Nothing sparks the imagination of young children the way scale model airplanes can. Train sets, radio control cars, even flashy video games have their place, but they all lack one thing: they don't fly. The wonder inspired by scale model airplanes and their life-size counterparts have fascinated both the young and the young at heart for generations.
On scale
The "scale" of scale model airplanes refers to the size of the model in relation to the original aircraft. For example, if an airplane has a wingspan of 32 feet, then its 1/32nd scale model will have a 1-foot wingspan. Common scale model airplane sizes are 1/24th, 1/32nd, 1/48th (often referred to as quarter scale), 1/72nd, and 1/144th. Scales other than these are available, but are less common. For instance, an elaborate, hand-carved wooden scale model airplane meant to be displayed as a single centerpiece rather than as part of a collection may come in 1/54th or 1/100th scale. |  |
A suggestion
When building a collection of, say, World War II scale model airplanes or a fleet of commercial airliners, a good rule of thumb is to have the entire collection be of the same scale to add to the illusion of realism, though this suggestion is by no means set in stone. The beauty of scale model airplanes is that the hobby is as limitless as your imagination.
Parents today have more competition than ever for quality time with their children. Video games, DVDs, after school sports, and the internet are popular forms of children's entertainment, but ones that are rarely enjoyed with a parent or grandparent. The hours spent constructing scale model airplanes is quality time ideal for adults and their children to spend together learning from - and about - each other.
