Model Airplanes

There are two types of plastic model airplanes available. One type is cemented together with plastic model cement, and the other is snapped together. Both types come in variety of models from military planes to private planes and commercial airliners. They also come in many sizes, ranging from 1/20 scale down to 1/200 scale. Smaller scale models are more difficult to assemble than the larger ones. All of the models come with all the necessary parts for complete assembly.

Balsa wood models are also available in many sizes and skill levels. Most of the wood models are flyable using either rubber band (wind up) motors or gas and electric motors. The gasoline powered planes are mostly remote controlled. The others are “free flight” models. That is, they are released from the hand with no remote control. The remote control models are more expensive and require considerable skill to fly.

Model Boats

Model boats are also available in plastic and wood construction. The wood models are made from other woods rather than balsa. Some are basswood and others are pine or ash. Model boats must be carefully sealed with caulking material so that they will not sink.

Boats may also be remote controlled.

Model Cars

Many different types and makes of model cars are available also. Some of these are remote controlled and some are very fast. One type of car is called a “slot car” and races on a specially designed track.

Some web sites on the internet to find all types of models are: www.modelcars.com, www.hobbylinc.com and www.hobbyplace.com. Books are also available. Some are: “Rubber Powered Model Airplanes” by Don Ross; “R/C Airplane Building Techniques” From Air Age Inc.; and “Scratch Building R/C Airplanes” from Air Age Inc.

Building Tools

The above web sites also have a variety of tools for building models.

Some of the tools that are essential are: X-acto knives. These come in sets but the best one is the triangular shaped blade with a sharp point; a large kitchen cutting board; tee headed pins; a small screwdriver; masking tape; small tweezers; assorted rubber bands; wax paper and fine sandpaper.

Glues and Cements

The glues are also in the above web sites.

There are plastic cements and wood cements. For balsa wood models there is extremely fast drying Cyanoacrylate cement. These cements are somewhat toxic and should be used in a well ventilated area. To attach tissue paper to balsa wood models, model dope is available. Better results can be obtained by using common paper glue sticks however.

Paints

Testors Company has many sets of model paints available for plastic models. Use a fine brush to apply the paints. A small bottle of odorless mineral spirits can be used to clean the brushes. Normally, paper covered balsa models do not need paint, but decals are available for the finished model.

If you are very patient, and do the steps thoroughly modeling can be a very rewarding hobby.