Airplane

I know I am going to cause confusion by having a model airplane page. Two types of airplanes are known as model airplanes. One is a scale replica of a real airplane from the past or present. It is a static model for display only and does not fly. The other is an RC model airplane (radio controlled airplane) that may or may not resemble anything larger. It does fly.

This page of my site is about the scale replica static model airplane. There also are two types of those. There are models built by the pros and there are models built by us.

A model airplane built by a pro is a thing of beauty and a joy forever. It is built to exact scale and is a miniature version of a real airplane. It will be displayed on a desk or shelf. It is a conversation piece, often starting a story by the proud owner.

A popular model airplane is the warplane. Many retired service personnel like to show a replica of their former ride. Warplane models also are popular with military history buffs.

Aviation history fans also will buy a model airplane of a non-military aircraft, such as the Wright Flyer or an old biplane or crop duster.

Amateur pilots like to have of model of their private aircraft or their next purchase.

Many professional pilots like to have a model of their commercial aircraft. It might be an airliner or it might be a business jet.

Yes, you also can purchase a replica model helicopter or a model spacecraft.

These models are of a higher quality than what you assemble from a kit. They are going to cost you from $150 to $400.

You can still build your own model airplane from a kit. You receive the pieces and a plan and you start gluing and painting.

The quality of a model airplane built from a kit can vary a lot. Some of the models have amazing detail. Those models are for the serious hobbyist who wants to get everything just right, including antennas, wires and seatbelts. Those kits cost far more than the basic kits and the finished product is not a toy.

I built many model airplanes from the kit when I was a kid. My specialty was military aircraft. Those kits were the basic ones still found at a toy store or hobby shop. There are a few injection molded plastic pieces and decals. These snap models are easy to assemble. This model airplane serves you well if you don’t need much detail. They also are very cheap, costing less than $10. You may purchase a wide variety of kits from many sources online.