Model Aircraft
Model aircraft, also known as aeromodels, are miniature representations of aircraft that can be built for various purposes, including personal enjoyment and industrial research. This popular hobby encompasses a wide range of enthusiasts who engage in constructing both static and dynamic models. Static models are typically detailed replicas of real-life aircraft, designed solely for display, while dynamic models are built for flight and can be powered by various means, including small motors or rubber bands.
Dynamic aircraft are further categorized into radio-controlled and control-line models. Radio-controlled models offer greater maneuverability through remote operation but are often more costly and require maintenance. Control-line models, on the other hand, operate on a tether and provide limited control, usually flying in a circular pattern.
Model aircraft building is not just about constructing and flying; it also serves as a means for enthusiasts to deepen their understanding of aviation history and connect with fellow hobbyists. While making a profit from model building is uncommon, some enthusiasts may compete in contests or open hobby shops. Overall, this engaging hobby offers both technical challenges and opportunities for creativity, appealing to a broad spectrum of aviation fans.
Model Aircraft
History
Since the dawn of aviation, model aircraft have been built. Whether for industrial research purposes or personal enjoyment, model aircraft building is a hobby that has an enormous base of enthusiasts.
Model aircraft building, also called aeromodeling, is the world's most popular model-based hobby. There are hundreds of model aircraft associations worldwide. Most of these groups are devoted specifically to the construction and flight of model airplanes.
Model aircraft are usually categorized as either static or dynamic. Static models are usually scale replicas of famous aircraft or common airliners such as the 747. Static models are intended only for display, not flight. Dynamic models are those designed to be flown, either by being thrown into the air, propelled by a spring or rubber band, or powered by a small motor.
As a hobby, model aircraft building includes the construction of airplanes, helicopters, and blimps. However, airplanes are by far the most popular of these options. Model shuttles and rockets, which are also popular in flying model building, nearly always use a specific kind of engine and are therefore in a separate category from model planes, helicopters and blimps.
Static models are commonly built from kits. Low-cost models are made of plastic and usually feature markings and decals designed to look like a well-known aircraft. Expensive static models, which are usually more challenging to build, are often made from wood and cloth.
Dynamic aircraft, which are most often airplanes, require lightweight materials and great precision in their construction. The basic parts of a dynamic plane model are:
- Fuselage
Wing
- Stabilizer
- Rudder/control horn/pushrod (controls turning)
- Elevator/control horn/pushrod (controls lift)
- Motor/propeller
- Landing gear
Most dynamic models are divided into radio-control and control-line classes. Radio-control models use a radio transmitter and a handheld control set. This system allows for maximum control and movement of the model while in flight. However, radio-control systems are usually expensive and require maintenance.
Control-line models are fuel-powered and have limited controls. The flyer can control only the elevation of the model while it is in flight. Typically, a control-line model is set to fly in a large circle while the flyer stands in the center and directs the plane through vertical motions. Control-line planes are cheaper and more common than radio-control planes, but usually have rough landings or crashes when the plane runs out of fuel.
Trends
Model aircraft building usually follows the trends of industrial aircraft. Planes and helicopters with historical significance make up the most popular group of models. Military planes, particularly those flown during World War II, are a prevalent trend that has existed for decades. Many modelers build static replicas of WWII planes or army helicopters.
Common examples of replicas in this trend include the United States' B-24 and B-26 series bomber jets, the Lockheed P-38 Lightning with its twin fuselages, and Charles Lindbergh's "Spirit of St. Louis."
A great number of radio-control planes are built to replicate the biplanes of early aviation. These include the glider planes built by Orville and Wilbur Wright, such as the Vin Fiz.
Model Aircraft for Fun vs. Profit
It is not common to profit from model building hobbies, as very few people are interested in purchasing a completed model. However, model flyers can enter contests for prize money. Serious enthusiasts may earn money from their hobby by opening a hobby shop. In the twenty-first century, some hobbyists open online shops, sell kits on sites such as eBay, or self-publish books about the hobby.
Most people undertake a hobby such as model building not for the potential of monetary profit, but because they enjoy the challenges it presents. Also, model aircraft builders are typically interested in aviation in general. Building model aircraft is a good way to learn more about the history of flight, meet other hobbyists, or simply enjoy flying a dynamic model.
Learning More
Books
Boddington, David. "Building and Flying Radio Controlled Model Aircraft." Nexus Special Interests, 2005.
Lennon, Andy. "Basics of RADIO-CONTROL Model Aircraft Design: Practical Techniques for Building Better Models." Air Age Publishing, 1996.
Musciano, Walter A. "Building and Flying Model Airplanes." Funk & Wagnalls, 1972.
Schleicher, Robert and James R. Barr. "Building and Flying Model Aircraft." Dover Publications, 1988.
Simons, Martin. "Model Aircraft Aerodynamics." Nexus Special Interests, 1999.