[Nfb-krafters-korner] Creating the model car test kits.

[marcro52 at aol.com]

I started cutting the pieces for the first test kit this weekend, using  
corrugated cardboard, as I did when building the prototypes. 
 
I am using ordinary household shears.  When I was building those  
prototypes, I could take my time and rest my hand when I needed to.  I'm  realizing 
that if this becomes a business, hacking through corrugated cardboard  by 
hand all day might be difficult.  So, even though I hate to change  horses in 
midstream, I'll be using lightweight cardboard.  The same cars  will be 
represented, but the kits will be more like regular model car kits,  because the 
body components will be preformed. They will be flap glued at  their seams 
for strength.  The customer will glue the  components together.
 
I had thought of this approach before, but I had trouble figuring out the  
compound angles that would be required.  I have now learned how to make  
compound angles.  So with more folding. and therefore a lot less cutting,  and 
with thinner stock to cut through, I make production physically easier on  
me.  (I still have steady strong hands, but I am 60 years of age.)
 
An added plus is that now the models are easier to add color to.  I  have 
painted cardboard in the past, but for most of my cardboard models, I apply  
color with crayon, on white paper that I glue to the surface of the model.   
Buffing it with facial tissue smoothes it out and gives it a shine.   
Colored paper is also something I have used to apply color, although when  
applying multiple colors on the same car, crayon is much less tedious for  me.
 
I hope nobody minds this change, because I am enthusiastic about it, and I  
believe it will result in better models.
 
If any of my test builders have a color preference, please let me  know.
 
Sincerely,
Mark Crowel