INDEPENDENCE WAR
© 1998 Particle Systems software; Atari games

NSO-F620 Tir-class Heavy Freighter

Paper Model
© 2004  Duncan “Hot4Darmat” Day

Assembly Instructions

This model, when printed full size, will result in a 74.5 Cm model (roughly 1/1200 scale) of the 20 pod freighter from the classic Independence War computer games by Particle Systems (now Argonaut-Sheffield).  The five main sections can be assembled in any order, but it is recommended that when it comes time to assemble the sections together, you start with the reactor section. It is also strongly recommended, but not included in the pages provided, that you consider adding some form of internal structural support for this model, as it is long and may sag if not properly supported for display. I used a small (1/4”) diameter piece of wood dowel available at very low cost from hobby stores, but a triangular cross sectioned paper ‘beam’, or a cardboard tube, or a couple of pieces of reinforced corrugated cardboard would also do the trick, but they should run the entire length of the 74 Cm long model.  Reducing the model size when printing it out will also help prevent sagging. Printing on thicker card stock is also recommended.

Assembly:
1)	Build the Reactor Section (11), with its Extensions fore (10) and aft (12), first. Use the labels on the flaps to orient the Reactor Extension parts correctly.
2)	Build the forward and aft cargo mast sections, or “Spines” using two printouts of the same sheet parts 6, 7, 8, 9, and the spine support form parts 9a, and 9b. Trim the flaps such that the forward mast section has no flaps at the rear-most edge, and the aft mast section has no flaps at the front-most edge (the Reactor Extensions contain the flaps needed to fasten these parts). Score and fold the indentations of the upper and lower spine pieces before attaching them to the side pieces. Place the square forms (9a and 9b) inside the spine sections, near the ends, inserted about 2 Cm from the ends. Be careful, and try to avoid any ‘twisting’ that may occur during this phase of assembly.
3)	Complete the forward Crew section, attaching the front plate (1) to the upper part and the two rear bulkhead sections (4 and 5). Leave the entire lower front part unglued and hanging (kind of like an open jaw). This will help with access to flaps during the final assembly, and can be closed up near the end.
4)	Complete the Engine trough assemblies (upper and lower; parts 13 and 13a, and 14 and 14a respectively) making sure that there is a gentle angle at the joints. In other words, the seam where part 13 meets part 13a should form a slight angle.
5)	Fold up and glue the Starboard Engine and Port Engine parts (15 and 16) before attaching them to the central Engine Trough assemblies. Assure that the seams fit and all flaps have been glued before proceeding. Leave the internal engine assembly form (17) and engine backplate (18) off for now. They’ll be added during a later stage of assembly.
6)	Optional: Assemble the 5-pod cargo assemblies, or use the individual cargo pods also available separately to load up your freighter.
7)	Special note: It is highly recommended that you use an internal support dowel, spar or beam to support this model’s considerable length. It is during this point of construction that you’ll want to assure its fit through the bulkhead forms along its length before proceeding to the final section assembly.
8)	Attach the Crew section to the front end of the forward cargo mast or “Spine” using the labelled flaps as a guide. Once this is correctly attached, oriented, aligned and dry, close up and glue the lower forward part of the crew section.
9)	Attach the rear Reactor Extension to the front end of the aft cargo spine, ensuring that it is straight and aligned properly. Then attach the rear flaps of the aft cargo spine to the main Engine assembly. The entire rear part of the engine should remain open for easy access during the assembly phase.
10)	Insert the internal Engine section form (part 17) about 4 Cm in from the rearmost edge (for the full size model) or at the joint where the engine parts change angles to make the forward-sloping taper. Take care to assure that the troughs snugly fit the shape of the form. This is where the support beam or dowel should be fitted through the internal engine support form (17).
11)	Turn the Engine/Aft Mast/Reactor assembly onto its end, with the Engines down and the Reactor at the top. The part of the Engines with the circle in the starboard engine texture is the upper surface (so that you can be sure that the crew section bridge windows are also facing ‘up’). Now slide the forward Cargo Mast or “Spine” assembly (with the crew section now attached) onto the forward Reactor Extension, ensuring that all flaps are inside and not blocked by the spine form part 9b before gluing. This is also the tricky part when fitting the support dowel or beam is important. Take care during this stage to avoid twists or unsightly bends in any axis. Support the model carefully while it dries to endure that it remains straight when its dry.
12)	Attach the Engine Backplate to the flaps at the rearmost edge of the ship. Align the upper notch first, then the lower notch, and the rest of the edges on out to the lateral surface. Again, try to avoid twists in the model during this stage. Once glued, there may be some overhang of the backplate. Trim off any excess.
13)	Attach cargo pods to the sides of the spine, using either the four 5-pod assemblies, individual pods available separately, or leave it empty…it’s up to you. Voila. You’re ready to start hauling cargo in the shipping lanes of the Commonwealth. But watch out for those Indies!