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Model Air Plane kit Sitemap

Introduction - Starting in the dawn of recorded history and continuing to this present day, man has patterned his construction pastimes and artistic ability basically on the precise image of objects and persons known to him. The primitive cave man scratched crude drawings on the walls of his house, using as subjects his family, his enemies or the wild beasts he encountered.

01. "Bell X-l" Whip Controller - Today's fastest growing model airplane activity is control-line flying. This type of model performs at the end of two lines ranging in length from twenty to one hundred and fifty feet, depending on the size of the model and the skill of the flyer. These lines not only keep the model flying in a circle around the "pilot", who turns facing the craft at all times, but also control the elevators which cause the model to climb and dive, loop, and perform a wide variety of aerobatics.

02. "Aeronca Sedan" For Tyros - Even if you have never before constructed or flown an engine-powered model airplane, there is no reason why you cannot enter this phase of the hobby by starting with an attractive scale replica. This statement is true only if your initial subject possesses the qualities required for stable, easy-to-control, and relatively slow flights. These requirements plus simple, basic construction will insure success with the first model airplane venture attempted.

03. "Heinkel 162" Rocket - One of the problems which confronted the scale-model airplane builder until recently was the preponderance of jet-and rocket-powered airplanes in these modern times. American Telasco, Ltd. has solved this problem for the scale enthusiast by providing him with an inexpensive series of rocket engines with which to power replicas of these modern craft.

04. Troop-Carrying Glider - Powerless flight is a beautiful and awe-inspiring sight, not only with full-scale gliders, but with models as well. These craft are towed aloft in kite-like fashion and are disengaged when they reach the maximum altitude allowed by the towline. From then on, they circle gently, searching for helpful air currents which will keep them in the air longer than most engine-powered models. Fortunately, virtually all full-scale gliders are adaptable to model operation.

05. Sport Flyer - Scale models are ideally suited for sport flying. On the premise that the vast majority of model-plane enthusiasts fly for pure enjoyment, it is little wonder that sport models are by far the most popular. The average modeller is interested in an attractive model which does not require exceptional skill to operate. A craft that is sluggish to control, as in training models, is hot desirable.

06. Aerobatic "Wellesley" - Once the model airplane enthusiast becomes proficient in straight and level flying, his thoughts eventually turn to stunt flying. This intriguing phase of control-line flying attracts all model flyers sooner or later. Performing the various gyrations requires a quick hand and even quicker reflexes and is certainly not intended for the tyro. Dozens upon dozens of flights should be to the builder's credit before he attempts aerobatics.

07. "King Cobra" Speed Racer - Increasing speed is the modern trend with cars, boats, and planes. The model-airplane builders of the world have followed this vogue and have attained truly astonishing speeds with their small models. Specially designed "winged powerplants" have exceeded one hundred and fifty miles per hour, while the scale model with its more pleasing appearance is approaching one hundred and twenty miles per hour! These speeds can be achieved by employing brute power or by careful selection of model type through consideration of the various characteristics which contribute to successful speed flying.

08. Richthofen "Fokker Triplane" - While triplanes, or aircraft with three main lifting surfaces, have always intrigued model builders, it has always been most difficult to fly these craft successfully in free-flight fashion. With the advent of control-line flying, the operation of these three-winged craft was greatly simplified by the pilot's control over his craft. The sight of these craft in the air as well as on the ground is most unusual and no modeller with experience should hesitate to try a triplane.

09. Beautiful Navy "Goshawk" - Despite the fact that the highly detailed beauty-event winners at most contests are generally considered to be glorified sport models, there are several points to be considered when selecting a candidate for a future beauty model.

Excellent handling qualities are naturally desired in models of this type.

10. Model Seaplane Flying - Virtually all model aircraft can be fitted with floats for flying from water sites, or with skis for operation over snow-covered areas. This type of flying presents a refreshing departure from take-offs and landings on dry ground and affords a thrilling new experience for the model-airplane enthusiast.

11. Twin-Engine Fighter - Contrary to general opinion, twin-engine model airplanes do not necessarily require large wing spans. In fact, the smaller variety are rapidly gaining in popularity because of their simple construction, the small flying area required, and the high strength-to-weight ratio. This does not mean, however, that large aircraft models of the multi-engine type have no attraction whatever.

12. "Shooting Star" Jet Plane - Jet-propelled scale models are, by far, the most advanced type of control liners. These are also the most complex to construct and much care must be taken in the engine installation. This is so because the heat radiated from these engines must be dissipated before it can harm the fuselage. It is because of this as well as the exceptional flying ability required to handle these craft that the amateur is advised not to attempt this type of model.

13. Radio Controlled "Piper" - One of the most fascinating aspects of model airplane construction and operation is radio control. The ability to maneuver your craft at will and literally put yourself in the "driver's seat" has caused the radio controlled phase or models to become one of the fastest growing hobby-sports in recent years. Radio control projects can range in complexity from elementary single channel affairs which control the rudder and, at times, also the engine; up to vastly complex multi-channel systems which not only control the rudder and engine speed but include the elevators, retracting landing gears, and ailerons.

14. War Plane Color Schemes - It is surprising and somewhat disappointing to witness the astounding number of scale replicas that sport incorrect color schemes. This is not just a matter of small details but of the overall color scheme which ruins an otherwise beautiful model. We shall now endeavor briefly to summarize the outstanding color schemes used by the principal air powers during the past half century in our desire to help the scale modeler choose the proper mantle for his handiwork. Obviously, due to the enormity of the subject, it will not be possible to cover every type of color scheme and camauflage used during the two great wars; therefore it is quite possible that the reader may discover color schemes which are not mentioned herein.

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