"It's a model Jim, but not as we know it" *Finished*

[Molly-new]

The larger consoles have finally been put together, they look quite effective once built:



The consoles fit around the outside of the upper deck:



I have decided to attach them at the bottom and leave to dry before gluing together at the sides:



Starting to look the part, and feeling quite sturdy:



It looks as though it is going to be quite a close fit to get the last console in, I hope my assembly has been accurate.

[SJPONeill]

I can hear the click and whirr of the console displays and the shhht of the turbolift doors already...

[Molly-new]

The last of the consoles fitted in quite nicely, though the fit at the top could have been neater.



There is an outer wrap that forms the outer wall;



If there is any discrepancy on the fit it will be quite obvious when I fit this in place.

[splash]

The outer wall is a nice touch it makes it look like a Bridge Simulator at a Sci-Fi convention. All you need is a crowd of visitors queuing to go in.

[Molly-new]

Struggling a bit with this now as I am on to the part that I have been dreading, making the chairs. It is the cutting out of these parts freehand that is worrying me.



Fitting the lower support tabs for the outer wall is also being problematic as there is no way of clamping them whilst they dry.

[JohnRatzenberger]

Trade you my lifeboats for your chairs ....

[Molly-new]

Trade you my lifeboats for your chairs ....

Thanks for the offer but I have managed to break the back of the work, spending a quiet hour in front of the TV and slowly snipping away at them. Construction of the little beasties is also complete, and I am currently touching up the edges with water-colour paint.

The lower support tabs for the outer wall have now been fitted so I should be able to get the outer wall wrap fitted this evening.

[SJPONeill]

It is the cutting out of these parts freehand that is worrying me. .

Good light and a sharp blade are great assists for a sharp eye and a steady hand as I'm sure you found...cutting freehand is often like a trip to the dentist: worse in the anticipation than the execution. Once you get used to cutting freehand, you may very well find that you will eschew the steel ruler and be quite comfortable freehanding your long straight cuts as well. Where you may have pesky curves to cut, a small set of scissors are really useful for following the curves especially if you trim the part from the surrounding part first so that you are not fighting the resistance of the larger sheet as well...

[JohnRatzenberger]

I agree, and if you establish a set, comfortable way to always cut, you're less likely to stray.

[Molly-new]

Seats finished:



I have decided to go with the 'mixed media' option and used painted paperclips for the seat stems.

The outer wrap is going on, so I should be finished soon.

[SJPONeill]

Paperclips will also be better able to take the weight of a multiplicity of tribbles should you be so afflicted...this is looking good and on the final straight now...

[splash]

Paperclips will also be better able to take the weight of a multiplicity of tribbles should you be so afflicted...this is looking good and on the final straight now...

A tribble would be a challenge in card

The seats look good, paper clip stems sound like a good cunning plan.

Regards Splash

[Molly-new]

Having finally recovered from a bout of illness I can update you on the bridge:

The paperclip supports worked well for the seats:



And the lower support finally submitted and remained in place (after a lot of time, effort and colourful language ):



I am currently working on attaching the outer wall and so should be finished by the deadline.

[JohnRatzenberger]

Looking very, very good !

[Molly-new]

The outer wrap has now been fitted and the seats attached, therefore I am calling this one finished:







As expected any inaccuracies within the build process would be shown up with the fitting of the outer wrap. Not surprisingly there is a gap where it did not meet:



Although paper kits can go together quite neatly, I have discovered that the accuracy of the build is much more important than with plastic, no chance of a bit of filler, sand and a new paint job here.

I must admit that I have enjoyed my second dable into the black arts of paper folding, and am quite pleased with the finished item. I do not think I would ever prefer this to plastic modelling, but it does make a nice change for when the old Mojo is waning.