Home >> Hobbies >> Aviation

How to Make a Recycled Model Plane for Kids

Aviation has been a topic of interest to many since humans first took flight. However, it wasn̵7;t until the 1950s and 1960s that toy manufacturers began to sell airplane models in unassembled forms and the pastime of airplane modeling took off in popularity. Today, it lives on in those whose love of all things aviation remains and those hobbyists who preserve the nostalgia of the activity. A do-it-yourself kit is no longer necessary to build a model plane, though. Today̵7;s economically- and ecologically-minded hobbyist can easily create a model plane with an ordinary recycled aluminum can.

Things You'll Need

3 aluminum cans, 12 ounces
Scissors
Permanent marker
Craft knife
Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Nut
Screw
Paint and paintbrush

Instructions

- 1
  Wash all cans thoroughly, inside and out. Let dry completely.
- 2
  Pierce the side of a single can about an inch from the top using scissors. Cut a full circle beginning and ending at this hole in order to separate the top from the rest of the can. Discard the top and set aside the top for later use.
- 3
  Pierce the second can approximately 2 1/2 inches from the bottom. Cut in a circle to separate the bottom section from the rest, then set aside both pieces for later use.
- 4
  Separate the third soda can into top, bottom and middle segments by cutting in the same manner as before. Make the middle section as large as possible. Discard the top and bottom segments.
- 5
  Cut a straight line down the length of the middle section of the third can. Open the can at the lengthwise cut using your hands and flatten the aluminum into a single sheet.
- 6
  Outline the shapes of two wings and a propeller on the sheet of aluminum using a permanent marker. Represent the propeller with two long petal-like shapes joined by a circle, and make sure it is at least three inches in length. Draw rectangles with one rounded edge for the wings, also about three inches long, and make sure these are identical in their size and shape. Use scissors to cut out all three items.
- 7
  Draw a pointed or rounded tail on the remaining sheet of aluminum, then cut it out with scissors. Discard the leftover sheet of aluminum.
- 8
  Cut a slit in the side of the first can from which you removed the top, just wide enough to insert one of the wings, using a craft knife. Repeat on the opposite side in the same position. Insert wings and glue at the insertion point along the top and the bottom for extra security. Let dry.
- 9
  Cut a vertical slit in the bottom of the first can using your craft knife. Make this just tall enough to place your aluminum tail. Insert tail and glue. Let dry.
- 10
  Piece a small hole in the center of the circle at the bottom of the second can using scissors, then make an identical hole in the center of the propeller. Secure the propeller to the round bottom piece with a nut and screw threaded through both holes. Do not overtighten; the propeller should be able to turn freely.
- 11
  Glue the propeller section to the body of the plane where its top is missing. Use as much glue as necessary to secure it, then let dry completely before moving. Paint your can in the style of your choosing.

Aviation