Originally this was a form of modelling undertaken because of the low cost involved. Card, a means of
cutting and
glue are all that is needed. Some models are 100% card, while others use items of other materials to reinforce the model. After
World War II cardboard models were promoted by a number of model companies. One company, ERG (
Bournemouth) Ltd. produced a book "Cardboard Rolling Stock and How to Build It" and
Superquick are still well known for their range of printed and pre-cut kits. Books of printed
models to cut out and make have been around a long time. Also, specially printed cards were available from which models could be made. In the UK
Micromodels were well known for very small card models. Models to cut out were also a feature of
paperboard folding
cartons. For many years, breakfast cereal makers had models to cut out on their packets. The hobby has been revived through the use of
ink-jet and
laser colour printers, with the availability of inexpensive
cutting plotters and
laser engravers also reducing the time, effort, and tedium associated with cutting out the many parts. Using a
vector graphics package, it is even possible for anyone to create their own models from scratch, though most use
special software. Models to cut out can also be downloaded from the internet. == See also ==