By Vin Hayes
When the Wright brothers realized their initial successful flight in the early 1900′s, the entire world was altered. At last, it was proven that man could soar like the birds! That primary airplane wasn’t perfect and the flight was not very long, but this was incredible! Ever since, millions of people have flown millions of miles around the globe.
Scale Model plane Making became a common hobby not long after the first real planes were built. Enthusiasts from all social classes, young and old and income levels participated. Early scale model makers were fascinated with the Wright brother’s and had to be a part of it all.
In the beginning, there were no model plane model kits on the market and the complete model had to be made by hand. Though quite simple in design, these early models really had the ability to fly! As time when by, flying machine kits were developed for home hobbiest to assemble. The early kits were sparse and only included basic parts, but no power source. Most used twisted rubber strips and could only fly short amounts of time.
Steam power was another means used propel scale model flying machines. By using model scale, flash steam power plants, flights could be sustained for longer times and distances. This was a major advancement over way of powering models, but not nearly efficient enough to please the model builders of the time. Over time, electric engines were developed that were just the right size to be used in a scale model airplane. This amazing innovation rearranged everything for the model plane world.
There are truly two different types of scale model aircraft available. One is the non-flying or display kind. These are for admiring only and are usually secured to a holding stand, or they may be suspended from the ceiling. These model planes are most often created in a scale of 1:48, although a variety of scales are available.
Static models can be made quite easily and come in a number of ready to assemble, predecorated, simple designs. They are usually constructed of balsa wood, plastic, lightweight metals or even paper. The majority of these are imitations of actual airplanes, both military and civilian.
Some advanced model kits require the model maker to have more complex skills. These model kits require the complete construction of the aircraft and includes painting the craft. Display aircraft models aren’t provided with engines and really can’t be fitted with one. They simply aren’t meant to fly and are not made to be able to.
Flying scale model airplanes are substantially different from non-flight models. Quite often they have little resemblance to any real airplane, these models are created simply for flight, not to imitate any particular craft. Flying plane models are available in three classifications, free-flight, control line and RC. Of the three, remote control model planes are maybe the most used now.
Model airplanes with the ability to take flight quite often borrow their form from vintage flying machines. They are usually constructed with a frame of lightweight balsa covered this is done with cloth, decorative paper or plastic film. At the same time other styles are made using sheets of lightweight balsa wood to create a stronger body. The models wings are sometimes a combination of wood and styrofoam, making it easier to construct larger airplane models.
Power Sources for model aircraft come in an amazing myriad of sizes and styles these days. There are electric and gasoline motors and even miniature jet power engines available. The kind and style of motor is dependent on the size and weight of the model plane it will propel. The most common way to keep control of the motor on a model aircraft is with RC technology. The modeler can control the speed, how high the airplane flies and maneuver the model with with a simple flick of his finger.
A less used type of power for model airplane is the control line. The plane model is tethered to a wire that is controlled by the pilot. For most planes of this type, the flying distance is restricted only as long as the wire allows. However, the flight time is usually much longer than other styles of flight. The downside is that the model will only fly around in circles.
Some scale model makers today prefer to construct vintage, free-flight model planes. They require the model plane builder to know a bit more about the workings of flight than newer model kits, adding to the challenge. Much like the Wright brothers, these model builders have a need to put their aeronautic skills to the test. Each part is carefully crafted to exacting specifications or the aeroplane will be no more than a display model.
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