Hobbies And Interests
Model kits
Plastic model airplane kits are a good starting point for anyone who aspires to build their own airplane models. The ease of construction comes in part from snap-on pieces, or lightweight plastics that are easy to glue together. Model plane kits let hobbyists get familiar with the various parts of a model airplane. Plastic airplanes are relatively inexpensive compared to wood or metal planes. While some model kits are made for flying, there are a great number of model planes that are not designed for actual flight. In any case, model planes make great decorations and showcases for collectors.
The assembly for wood airplanes is similar to plastic kits, with the exception that they are a bit more time consuming. Which ever kit beginners choose will help develop the necessary hand-and-eye coordination, and patience for building model airplanes. For children, snap models or prefabricated kits are best, because they are safer and cleaner to work with. A snap model, for example, does not require any gluing. A prefabricated kit doesn't require the hobbyist to cut away parts from the mold (reducing the risk of injury from cuts or lacerations).
Model airplane materials
There are a number of materials used in the assembly of model aircraft, including foam, balsa wood and fiberglass. Foam model airplanes can be made of polystyrene, polypropylene, depron and zepron foams. Working with foam model airplanes is easier than building a wooden airplane, but the hobbyist's attention to detail is required for any type of airplane building (especially if you plan to fly your airplane). With foam model airplanes, balance on the wing is critical to flight. It's easy to accidentally make a dent in a foam airplane or cause the material to break, which would inhibit the plane's ability to fly. As with any material used to build model airplanes, it is a learning experience assembling the parts and testing it for flight. Attention to detail is less critical with model planes that you do not plan to fly. Showcase model planes are usually put together with sections of plastic glued together. These trophy style planes may also be made of wood or metal (a little more expensive than the plastic kits). Wood and metal airplanes can be very time-consuming to put together. Showcasing a wooden or metal model is a great way to display your skill in model airplane assembly.
War planes
Model airplanes can bring the excitement of aerial combat to your desk or bookshelf. War planes are a big collector's item for model plane enthusiasts of all ages. Looking back in time at some of history's war heroes can give a model airplane hobbyist a sense of pride and awe. The accomplishments and sacrifices of mankind are embodied in the model war plane. There are as many types of model war planes as there have been wars fought (old propeller planes, twin engine F-14s, Tomcats and F-117 Night Hawk stealth fighters).
Futuristic airplanes
Before the stealth fighter was made known to the general public, science fiction had already influenced the production of similar types of craft in the world of model airplanes. Model airplane enthusiasts are not restricted to existing aircraft. New models of futuristic airplanes are manufactured all the time. With static models, there isn't too much of a challenge for building a futuristic plane, although flying models require a bit more skill to assemble.
RC model planes
Remote control (RC) airplanes are the electronic variant of model airplanes, and are becoming increasingly popular due to a number of factors. For one, RC airplanes are more affordable today. People who love airplanes can attend clubs and pick up tips from veteran aviation enthusiasts. RC airplane enthusiasts will need to pick up tips on flying touching weight, drag, liftoff and thrust. The one difference between old model planes and the new RC model planes is the amount of wear and tear on the model. Static models (model planes that don't move) do not require constant repair. However, the RC model airplane is more likely to require some repair skills. The great part about RC model planes is that the beginner can learn to put the plane together, learn to fly the plane, and learn how to repair damaged model airplanes. The RC model airplane hobbyist learns a number of skills encompassing the airplane and aerodynamics.
Free flight
Free flight planes are manufactured for flying, but without any remote controls. These are also called glider planes. Some model planes are manufactured simply for tossing into the air. Free flight models are good for keeping children busy at the park, or just to have some fun in the living room. Assembling a free flight model airplane is as simple as flying it. The body of the model plane usually has a slit for the main wings to fit through. Some models may come with a propeller. Tossing the plane up in the air will result in the plane gliding through the air, and finally crashing on the ground.
Control line
Control line is an economical alternative to RC model airplanes. The model is similar to remote control, but uses a pair of cables attached to the throttle and the wing. Electrical signals are carried over the wire cables to the model airplane, controlling the throttle and the flap of the wings. The benefit of using a control line model airplane is that the plane cannot go out of the range of the operator's control due to the wires attached to it. The downside is that the plane is restricted to a maximum 70-foot height and a circular pattern of flight.