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How to Build a Model Plane That Works

Scale model airplanes often look beautiful but lack the ability to function. Luckily, it is perfectly possible to build a fully functioning model airplane. There are a number of model airplane parts, such as propellers, available online or in body shops. These parts make your building process simpler. However, it is completely possible to build an airplane without utilizing any of these commercial parts.

Things You'll Need

35-inch by 5-inch piece of wood, 1/4 inch thick
2 7-inch propeller
Glue
Split bamboo
Wings or 20-inch by 5-inch wood, 1/4 inch thick
Model engine
Engine mount

Instructions

- 1
  Glue three pieces of wood together to form the body of the airplane. These pieces should be a 35 inch long triangle with a base of about 7 inches. When together these pieces should form a pyramid with no base. If necessary, cut a square piece of wood into the appropriate triangular shape using a blade.
- 2
  Attach a cross-brace and rear-brace to the body of the plane. Glue small pieces of split bamboo, about 6 inches long, onto the top of the plane. Each brace should be about 7 inches from the front or back of the body.
- 3
  Attach the propellers. Create the hangers by cutting a piece of brass in half and bending with pliers. The shape should be a "U." Drill a small hole through the ends of these hangers using a drill. Glue the hangers to the side of the body of the airplane, with the "U" extending to the side of the plane. Attach the propellers to these hangers by running a wire through the center of the propeller and the enter of the hanger.
- 4
  Attach the wings to the top of the plane using glue. The wings should sit about 7 inches from the front of the body. Use commercial wings or create your own. To create your own wings, cut an oval shaped pattern out of the same material you used to create the body of the airplane. Each wings should be about 8 inches long with one side about 2 inches wide and the other side about 4 inches wide. The shape looks like a cross between a triangle and an oval.
- 5
  Add the engine to the model plane. Glue the engine mount to the back of the airplane and hook up the engine. Different engines require different wiring so check the instruction manual.

Aviation