Take the first step and the momentum shall make you take the next one. It’s simple physics!”

Contributed by:

Paper model of ‘LS 1000 Locomotive’
Atamjeet Singh Bawa
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Creative Gaga
www.creativegaga.com