Starship Cylindrical Former (AXM paper models)

thingiverse

This is a 3d printable cylindrical former designed specifically for use within the 1:100 scale paper models of Starship ships and boosters (Or any cylinder with a 9cm diameter). The paper versions of the formers involve a lot of effort, cutting out many small triangular tabs and personally i find them difficult to get right and fit properly. I decided to design this plastic former which provides a more rigid support meaning your model is less likely to get crushed (And will also help it to be perfectly circular) I have found that for both the Starship booster and ship models, 4 formers will be perfectly fine for each: One for the nosecone (ship)/ top bulkhead (booster) One for the upper middle tank One for the lower middle tank And finally one to support the lower bulkhead/thrust dome The best way to insert these formers is to first completely assemble all of the tank pieces, glue in the tank connectors or the interior skins (Without connecting all the tanks together yet) and place the formers flush up against the connectors or skins and apply glue. Insert the formers by turning them 90 degrees perpendicular to the top of the body tube and take advantage of the slight flex of PLA by squeezing the former slightly if it doesn't go in easily. These are designed to be a very snug/tight fit, so please take care and be patient so as not to damage your paper model! You can sand down the outer edge if necessary. These formers will only fit the paper model at the intended 1:100 SCALE. Please ensure your paper printer settings are correct when printing the paper model.