FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What do I click to download the model?

A: Click on each of the Download Links in the right column of your receipt. button.

Q: I downloaded the model, but I can't find it?

A: After you click on the Download Link button, the computer prompts you to "Save As" select a location where you want to download the file in, preferably to the Desktop. Remember the location! Look in the same location for your file.  It is a standard PDF type file.

Q: How do I open the model?

A: In order the open the file, you must have and Adobe PDF Reader or Mac Preview Installed. Any PDF viewer on any devise will work.

Q: The file says that it's corrupted and can't open. What do I do?

A: Don't worry.  It isn't corrupted. It probably hasn't finished downloading yet. Some files are over 10mb each. Give it some time or try to download it again.

Q: Who do I call or email if I need help?

A: Our Technical Support Center is available 7 days per week.  Just click Contact or select it from the menu above.  We also monitor our Chatbot Bella.  Just tell her your problem.  She might be able to answer it immediately.  Ans, be sure to give her your email address so we can contact you.  We will answer your request as soon as possible.  Weekends are particularly busy, so please be patient.

Q: Where are my instructions?

A: The instructions type we found to be most helpful is the "exploded view", which is the first page of your kit. We understand that the kit may look a bit overwhelming at first, but it really comes together pretty easily. Just follow these four steps and your project will be done in a a couple of hours!

  1. Cut everything out first.  Just make rough cuts to separate the pieces.
  2. Next, cut along the outside solid lined edges only or where indicated.
  3. Fold and crease all dotted lines using a spent "no ink" pen or the back of a butterknife and a straightedge.
  4. Look at the exploded view and identify all pieces.
  5. Start building with the main part of the structure and work your way to the details.  Almost everything is just boxes glued to boxes!

If you get stuck at any point, please contact our Technical Support through our "Contact" form or just ask Bella, our Chatbot!.

Q: What kind of material (paper) are the printed kits made of?

A: They are printed in color on a card-stock (55#+ paper), similar in weight and thickness to a standard business card.

Q: I have a printer that only prints on regular 8 1/2" x 11" size paper. Can I download and print the 10" x 13" model?

A: Yes, the 10" x 13" model is setup to print on regular 8 1/2" x 11" size paper. The 10" x 13" base comes in two pieces and is glued together.

Q: Does the kit come with everything I need to create the model?

A: All you need to finish the project is our product, glue and scissors. It comes fully colored. The picture you see on the website is an actual photo of what you will have when you finish. You can always add some rocks, trees, or other store bought train set type diorama add ons.

Q: Can I take my download model file and have it printed by an outside print company?

A: Our license agreement only allows one print per order per model file. You may take our model file and have an outside print company print your model file if you do not have your own printer or have trouble with your printer. Please print this page and give it to your outside printer as a permission letter to print one copy.

Q: How To Build Your Mission?

A: Take a look at our tips that gives you tips and ideas on how to build your mission project here.

Q: What if the teacher says no kits allowed?

A: We have a generic "trace & cut" mission kit that is white without any color but it is generic. Check it out here.

If you have to build a specific mission and are not allowed to use a kit, just purchase the mission you need and trace its pieces onto Manilla folder paper and you can build a perfect replica.  Another option is, just build the colored kit and paint over the design.

Q: Foreign Sales: How do I purchase a paper model outside of the United States?

A: Our store does not provide for sales if you are not in U.S. due to the high occurrence of credit card fraud.  If you would like to purchase any download kit, you can do so by going to your PayPal account and paying the amount to:

PayPal@PaperModelsOnline.com

Once the payment has been made, all of the files will be emailed to you.  Thank you for your understanding!

Q: Are the sizes listed for the kits, the sizes of the base?

A: Yes, approximately.  The 7"x10" usually prints on one, single 8 1/2" x 11" sheet of paper.  Some kits require a large base, such as the Dealey Plaza kit, and the base is made of multiple sheets.  The 10" X 13" kits are all multiple sheet bases.  The 7" x 10" kits are usually, 7" x 10" base and  8" to 12" inches high.  All 7" x 10" and 10" x 13" kits can be printed on any standard printer using standard 8 1/2" x 11" paper.

Q: Should I use heavier paper?  What is the paper weight?

A: All the kits can be printed on standard copier paper; however, the heavier the paper, the stronger the kit and easier to build.  We recommend a 55#+ lbs. weight paper.  The paper is often called "card-stock" as it is the paper used to print business cards on.

Q: How long will it take to get my model kit shipped and what delivery options do I have?

A: If you need you kit right-away, then we suggest that you select the instant "download" option.  This way you get a PDF file of you kit which you can print immediately on a standard 8 1/2" x 11" printer.  For pre-printed, shipped model kits, we exclusively use "First Class Package" from the United States Postal Service who deliver Small Packages in 2–5 Business Days: https://www.usps.com

Q: What's included in the kit?

A: The model is sold as either a downloadable PDF file or a printed kit on card-stock (heavier, business card weight paper).  Everything you see in the images are included.  We took the same file we send (or print for) you and print it, cut it, fold it, and glue it.  Then, we take several images of that model for the store.  So, if there is a wall in the image, there is a buildable wall provided in the kit.

Q: How long does it take to build the kit?

A: The three sized kits usually take about 90 minutes to two hours to build.  You can then spend more time on creating the diorama to set the model in.  The "Professional" kits can take 3 hours or more.

Q: Are there step-by-step instructions to building the the kit?

A: We tried that for several years.  We found that giving a list of 50+ steps were like doing word math problems, like "if a train leaves New York traveling at 50 MPH... How many apples does Jane have."  Don't get overwhelmed.  All the kits are basically boxes.  Look at what is called the "exploded view" on the first page.  Cut, score, fold, and test putting the pieces together.  If they fit and look like the diagram...  Glue it.  Do the same for all the boxes, then glue the boxes together as show in the diagram and the finished model photo.  It's actually easy, once you get started.

Q: What are the sizes, dimensions of the finished models?

A: Every model is different.  While the World Trade Towers is very tall and narrow, the Pentagon is very low but wide.  The California Missions, depending upon the bell towers are about the same finished sizes.

The small is about 7” x 10”, by 6", the medium is about 11” x 14” x 8”, and the Large is about 12” x 16” x 10”. 

Q: Do you deliver outside of the United States?

A: Our store does not provide for sales outside of the United States due to the high occurrence of credit card fraud. If you would like to purchase any download kit, you can do so by going to your PayPal account and paying the amount to: 
PayPal@PaperModelsOnline.com. Once the payment has been made, all of the files will be emailed to you. Thank you for your understanding!