Model Airplane Buying Guide

What You Can Find Here: Model Aircraft Types and Accessories Detailed models of historic and modern military aircraft are ideally suited as gifts for military and aviation professionals, as well as collectors of aviation memorabilia. Aviation enthusiasts around the globe like to collect commercial aircraft models from all eras and periods that demonstrate interesting passage of history. Civilian aircraft models are specially cherished for their exclusivity and impact in the history of aviation. Also, civilian pilots will treasure models of private planes they own, have owned, or seek to own. The right model aircraft accessories can make a huge difference in the way aviation collectibles are displayed. Model jet airplanes make great conversation pieces and will evoke nostalgia and reminiscences from aviation enthusiasts and military, private, and commercial aviation veterans alike. A well-displayed model aircraft not only creates an aura of distinguished good taste, it also re-creates the ambiance and romance of the era.

Models and Materials
When you are shopping for a model plane, it is important to realize what materials they are made of. This buying guide will give you some ideas of what to expect when you begin collecting.

Materials
Many models are made of wood. But that can mean many things. High quality wood model airplanes can be hand-carved from mahogany or another solid grade of wood, and then painted and decorated to look like the livery of the prototype. Some can be made of a deep-looking wood and simply given a high-gloss shine.

To take care of these models and keep them looking good is simple. Wipe them off very gently with a damp cloth. You can even use some liquid Turtle wax on some models to spruce up their shine. Be sure to consult the manufacturer instructions for proper maintenance.

Still others can have frames made of wood, complete with hand-assembled joints and canvas stretched over the frame. These are typical of models of prototypes from the early 20th century. Usually, these models have some kind of hand-painted decorations on the wings, fuselage, and other parts of the plane. For these models, usually wiping them with a dry cloth is all that is needed to get them looking like new.

Perhaps the lowest maintenance models are made from plastic. These plastic model airplanes are immaculately decorated with accurate liveries and lots of details. Built up to nearly every specification and detailed, plastic model airplanes can be quite impressive. Plastic model airplanes are also low maintenance. About the only thing you need to remember with plastic model airplanes is to keep them in a safe display area and out of direct sunlight.

How to Choose the Right Model Aircraft
When you buy a model aircraft, chances are it has some kind of special significance in the history of aviation. The model aircraft you're looking for might be for yourself or might be a gift for an aviation veteran or enthusiast. Whatever the situation, there are some points that should be kept in mind while choosing the right model plane.

Whether it's the model of an aircraft that had earned fame in WW II, or a more contemporary military, commercial, or civilian aircraft, it helps if you are knowledgeable about the manufacturer of the aircraft and the era when the aircraft was flying. If you know this, you can tell if the model aircraft you're buying is an authentic replica.

Model aircraft can be made from wood, plastic, die cast, or chrome-plated metal. Most of them don't require any maintenance, but do need periodical dusting off with a soft cloth. However, prices will vary depending on the material, manufacturer, and the amount of detailing on the aircraft. Thus, you can decide on your perfect model aircraft keeping your budget in mind.

It might also help to decide where you want to display the model aircraft before actually buying it. Then you know the exact amount of space you have, and you can buy a model airplane sized accordingly.