How to Build Model Airplane from Scratch
from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit
This page has been nominated for deletion with the reason of:"Not a how-to. Article does not appear to be how-to / instructional in nature". Please comment on the discussion page as to whether it meets our criteria for deletion. Continued edits are appreciated, but please do not remove this tag. This article will be reviewed at least 1 week after 2008-09-29.
Everyone can build a model airplane by using an ARF (almost ready to fly) kit. The real adventure and challenge however is the build the airplane entirely from scratch - using your hands, imagination and eventually a model airplane plan.
Steps
- Choose the airplane type. Before building you must have an idea about the type of the model you are going to build. The free flight models are very different than static scale models for example and require completely different set of skills.
- Select a model. After you know whether you are going to build static, flying or remote control airplane, you can decide on the exact model.
- Download plans. It's recommended that you download a professionally designed plan for your model. This is essentially for the flying models because they may not fly without keeping the symmetry and proper measures. It's a must for the static models too because they must represent a real airplane in exact scale.
- Choose material. Some model airplane plans may be tied to a specific material, but many will let you choose yourself. Most model airplanes are made of balsa wood or plastic, but you may decide to use robust paper or clay for the static models.
- Cut the parts. This is the most important part of the work. Make sure you properly measure and cut the different parts of the airplane.
- Build the parts together Carefully assemble the model together. If there is an engine (when building an RC aircraft) make sure it's properly installed.
- Paint it. Painting is easy and fun stage but still requires patience and good taste.
Tips
- You can create a plan yourself if you have some knowledge about aeronautic.
- If this is your first model, better start with paper one.
- You can find a lot of model airplane plans for free or very cheap. Don't pay too much for model plans.
- Allow your kids take part in the process. They will enjoy it.
Warnings
- Don't try to build static scale models if you don't have the exact measures of the real aircraft
- If building with paper, don't choose too complex model.
- Don't forget the safety measures when cutting and working with paints and clue.
Sources and Citations
Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Build Model Airplane from Scratch. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.
Check out also this squidoo lens!
