Model Building TIPS

Must read for EVERYONE WHO FLIES!

This article is from the 1952 Air Trails magazine. We suggest you print yourself a hard copy of this outstanding article and illustrations so you can refer to it whenever you are trimming out your plane.

A great diagram showing the parts of a typical monoplane.

A must read if you are new to balsa model building, here is Dave’s list of 15 kits that are quickly built and easily flown.

Lots of building tips for beginners.

Information on what glue to use whilst model building.

Now you can determine the optimal motor size for your particular airplane. Thank you Rick Pendzick for sharing this calculator.Note: Microsoft Excel required.

Another method to determine motor size. Our thanks to Roger Willis for sharing this calculator. Note: Microsoft Excel required.

Food to fuel the model enthusiast.

For builder’s who would prefer to color their own tissue.

Tom Hallman reveals his secret to a perfect tissue covering.

Watch Tom Hallman's instructional video showing you how to apply tissue covering material to your airplane.

Custom markings available. Contact Dave for pricing and availablity.

Building Notes for Specific Kits

Extensive notes and photos to guide you through the building process for this beautiful but deadly long-range fighter.

Brief write-up and photos to help you build your Silver Dart.

For builder’s needing extra help building and detailing their Taube model, very specific instructions can be found here.

Need inspiration and more how-to details? Read Malcolm Campbell’s construction notes. He built his model for display, not flying, so keep that in mind when deciding how much detail to put into your plane.

Step-by-step photos tell the story of this conversion.

Lots of photos tell the story of the building of this beautifully constructed electric version of the P40.

Lots and lots of photos will guide you through the process.

A very successful and frequently converted jumbo size aircraft.

A ship load of photos accompanied by pithy commentary will guide you through the construction of this high flying aircraft.

If you want to convert your jet to rubber powered flight, read Matthew Payne’s detailed notes and diagrams of his very successful conversion. Flies great!

See the step-by-step assembly. Includes full description and 85 color photographs.

46-pages of full-color photographs and instructions for building your own Fike. Includes optional building modifications and detailing.

Other Internet Resources:

Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) find out what model clubs are near your home. It’s a great way to learn to build and fly. And they are some of the nicest people you’re ever gonna meet.

The Flying Aces Club publishes a monthly newsletter that is read by free flight rubber power enthusiasts around the world. They are also a great bunch of guys to go flying with. To join and receive their newsletter (6 issues/year) just email join Flying Aces Club to request subscription information.
join@flyingacesclub.com
http://flyingacesclub.com

For those who live in or near Canada visit the Model Aeronautics Association of Canada.
https://www.maac.ca/en/

Mike’s Flying Scale Model Pages Never built a balsa airplane? Need a refresher in model building? Then learn from one of the best, Mike Stuart in Britain. Step-by-step instructions and dozens of photos about how to build a scale model airplane.

We invite you to a tip or tutorial to our web site. Please keep in mind that only relevant information will be posted. Please do not change the subject heading for the email. This will help us rescue your email if it ends up in our spam folder.