Static model aircraft

Static model airplanes are non-flying representations of aircraft that are designed primarily for display and educational purposes.^[1] These models are used in wind tunnel testing to gather data for the design of full-scale aircraft.^[2] They are made in a wide array of sizes, ranging from miniature versions to those exceeding five feet in length. Some model aircraft are scaled to size. For example, a 1:40 scale that is 1/40th the size of the real aircraft.^[1]

Lufthansa Focke-Wulf Fw 200 Condor model on display

Static model aircraft are exhibited in places such as homes, offices, and museums.^[1][3] Diverse materials are utilized to make models, including plastic, wood, canvas, and metal. Models may also be made out of a combination of materials. Additionally, they might require assembly or come pre-built, be painted, or left bare.^[1] Furthermore, modelers may use weathering techniques on their models to achieve a more realistic representation of how the aircraft would look in actual operational conditions.^[4]

Plastic Static Model Aircraft

P-51D Mustang plastic model

Many modelers construct models by assembling plastic model kits, which are produced through the injection molding process.^[5] Also, there are model kits made from plastic resin.^[6][7] Some modelers advance from building plastic kits to kitbashing, where they combine parts from various kits,^[8] and a few eventually move on to scratch building, which involves creating models from raw materials.^[9] The tools that modelers commonly use include fine-tipped tweezers, hobby knives, paintbrushes, airbrushes, side cutters, liquid cement, and sanding sticks.^[7]

The first plastic aircraft models were manufactured in 1936.^[10] The demand for these models experienced a substantial increase during the 1940s, primarily driven by public interest in military aircraft during World War II.^[11] The 1950s is regarded as the golden era of plastic modeling, a period marked by the greater economic accessibility of model kits, which allowed a broader segment of the population to engage in this hobby. Furthermore, significant advancements were made in the detailing and accuracy of the models.^[11] In the 1960s, the field of aircraft plastic modeling underwent considerable expansion, achieving a larger mainstream acceptance.^[11] This era was characterized by enhancements in realism and detail, as well as innovations in painting and decal application techniques, which further increased the authenticity of the models.^[12] In contemporary times, plastic model-making continues to evolve, with many modelers integrating technologies such as three-dimensional printing and digital modeling into their practices.^[12]

Metal Static Model Aircraft

Boeing B17 Flying Fortress scratch built aluminum static scale model

Materials used to make static metal aircraft include die-cast and aluminum.^[13][12] Aluminum static models vary in the amount of detail.^[14] A detailed aluminum model aircraft might include a detailed fuselage and cockpit, retractable landing gear, and markings that closely mirror the original aircraft.^[15] Additionally, models may be designed with functional features such as hinged access panels, folding wings, retractable landing gears, and activated control surfaces. Moreover, they could potentially include operational navigation lights and electrically powered propellers.^[15] Other details such as the paint finish and surface textures, contribute to a realistic appearance in these types of models.^[15]

A die-cast model of an Air Canada Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in 1:400 scale

Die-cast aircraft models are made out of metal alloys, plastic, or other materials. The most common scales are 1:400 and 1:200 scales.^[16] Dinky Toys, TootsieToy company, and Hubley Manufacturing Company were three of the earliest companies to produce die-cast airplane models.^[16][13] Numerous die-cast aircraft models where manufactured from the 1930s to the 1970s.^[13] Although initially targeted toward children, these models gained popularity among adults. These included commercial airliners and military aircraft. In the 1980s, die-cast airplane models gained greater popularity due to the 1:400 scale by GeminiJets, which allowed for the production and sale of inexpensive detailed models. Current companies that manufacture die-cast airplane models include Inflight200, Herpa, and Gemini Jets. Iconic airline liveries have grown in popularity in recent years.^[13]

Wooden Static Model Aircraft

Aircraft wooden model display at the Swiss Air Force Museum

Wooden static models are hand-carved by individual artisans and model making companies.^[1][17] The most popular types of wood used in creating these wooden static models are balsa and mahogany.^[1] Balsa wood is favored for its lightweight properties, making it easier to carve and shape,^[18] while mahogany is chosen for its durability and attractive finish.^[19]

Many of the early aircraft static models were made from wood.^[10] After Lindbergh's solo flight across the Atlantic, there was a great surge in demand in everything related to aircraft, and that led to wooden models, including Guillow's balsa kits, becoming very popular in the United States.^[20] Today, although plastic models have become the dominant field within aircraft modeling, many model makers continue the craft of making static wooden models out of kits or from scratch.^[21][22]

Paper Model Aircraft

Paper model of Dornier X flying boat

There are various types of paper models (also known as cardboard models), ranging from three-dimensional models to simple-folded paper darts.^[23] They have been distributed in multiple formats, including books, boxed sets, and newspapers. During WW2, paper models gained appeal due to material shortages. However, interest in paper models slowed down after WW2.^[23]

In recent years, there has been a noteworthy resurgence in the popularity of making paper model planes.^[24] Although there are limitations, some paper modelers are able to create models with a scale-like look.^[25] One key advantage is that the material is less expensive.^[26]

See also

• List of model aircraft manufacturers
• Model aircraft
• Scale model
• Model Airplane News
• Model engine
• Model building
• Die-cast toy
• History of aviation
• International Plastic Modellers' Society (IPMS)