Model Aircraft FAQ

What are model aircraft made of? Static model aircraft, those not intended to fly, are commonly built using wood, canvas, die cast metal, plastic, or a combination of these materials. Mahogany wood is used in two types of our wood model airplanes. The first type is quite accurate representations of planes - carved, painted, and detailed by hand. The other type is more interpretative works of art. They suggest the main shape of the plane, and the only detailing is simple black decals for windows. Given a clear finish, the unpainted wood is truly a striking form. Some of our model planes are made from wood frames, built by hand. These models are usually of early aircraft and have nylon canvas pulled over the frame. Normally, they are hand-painted and accurately detailed. Later models can be made of plastic. Plastic model airplanes have a high degree of detailing and many size choices. You can also shop die-cast metal models here, too. These heavy model airplanes also have a high degree of detail, plus many die-cast model airplanes have moving parts, such as wheel gear and cockpit windows.

How can the models be displayed?
You often can have more than one option for displaying your military model airplane. Many models include a base to be displayed on. Some are made to be displayed on a desk or table top without a base. Regardless of how they are designed to be displayed, many can be hung from the ceiling to appear in flight. Some big model commerical airplanes are designed to look that way, even on a base. When your military model airplane arrives, consult your owner's manual for the best tips on displaying it.

Large prop model airplanes should be displayed on a base. Allow lots of room around the model, whether you display it on a desk, table, or mantel. Extremely rare or detailed models are best kept inside a curio or other protected display cabinet. Remember to keep it away from harsh, direct sunlight.

Will I need to assemble any parts before displaying my model airplane?
Some private model airplanes will require assembling certain fragile parts, such as model airplane propellers, guns, or other ammunition. This type of assembly is often quite easy and accomplished without model or wood glue.

What is the benefit of an undecorated model?
Undecorated models made solely of wood have a specialized appeal. Model airplanes like this are hand-carved to display the basic shape or interpretation of a prototype. Finished with a high gloss and usually given only black window details, the models are truly striking. These models let the beauty of the finished wood enhance the shape of the plane.

How are model planes sized?
ModelPlanes.com has many sizes of models, varying from small plastic sizes to large models measuring nearly 5 feet long. While it is not the norm, some model planes are built to scale. The term "scale" refers to the size of the model in relation to the original. A 1/32nd scale model is 1/32nd of the size of the original plane. For example, if the prototype airplane has a 32-foot wingspan, then its model will have a 1-foot wingspan. Most often, however, our model planes are not built to any particular scale.

How are model airplanes priced?
The price of a model aircraft is based on the size of the model, the material it is made of, and the amount of detailing that goes into it. The high quality model airplanes will nearly always have the highest amount of details.

How are model planes decorated?
Decoration style usually depends on the type of model. Hand-made wood models or wooden frame models are usually painted with great detail. Metal and plastic models usually feature some type of adhesive-based decoration, in addition to paint or colored plastic.

How do I care for my model aircraft?
Most aircraft models are nearly maintenance-free. Caring for your model consists of simply dusting it off with a soft cloth or feather duster. Also, make sure where they are displayed is a safe environment, so they will not get knocked over. If you would like to impart a shine to your model, use a bit of liquid Turtle wax, if the model is made of wood.

How do I handle my model aircraft?
If you ever need to handle your model, ALWAYS pick it up by the fuselage or display base. Never grab it by the wings, horizontal stabilizer, or rudder.

How historically correct are these models to the prototype?
Every effort has been made for the highest accuracy of reproduction to the actual aircraft possible with today's technology. Nearly every model here at ModelPlanes.com is based on a photographed prototype.