Presenting my customized Articulated Papercraft B-Line Bus series!
First and foremost, I did not create these models from scratch, but have simply modified them as required. The original models are, as noted, drawn and produced by Felix Tse, with some parts by Jan Boic, Denny Yip, Ryan Flores. The original models were licensed Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives, and I have kept this license (I also contacted Ryan and received his blessing to make these models). Thanks to all those who have uploaded B-Line buses to flickr, which I have also used as reference material.
Here is where the source models were found, and where my customized models may eventually be posted as well:
ryansttcphotos.ca
www.flickr.com/photos/r-flores/sets/72157625704357432/
While I am well aware that an army of papercraft buses already exist, I felt the world was lacking a few key variations. Most notably, the most popular bus in Vancouver, the B-Line!
One articulated Translink bus could be found at ryansttcphotos site, but it was a fairly old model in a long since retired paint scheme. The destination sign is blank, and I'm not sure what routes it would have traveled. The bus number is P3014, which means it was based in Port Coquitlam, and so I'm guessing it may have been a 143 bus to SFU.
www.flickr.com/photos/r-flores/4172811557/
I spent the most amount of time creating the New Flyer D60LF (low floor) articulated model, which as far as I can tell, had not yet been created by anyone. The D60LF is the most familiar image when it comes to the B-Line, and I wanted to honour this with a number of its paint scheme variations.
I have attempted to make these models as accurately as possible; the destination signs could use a bit of refinement, as most were Photoshopped from photographic images.
I believe all of these models are now ready for assembly. I haven't had a chance to build them yet, but I don't think I need to make any additional changes (though I might end up resizing the bellows). I started building these models a few months ago, and finally completed the work over the last weekend before Christmas.
(hint hint - Papercraft buses make great Christmas gifts!!!! : )
Here are some basic instructions which apply to all the models in this series:
Grab the original resolution image of each model (895 x 550 pixels) and print them out on a single letter-sized sheet of paper, printing each model to the maximum printable area that your printer allows, or approximately 10.5 inches long. Both front and rear models are the exact same size and scale, so they should match.
I recommend using a matte heavyweight inkjet cardstock, with one exception. You may also want to print the bellows on regular weight paper, since this section requires extensive folding and flexibility. Cut out the model with a scissors, and use a ruler and a sharp edge or knife to lightly score the folds for perfect assembly.
Assemble with tape or glue, whichever you prefer. NOTE: you may wish to leave some additional paper tabs if you are gluing the model together, as seen here:
www.flickr.com/photos/r-flores/4761723098/
There is one Auxiliary joint for each half of the model; they are glued together to form a reinforced double weight hinge. Once reinforced, the hinge can be attached with any suitable connector, such as string, wire, or perhaps a small brass fastener. Once the two parts are attached, the bellows can be glued in place (it's a bit finicky and requires some patience, but boy will it look super when it's finished!!!)
If you build any of these models, feel free to take a picture and post a comment!
Enjoy!
