In todays article i will share some of the famous publishing houses around the world who usually sell the printed card model kits either in online or offline stores.These are very few publishing houses who usually sell the kits.
- JSC
- Orel
- HMV
- Schreiber Bogen
- WAK
- Orlik
- Modelik
- Halinski
- And many more…..
About JSC
- Founded by Janina & Słavomir Czołczyński in Gdańsk, Poland—JSC is a family-run operation .
- One of Poland’s top three card model publishers—alongside GPM and Halinski—with a catalog of ~20 distinctive Gdańsk-related buildings, plus an extensive range of ships and aircraft .
Product Formats & Range
- Primary formats: Booklet-style kits printed on thick cardstock (≈160–165 gsm), sometimes including separate laser-cut detail sets .
- Model types:
- Historical ships (waterline and full-hull) in 1:250 and 1:400 scales—e.g., SS United States, SMS Goeben, Enchantress, Conveyor .
- WWII-era cruisers and destroyers, like Scipione Africano and Antonio Pigafetta .
- Buildings and landmarks mainly centered around Gdańsk—castles, town halls, and more .
- Aircraft and vehicles, often featuring optional canopies, rods, or resin parts .
Quality & Modeling Experience
- Generally considered mid-to-high quality by hobbyists.
- Jeff Cwiok calls JSC “upper‑middle level in quality, especially” in their 1:250 ships .
- Some kits (e.g., Scharnhorst) have design issues, prompting builders to tweak or reinforce certain components .
- Building complexity ranges from intermediate to advanced, often involving precise internal hull support structures and tight-fitting parts.
- Many kits are available with or without laser-cut or resin accessory packs, giving modelers flexibility .
Community Feedback & Builds
- Modelers on forums like ModelShipWorld share detailed builds:
- Papa’s logs of a 1:400 “United States” include meticulous part organization and assembly notes .
- Another thread documents the 1:400 “Enchantress”, noting the use of laser-cut hull kits and practical techniques like page protection .
Availability & Recent Developments
- JSC’s webshop lists 240+ items, including:
- Two new editions of SS United States (Ocean Grey & Weathered Green, both 1:400) priced around €21.46 each .
- Many accessories like plastic rods in various diameters .
- They’ve also introduced a “JSC vintage” section, reissuing early models (circa 1991) .
About Orel
- Origin & Name: “Orel” means Eagle in Russian; the company is Ukrainian and focuses on maritime models.
- Scale & Themes: Known primarily for 1:200-scale historic ships—especially ironclads and pre-dreadnought battleships from various navies.
Kit Formats & Construction
- Binding & Presentation: Kits are issued as magazine-style booklets, printed on A3 paper with quality cardstock parts included.
- Build Method: Uses a modified plank‑on‑bulkhead technique—creating precise hull structures with vertical plank overlays for realism.
- Options & Add-ons: Many kits offer optional enhancements like laser-cut hulls, photo-etch, cloth sails, and wooden dowel kits.
- Multilingual Instructions: Typically include diagrams and steps in English, German, Polish, and Russian—diagram-heavy and reasonably clear.
Builder Feedback
- High Quality: Hobbyists describe Orel kits as “very nice, and very detailed”—especially impressive for their scale.
- Repeat Purchases: One builder reported buying multiple kits after being impressed with initial builds.
- Piece Quality: Sheets are praised—parts are crisp, well-printed, and suitable for both direct card use and laminating.
Typical Product Line
- Ironclads: e.g., Solferino (French ironclad, 1:200)
- Pre‑dreadnought battleships: e.g., Orel/Oryol (Russian, 1904) at 1:200 Builders note they’re excellent representations of historical vessels, complete with rich structural detail.
Availability
Actually they dont have any particular website, you can buy their kit on various online market places like amazon, ebay etc.
About HMV
- Founded in Hamburg, Germany and later revived in 2009 by a former employee after the original Scheuer & Strüver GmbH went bankrupt .
- Focuses primarily on detailed maritime models, especially vessels from the German Imperial Navy and modern ships .
Product Line & Formats
- Most kits are in 1:250 scale, ranging from small harbor boats to large ocean liners like the Bremen (~1.15 m long) .
- Formats:
- Booklet-style kits on sturdy 170 gsm cardstock, printed offset.
- Many include laser-cut detail sets and optional parts for photo-etch superstructures and enhanced railings .
- Notable ships: SMS Sachsen, SMS Undine, Bismarck, Baden, Stettin icebreaker, and MS Hanseatic .
Build Quality & Techniques
- Employs bulkhead/planking construction, requiring interior supports before adding hull plating .
- Known for exceptional detail and precision fit, with intricate decks, realistic weathering, and lifelike surface finishes .
- Kits include multilingual illustrated instructions (German/English) with clear diagrams.
Modeler Feedback
- Hobbyists praise HMV kits as “probably the BEST WWI German battleships and battlecruisers ever in paper” .
- On the Baden model: “Very well done… CAD technology… deck colour… very realistic” but some noted minor fit issues on bow or specific parts .
- Builds like MS Mellum garner appreciation: “found the Mellum to be most rewarding… I can only say buy more HMV kits!” .
- Reddit users confirm that for beginners, smaller harbor boat kits are a great starting point, before tackling larger vessels .
Skill Level & Variety
- Skill Level: Ranges from easy (e.g., small harbor boats, beginner-friendly) to difficult (large ships with many parts and optional detail sets) .
- Variety: Includes harbor boats, icebreakers (Stettin), passenger liners (Hanseatic), warships, and even diorama elements like warehouse scenes .
About Schreiber Bogen
Founded in 1831 by Jakob Ferdinand Schreiber in Esslingen, Germany, Schreiber‑Bogen became a pioneer in papercraft, producing card models as part of the larger Schreiber Verlag publishing house . Over the decades, it’s stayed true to its roots, focusing on high-quality printed paper kits.
Product Themes & Formats
- Themes: A wide variety including landmarks, medieval castles, historic buildings, Christmas dioramas, vintage cars, airships, and ships .
- Formats: Kits come as printed sheets (often A4), cut-to-fold parts, with many available in HO (1:87) or 1:120 scale .
- Special Editions: Seasonal and festive offerings like nativity scenes and toy-like cardboard music boxes or figurines .
Design & Build Quality
- Precision cutting: Parts are crisp and fit together cleanly—ideal for decorative and display models .
- Complete civic landmarks: Replicates iconic structures—like the Brandenburg Gate—in detailed designs with internal reliefs .
- Notable airship kits: The 1:200-scale Hindenburg features accurate internal framework and engine gondola detail; builds reach ~124 cm in length .
Modeler & Market Feedback
- Hobbyists appreciate the historical accuracy, crisp printing, and choice of scales, particularly for festive setups and educational models.
- The Hindenburg in particular is celebrated for engineering craftsmanship and size, hailed as “a nice idea” for its interior printing .
- On shops like Galaxus, the Holy Night Christmas crib is featured as a top entry-level kit—simple to assemble and fitting for festive décor .
About WAK
- WAK (Wydawnictwo Wroclawskie Artykuły Kartonowe) is a paper model publisher based in Wrocław, Poland, specializing in detailed card kits of historical aircraft, naval ships, and vehicles .
- Their kits are sold individually or as part of modeling magazines and collections via European hobby suppliers .
What They Offer
- Aircraft Models in larger scales—popular kits include the P‑38 Lightning and MiG‑29 in 1:33 scale, produced on A4 cardstock with optional laser-cut frames .
- Naval Kits: 1:200-scale ships like HMS Grenade, ORP Garland, ORP Wicher, and ORP Blyskawica, often featuring metal barrels and laser-cut components .
- Military Vehicles: 1:25-scale trucks (e.g., Willy’s MB Jeep, Scammell Pioneer, BM-13 Katyusha) featured in modeling magazine issues .
- Accessories: Laser-cut detail sets for the Viking Gokstad ship (1:72), frame parts for aircraft like the Tu‑154M .
Format & Build Details
- Kits are printed on A4 card sheets, often accompanied by multilingual instructions (Polish and English) .
- Many include optional laser-cut frames or metal parts for enhanced detail .
- Difficulty levels range from moderate to advanced (1–5 scale), balancing accessibility with detail.
Community & Availability
- Hobbyists appreciate WAK’s high-quality cardstock, clear builds, and scale accuracy across models .
- Kits are stocked by European retailers like ModelNet, Imodelist, Modelland, Super-Hobby, and Kartonmodellshop—with some models listed on sites like eBay .
- Examples include:
- SAETTIA (1:100 scale ship),
- P‑38J Lightning (1:33 aircraft),
- HMS Grenade (1:200 destroyer),
- ORP Garland (1:200 destroyer) .
About Orlik
- Orlik Publishing House, based in Poland, specializes in meticulously detailed card models—mainly aircraft, military vehicles, ships, and buildings .
- Their model lineup includes both kits and laser-cut accessories, with new releases posted regularly on their website and distributed by hobby retailers.
Product Range & Formats
- Aircraft: Scales like 1:33, covering classics such as the Petlyakov Pe‑2, Westland Lysander Mk IIIA, Grumman F‑11 Tiger, Kondor D.6, and WWI-era aircraft like the Martin-Baker MB‑5 and Fokker E‑III .
- Military Vehicles & Ships: Models include 1:25 and 1:100/1:200 scale vehicles like the Polish “Ho‑ni III” self-propelled gun, T‑50 tank, and fire trucks; naval ships also appear in their catalogue .
- Laser‑cut extras: Optional laser-cut frames, vacu-canopies, metal barrels, formers, and kits listed as “LASER” or “CANOPY” enrich model complexity .
- Print & instructions: Kits are printed offset on A4/A3 cardstock, contain parts across several sheets, and include assembly drawings and bilingual instructions (Polish + English and sometimes Czech) .
Construction & Build Quality
- Computer‑aided design ensures crisp, accurate detailing.
- Moderate to advanced complexity, with aircraft particularly benefiting from vacu-formed canopies and laser-cut supports .
- Community feedback highlights precise part engineering, though Polish instructions may require translation. Some improvements (like better-fitting wing formers) might be needed .
Builder Impressions & Accessibility
- Modelers praise Orlik for its unique and rare subjects, providing fresh modeling opportunities .
- Kits are well-received: “Orlik publishes good quality and unique models… rare subjects.” For the MB‑5: “I couldn’t be more pleased… only problem being two pages of construction notes… in Polish.”
- Free English instructions are often available, easing access for international hobbyists .
Availability
- Orlik kits and extras (laser frames, canopies, metal parts) are stocked by Polish retailers such as JadarHobby, Exito, WAW, and Super‑Hobby .
- Found on eBay and Papermodelers forums: Pe-2, Lysander, Ansaldo A.1 Balilla, A6M Zero, and more .
About Modelik
- Modelik has been operating since 1990 (originally as Cardplast and Modelcard), and since 1998 under Janusz Oleś’s leadership. Its catalog now exceeds 500 paper models spanning aircraft, vehicles, ships, and architecture .
- In 2005, Modelik established its own offset printing house and since 2008 adds laser-cut parts—like bulkheads, tracks, railings—to enhance build detail .
Products & Formats
- Offers a wide range:
- Military vehicles (WWI & WWII), civil vehicles, and tank trucks.
- Aircraft from various eras.
- Warships and buildings, including Gothic churches and historical architecture .
- Models are printed on A4 sheets (some A3), with computer-designed graphics, multilingual instructions, and optional laser-cut components .
Build Detail & Scale
- Many models include optional laser parts—frames, tracks, railings—for higher realism.
- Scales vary widely: mechanics—1:25 (tanks, trucks), trains—1:45, 1:87, ships—1:200, along with buildings and architecture.
- Examples:
- KW‑1 Soviet tank at 1:25 scale with laser-cut tracks.
- Gothic churches and grain elevators in Polish towns .
Community Reception
- Hobbyists appreciate Modelik’s continuous evolution—from manual drafts to modern digital design and laser detailing .
- Their Suffren (French cruiser, 1:200) is praised for clean offset printing, optional complexity, and solid build instructions .
- Ideal complexity: beginner to intermediate, with some models offering dual builds (simplified or full-detail version).
Availability
- Their cards and accessories are available via their online store (Modelik.pl), as well as through retailers like EMODEL, WAK, Modelarski, and 24Hobby .
- Catalog includes nearly 900 items, regularly refreshed with new releases and reprints .
About Halinski
- Based in Stegna Gdańska, Poland, Halinski is run by Jadwiga and Andrzej Halinski .
- Recognized for raising the bar in card modelling by integrating advanced design philosophy and computer-aided detail work .
Product Focus & Quality
- Offers a wide selection of aircraft, military vehicles, and marine kits, primarily in larger scales (e.g., 1:33 WWII fighters) .
- Printing & Paper: Exhibits superb color reproduction and crisp detailing, with non-gloss paper to improve glue adhesion .
- Detail & Construction: Kits often include hundreds of parts—such as 400–500 pieces for the Hellcat, and intricate multi-layered cockpit and landing gear assemblies .
Build Experience & Difficulty
- Intermediate to advanced skill level: Requires careful cutting, beveling, shaping, and patience to assemble precise sub-assemblies (e.g., tiny gun sights or tires built from multiple layers) .
- Materials needed: Beyond printed sheets, building a Halinski model may require extra card stock (Bristol board), wire, and plastic tubing .
Community Feedback
- Halinski is praised as “the Tamiya of paper models,” delivering quality rivaling scratch-built or plastic kits .
- Hobbyists frequently highlight its outstanding print clarity, detail, and design elegance—even describing some models as “better than plastic” in realism and workmanship .
Availability & Legacy
- While there are rumors that the company might not be releasing new kits, its existing catalog remains available via its website and select retailers .
- Known kits include P‑39 Airacobra, Dauntless, Bf‑109E, F6F Hellcat, Mi‑24 Hind, P‑51, and other WWII-era aircraft .
Apart from these there are several websites from where either you can purchase or directly download templates and assembly instructions with free of cost. Some of are mentioned below
- Paperdiorama – https://www.paperdiorama.com/
- Canon creative park – https://creativepark.canon/en/categories/CAT-ST01-0071/top.html
- Mypapercraft – https://mypapercraft.net/
- Papermau – https://papermau.blogspot.com/
- Globalyamahamotor – https://global.yamaha-motor.com/showroom/entertainment-land/papercraft/mc/
Few websites from where you can purchase kit
- Papermodel – https://www.papermodel.com/
- Imodelist – https://i-modelist.com/
- Superhobby – https://www.super-hobby.com/
- Ebay – https://www.ebay.com/
- Amazon – Global amazon website
To conclude one website that surely need to be mention here, without which this post will be incomplete is papermodelers, where card modelers around the world post blogs and updates about latest news and happenings in the field of card modelling. One serious modeler surely want to join this group.
To conclude, continue exploring the world of card modelling and surely you will get your dream model to build..so keep exploring keep modelling…..
Will be happy to get your feedback in comment details….and dont forget to response….
