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The New Orleans Square Haunted Mansion Paper Model Kit
Design Process (continued)

The construction of this paper model of the Disneyland Haunted Mansion is based upon the dimensions of my 3D model, which I created in Newtek's Lightwave 8.0
. I translated the 3D shapes into 2D schematics (using Photoshop), which I then print on heavy-weight matte paper for construction. I create all of the art using Photoshop, and Illustrator.

NOTE: These models were created in the early 2000s. My processes, software and
skill-set have since progressed. :) ~ Ray

April 20, 2006
New Orleans Square Model Update
I am still creating the detail art for the mansion model.
The core walls are finished, as well as the porch, verandah, cupola, and chimneys.


April 27, 2006
New Orleans Square Model Update
Today I tackled the porch and verandah ironwork. Due to an incorrect measurement of the porch, all of the ironwork had to be readjusted to fit. I am also creating a tab and slot system so the ironwork can be placed precisely. I will be honest, I am still expecting some major headaches getting the ironwork to fit properly.
I am hoping to begin actual construction of the second prototype this weekend.

May 2 , 2006
New Orleans Square Model Update
So far the second New Orleans Square haunted mansion model prototype is coming together very nicely. I had to shift a couple of slots in the roof, but the roof itself fit snugly, with no gaps!

May 3 , 2006
New Orleans Square Model Update
The cupola of the mansion, (technically referred to as a "Lantern"), not only assembled without any problems, but it also fits on top of the complicated surface geometry of the roof planes! This was a pleasant surprise.

May 6, 2006
Prototype Update

I had some major problems with the ironwork fitting within the porch and verandah slots. Everything is so interrelated that a small measurement change on one element can effect the way other, completely unrelated elements fit together. I believe I solved the problems, but now I will probably need to redo the roof system for the top of the verandah.
Then I will probably need to redo the porticos.
That's life in the world of modeling, but like I have said before, even though I will offer this to you free of charge, it is going to have my name on it, so it has to be as good as I can manage!

May 8, 2006
Prototype #2 is Completed!

Here is the completed prototype. In order to save money on ink, it is printed in grayscale, rather than full color. There were no major problems building it, once I fixed the ironwork measurements.

I will now begin the process of importing the photoshop art files into Illustrator to apply the score lines and other assembly details. Then I will print a full color version and build it again. As I build it I will also be documenting the process in fine detail so I can write the
construction manual (which I really hate doing!)
There is a good chance that the next version will be the final version!


May 17, 2006
Prototype #3 is Completed !
Printing the ironwork on transparencies gave me the effect I was hoping for, and the plastic scores and folds the same as paper. The down side is that the images are not 100% opaque, they are a bit shiny, and the plastic does not stick as quickly as paper.
I also took some liberties with the ironwork around the roof and the base of the lantern. In real life they are a cream color which would print as nearly transparent on a transparency, so I opted to make them the same green color as the rest. I will probably need to make 2 versions of all of the ironwork: one for paper and one for transparency, in which case the paper version would be the correct colors.

During this construction I decided to simplify some of the elements, and I still ran across a few instances of tabs and slots not matching, but there were no serious problems.



Some people have asked me what the level of difficulty was for this model. Well, let me say that it is at least as challenging as my Liberty Square paper model kit. It will require a lot of patience and a fair degree of skill. It has 21 printed pages of elements (not counting the assembly instructions which still do not exist).

And a serious side note, ALWAYS BE SURE TO USE PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR WHEN USING BLADES! Tonight I had the tip of my X-acto snap off and hit me hard on the cheek below my eye! I was wearing safety glasses, but the thought of having a sliver of razor blade in my eye made me shudder!

A line-up of the three prototypes.


June 2, 2006
New Orleans Square Model Update
I believe I have finally made all the final corrections, tweaks, labels, lines, slots and arrows, needed to create a "final" printing of the New Orleans Square Paper Model Kit!

This weekend I will begin building the final prototype, using the final master PDF, and I will record the process in order to write the instruction manual at the same time.
Unfortunately I couldn't remember the process I used to produce my previous PDF model documents. It took a lot of trial and error to get the process right, but I finally did (and wrote it down!).
I am always walking a fine between creating a document which looks good, while also trying to make the document the smallest file size possible. So far the PDF (without the instructions) is only 3.8 mb, which is pretty good!

So the good news is that the New Orleans Square Paper Model Kit now exists! The bad news is that you will still have to wait a bit longer for me to finish the instructions, and create all the necessary web work needed for the download page.

It is making you crazy, isn't it?!!


June 14, 2006
Update

I am still slaving away at the instruction manual for the New Orleans Square Haunted Mansion Paper Model Kit, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel! I tried to photograph most aspects of the New Orleans Square construction as I built the final (4th) prototype, then clean up and alter the photos to produce images which look more like illustrations. VERY TEDIOUS AND SPIRIT CRUSHING! However, that part of the process is complete.

I just have to compile everything and add the written instructions


June 24, 2006
The Final Prototype!
Here is the FINAL PROTOTYPE of the New Orleans Square Haunted Mansion paper model!

I darkened the ironwork so it prints very opaque on ink jet transparencies, and I designed the weathervane so it can also be printed on ink jet transparancies, allowing for a much more accurate and intricate design.

The instruction manual is complete!
The model kit is complete!
I just need to compile them, and create a download page!

June 25, 2006
The New Orleans Square Haunted Mansion Paper Model Kit
IS RELEASED!!!
Just one week shy of a 6 month endevour, I have finally completed the LONG AWAITED
New Orleans Square model!

I debated whether to release it the moment I believed it was ready, or wait for a specific date, but after 6 months of work, decided that none of us could wait any longer! Although I have to admit that I am a little sad that it is finished. This could be the biggest thing to happen here on Haunted Dimensions, and I can't help but feel that this is the high point of its evolution. An HD mid-life crisis!

Anyway, I believe that this model is little easier to build than my Liberty Square Haunted Mansion, but certain items such as assembling window inserts, and cutting around ironwork, can be very tedious.
Something I am very proud of is the successful experiment of printing the lacy ironwork on ink-jet transparencies to achieve a pretty stunning effect, making the model appear much more intricate than it really is, but also looking just as nice when the ironwork is printed on paper.

Now the disclaimer.
I have done my best to ensure that everything in this model kit is correct and accurate, but I make no guarantees that it is flawless! Some times mistakes are discovered after I release a model and I am forced to reissue corrected kits. Also keep in mind that "results may vary", depending on the materials used, and the skill of the builder. I tried to design the model to be easy enough for a novice, but challenging enough for an expert.

However, it is my goal that as many of you as possible successfully build this model, to display in your home, and I am always available to answer any questions or give advise!


As I have said before, I create these models for my own enjoyment, but I believe the Internet should be more than a place where people hoard information for prophet. It should also be a place to share ideas, art, and joy. My models have been built by people from all over the world, and I find that common interest to be very reassuring. Even though this site was never meant to be a self promotional tool, I believe the good Karma it sends has helped me more than I could have imagined. It has connected me with great people from all backgrounds, and has even brought me into the realm of Disney Imagineering, and Universal Studios (although I'm still waiting for that call from Disney :)!

This is my little contribution to the web, in hopes that it inspires others to do the same.


And if you like the model, a DONATION would be nice! (at bottom of this page)
And MANY THANKS to those of you who have made donations already!



So again, I want to thank you for making
Haunted Dimensions so successful!

To DOWNLOAD my FREE paper models
GO TO PAPER MODEL PURGATORY, HERE


Email me at haunted3d@raykeim.com

Please help support my efforts here in the Haunted Dimensions .
This
button will allow you to donate whatever you wish to this site using a PayPal account.
Thank you, in advance, for your help!

 
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Everything was created using a dual 2 GHz, Power Mac G5.
Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris, and all Haunted Mansion photographs, characters, multimedia and artwork are copyrighted by and/or are trademarks of the Walt Disney Company / Disney Enterprises. This website is not affiliated in any way with any Disney company. Site launched 9.26.04. Copyright © Ray Keim. Haunted Dimensions™
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Email Ray: haunteddimensions@gmail.com