Home >> Toys >> Toy Vehicles

How to Build a Foam Model Airplane

Styrofoam packing material and foam meat trays don't immediately bring to mind a flying model airplane, but Styrofoam is actually a very useful material when it comes to building model airplanes. It is a lightweight and fairly strong material which can be cut to nearly any shape. Many model airplanes are made from wood or plastic, but you can fairly easily build some from a foam board, Styrofoam or similar material.

Things You'll Need

Styrofoam or foam board
Ruler
Marker
Utility knife or hot cutter
Glue
Airplane battery
Motor
Cable ties
Radio receiver
Servos

Instructions

- 1
  Find plans for your airplane online and print them. If your plans include part templates, cut these out.
- 2
  Draw or trace the parts of your airplane on the foam board. Use the ruler or template pieces to measure the dimensions of each piece and mark the parts' outlines.
- 3
  Cut out the parts of the airplane with the utility knife or hot wire cutter. A hot wire cutter makes smoother cuts and is better for this type of project.
- 4
  Glue the model plane together following the directions on your plan. Lay dabs of glue along the edges of the pieces of foam, and stick them in place. Leave the glue to dry overnight.
- 5
  Wire the motor and propeller to the receiver and the battery following the included instructions. Attach both to the plane with glue and cable ties.
- 6
  Glue the body of a servo to the wing or tail of the airplane. Hook the pushrod into the Styrofoam of one of the flaps. Connect the servo arm to that pushrod. Wire the servo into the receiver according to the directions included with your servo.

Toy Vehicles