28mm/30mm Scale
Cardstock Model Files
by Dave Graffam
www.davesgames.net
GLUE AND PAPER TIPS
To get the best results, you really need to
experiment with different papers and glues,
and take advantage of whatever printing
methods are available to you.
In general, you want to print on the
heaviest paper you can find. I prefer a 110#
(199 gsm) matte cardstock, but a good
matte photo stock is also a great choice.
The best choice of paper and glue will
depend a lot on the printing method that
you choose. Desktop ink printers will be
more likely to smear when you apply a
wet paint to it, so you should look for a
low-moisture, tacky glue. I’ve found that a
carpenter’s indoor wood glue works well
for my projects, but there are lots of others
that will work. Ordinary white school glue
might be just fine.
A little bit of glue is usually all that’s
required. A thin and even coat is much
better than a heavy glob of glue. I keep a
supply of small squares of excess cardstock,
and use the edges of those squares to
spread glue evenly. It’s a good idea to keep
some slightly-damp tissue if you need to PRINTING TIPS DIFFERENT SCALES
wipe up extra glue, but be careful about
this is if you’re using ink-based prints. These files are set up for the To print at a smaller scale, use the
standard 28mm-30mm tabletop table below and change your print
wargaming scale, and for US size percentage.
letter-sized (8.5” x 11”) sheets.
Turn off any ‘fit to page’ options
in your printer driver. If you are Scale %
printing on A4-sized sheets, you 25mm 84%
may want to reduce the print size
to 95% of the original. Do this
20mm 65%
consistently when printing these 18mm (HO) 60%
files. 15mm 50%
Print on heavy cardstock 12mm 40%
whenever possible. You can 10mm (N) 34%
create super-sturdy models by
8mm 27%
printing on plain paper and then
gluing this to a heavy bristol (Z) 23%
board before cutting. 6mm 20%
David Graffam © 2010. Permission granted to print for personal use only. Distribution is prohibited.
